Too many Chiefs, not enough sailors. by priscilla

Too many Chiefs, not enough sailors. by priscilla - March 2015 Scholarship Essay

From the time we are born we are dependent on a leader, one to show us the ways of life and survival. If left to our own devices without parents we would not survive very long at all. Even after gaining a bit of independence we must be shown how to navigate life within our given society.

Along with parents we gain another group of external leaders throughout our lives such as school teachers, coaches, camp counselors, professors, and bosses; among many others. All these people have a profound impact on the way we develop in this world.

Without these strong leaders there would be no organization in any aspect of our lives. Businesses could not run without a set structure of employees, management, and owners. Similarly, military institutions would not function properly if no chain of command existed.

Conversely, the idiom “Too many Chiefs, not enough sailors” tells the cautionary tale of what happens if every member of any organization believes themselves to be in charge. Nothing can get done if no one is willing to do the actual work and only wants to be part of the planning.

True leadership is an indispensable skill for college success and truly any success. Learning the delicate balance of knowing when to be a leader and when to be a team member is imperative. This allows a person to be well-rounded and take command if necessary, but also be a contributing member when others hold the reins.

Therefore in order to properly succeed not only in college, but in life, one must hone the skill of leadership. There will be many learning opportunities where you may not be in charge, but also many times where being proactive and leading the team will set you apart in a group setting leading towards advancement and future success.