Leadership Skills in Me by Schanell

Leadership Skills in Me by Schanell - March 2015 Scholarship Essay

Through receiving my certification in Leadership Studies I learned that some leaders are born while others are made. Each person utilizing a number of approaches and theories and has a different style but there are specific skills that they all possess. Effective leadership depends on three basic skills: technical, human, and conceptual. I believe that each of these three leadership skills are not only useful but necessary for college success and I will explain why.

First, having technical skill means having knowledge about and proficiency in a specific area. This includes competencies in a specialized area, analytical ability and the ability to use appropriate tools and techniques. This leadership skill is necessary for college success because in college individuals work toward becoming proficient in their major. Once a major is selected, they take classes and participate in activities that help them gain knowledge and become an expert in their area of interest. This skill is beneficial in choosing classes.

A time when this leadership skill was beneficial to me in college was when I received my certification in Leadership Studies. Obtaining this skill means I am equipped with approaches, styles and concepts that allow me to be proficient in the area of leadership and holding several positions in an organization. Also, the technical skill can be applied to my experience receiving my certification in Emergency Management. Through the classes that were required for the completing the program, I am knowledgeable in the area of disaster management, making me proficient and confident in my ability to prepare emergency plans and procedures for man-made and natural.

Second, having human skill means having the knowledge and ability to work with people (i.e. people skills). Understanding people and their differences helps individuals work effectively with subordinates, peers, colleagues and supervisors. This leadership skill is necessary for college success because in college individuals encounter many different people with different religions, cultures, beliefs, values and much more. Having this skill will help students get along with each other, as well as be aware and respectful of others views and perspectives. It is beneficial in situations such as working in groups or clubs, getting along with roommates or others in dorms and social gatherings on campus, as well as networking.

A time when this leadership skill was beneficial to me in college was through my work with an organization called Camp Adventure Youth Services. This organization sent college students to military bases, embassies, and British Military installations throughout the world to work with children of all ages. As the leader of a number of students at my site, I encountered and worked closely with students who came from all over the world. Obtaining human or people skills allowed me to get to know the other students and build close relationships with each of them, which assisted me in knowing the strengths and weaknesses of each individual.

Third, having conceptual skill means having the ability to work with ideas and concepts. This sometimes includes having a wide-ranged understanding of all parts of the idea or concept. This leadership skill is necessary for college success because throughout college individuals learn a plethora of concepts and ideas that they must practice in their own lives. Not everything can fit into a neat box so it is crucial for students to be able to work with the ideas and concepts they have learned to properly apply them to different situations and circumstances. This skill is beneficial when studying, retaining and applying what was taught in the classroom.

A time when this leadership skill was beneficial to me in college was through my ability to apply the concepts and theories I learned in child development and learning to programs and organizations I was working with. One such organization is called Jumpstart. With this program, I worked everyday teaching and mentoring young children from low income families. Obtaining a conceptual skill and a good grasp on the various concepts and ideas I learned in the class I took, I was able to use them and be a more attentive and effective teacher to the children.

In closing, leadership skills are very necessary for college success. The three skills that I expounded upon in my essay were technical, human, and conceptual. Possessing these skills has greatly furthered my success while in college. Without them, students can subject themselves to either struggle through college or being unsuccessful altogether.