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Student Essay: The Power of Stories to Inspire Strong Leaders

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Maya S. is a Muslim, Egyptian and student athlete who has lived in Saudi Arabia for most of her life. She is 16 and a junior at the American International School of Riyadh, where she is enrolled in the International Baccalaureate program.

In this Student Essay of the Week, Maya talks about how building a platform for others to share their stories has helped her understand why welcoming diversity of thought and experience will make her a stronger, more empathetic leader.

Three steps forward and two steps back. That was my reality during the privilege walk.

In October 2018, I was selected along with 50 other high school students to attend a leadership trip to a farm outside Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We believed that we were all going to learn about how to become leaders with strong voices. However, the trip took a completely unexpected and inspiring turn. Instead, we left knowing how to listen first and speak second.

At the farm, we participated in an activity called a privilege walk , where we were asked to step forward or backward in response to certain questions. From the responses, it became obvious that all of us were struggling with something that those around us knew nothing about.

I learned that the girl beside me once wondered where her next meal would come from. The girl beside her was afraid to leave the house at night because she had been assaulted. The boy to my left had been held at gunpoint. And the boy beside him had a mental disorder. This realization hit me hard. I was able to understand that although it’s impossible for us all to experience the same things, it is possible for us to try and listen to each other and understand each other’s differences. I began to appreciate the meaning of finding beauty in diversity. During that trip I learned that true leaders listen to the voices of others, and as a result they are able to enrich their own points of view.

“Living with anxiety is like feeling alive through the motions of life, but never freely living. It’s being aware of my surroundings, but lost in another world inside my head.”

During the summer of that year, someone I loved dearly was faced with medical issues, and my family began dealing with a lot of uncertainty. Even when it was all over, I felt lost and changed. I couldn’t explain it, but I wished that someone understood. I then began thinking of the people standing around me that day in Riyadh during the privilege walk, and everyone around the world like us. Did we all feel the same desire to be understood? How could we all feel seen and valued, regardless of our stories? I wanted to hear more about the stories of all those kids I met that day in line. I wanted to understand how we all ended up there, despite our different paths. I wanted to create something that would allow them to express their stories.

That summer, I started Voice of Change , a weblog that allows other teenagers to contribute writing that reflects the experiences that have shaped them. The first story I received was “Purpose,” from a girl struggling with depression. She wrote, “Purpose: a reason, a given, motivation , a point. We all live life because we have a purpose. We realize that there is a point, we have motivation and a reason to live. We look forward to things and create opportunities for ourselves. We see a future. Imagine living life feeling as though you have no purpose… That means no reason, no motivation, simply no point… the best way to describe this feeling is as if [you’re] dead. This feeling is depression.”

After I posted the article, which talked about how depression impacted the author’s life, I received comments, emails and texts from others saying that the article communicated what they needed to hear and couldn’t put into words. This initial response fueled the rest of my work. I began receiving other stories about challenging experiences, ranging from sexual assault and racial discrimination, to losing a loved one and struggling with body image. Here are a few powerful quotes from these articles:

“I’m not sure who or what I’m living for, but I’d never want to risk my family members feeling as I do right now. It’s okay that I’m suffering right now, because I have faith that it will pass, eventually it will.” – “Live On”

“I am not ignorant because I’m Arab. I’m not a terrorist because I’m Muslim. I am not a thug because I’m black. I am not who I am because of what you see on the news. I am who I am because of what I’ve been through, and what I have become.” – “Assume”

“Living with anxiety is like feeling alive through the motions of life, but never freely living. It’s being aware of my surroundings but lost in another world inside my head.” – “I Choose Life”

I see my Voice of Change journey as having so much to do with becoming a better leader. It has helped me to see clearly the type of leader I hope to become. I have developed a stronger perspective by understanding the voices and stories of others. I have become more empathetic to other people’s struggles, a quality I will need when I run my own business one day. You can’t understand your customers’ wants or your employees’ needs if you don’t listen and appreciate where they’re coming from. Also, Voice of Change has shown me how much our experiences shape us and contribute to how we see the world and solve problems. Each person offers a unique voice and a different perspective – all powerful and important in their own way.

Conversation Starters

What is empathy and why is it such an important leadership quality? How is empathy related to storytelling? Use the Related Links with this article if you need to better understand empathy.

How have your experiences shaped you? Share your story in the Comment section of this article.

Maya writes that she has come to appreciate “how much our experiences shape us and contribute to how we see the world and solve problems.” Diversity of thought is incredibly powerful in the business world. Why does it hold such value? How does it enrich the team dynamic and important outcomes?

7 comments on “ Student Essay: The Power of Stories to Inspire Strong Leaders ”

Hi Maya, Thank you for sharing your fantastic story with us. Being able to appreciate the people around you and, in first place, yourself is one of the major keys to success and, most importantly, happiness in life, at least according to my experience. We all come from different environments and experiences, the same ones which make us who we are, in our uniqueness and diversity, as you clearly and beautifully stated in your essay. Appreciation is one of those emotions, if that’s how we want to define it, I have learned to consider and embrace later in life, but it is surely the one all the rest comes down to: appreciation for life, appreciation for love from our beloved ones… Having dealt throughout life with friends who coped with depression and anxiety, I can say I have experienced the emotional upheaval that tends to follow this kind of acknowledgements. It gives you a completely different perspective on the world, on the people that surround you and on the way you look at your very own life. On the other hand, I’ve been lucky enough to feel the wonderful sense of relief and joy which comes after helping this people, which taught me the value of the word, indeed, appreciation. In the same way I’ve been able to help my dearest friends deal with these horrible feelings and find a way out of them, I find what you have done with this very same individuals awesome: not only giving them a voice through the blog, but giving their peers the chance to find sympathy and reassurance in their words. Keep it up! And take care.

Sonder – n. The realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own—populated with their own ambitions, friends, routines, worries and inherited craziness (The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows).

I believe that sonder, a short and simple made-up word to describe a complex feeling, perfectly captures the spirit of Maya and her article. Maya realized the complexity of the lives of those around her, that every stranger on the leadership trip had their own unique story to tell, filled with their personal struggles. She reaches the conclusion that “each person offers a unique voice and a different perspective – all powerful and important in their own way.”

Sonder, and more broadly, empathy, is a crucial element of being a good leader. I had my own moment of sonder last summer when I had the opportunity to volunteer at my local Chinese senior center. I started volunteering there because I had to fill my school’s requirement for service hours but ended up gaining much more out of it than that. At first, I was wary of taking on the job because my Chinese conversational skills were acceptable at best and rudimentary at worst. However, I quickly found that the seniors were very welcoming and were just happy that someone was willing to sacrifice their time to help out. I performed tasks such as preparing and serving food as well as helped teach ESL and citizenship classes. I learned about the hard work ethic of the workers and volunteers around me while washing apples. I learned about the amiability and habits of the seniors in the lunchroom. There would always be those in the back table playing cards, the younger seniors chatting in the front, and the seasoned mahjong players upstairs. I even had the chance to hear some of their rich stories, stories of their journeys of emigrating from communist China, stories of their successful children, stories of their war experiences, and stories of their hope in America. I truly understood that these seniors, whom I would not have given a second glance on the street, lived such deep and meaningful lives, each of which would be a thrilling standalone novel.

Just like Maya learned to understand those from different backgrounds, I was able to empathize with these seniors and develop an appreciation for their experiences. We should all have empathy for each other in this world full of division and hatred. Sonder helps us have that empathy not only with those close to us but with everyone around us.

When I became the youngest Student Council President of my school, my idea of a strong leader was someone who could command and lead a group of people with total authority the way they like it. So, that’s what I tried to do during my early days as a leader. I thought I would be a strong leader by commanding the student council and demonstrating my full authority over the rest. But after the first month, like Maya, the experience of being a leader took a completely unexpected and inspiring turn. I learned, like Maya, that you have to listen first and speak second. It is by listening to others that makes you a stronger leader because it is easier to command and display your authority. But it is harder to swallow your pride and listen to others when their opinions or stories differ from yours.

Therefore, in the Student Council that I am in, I launched an initiative called “Listen Monday” with the purpose of listening to everyone’s opinions and views in the student council and utilizing them for the betterment of the school.

By understanding the voices of others it has helped me develop a better perspective. I have become more empathetic to others. Listening to others has allowed me to see the full picture that I have never seen. And because I see the bigger picture, I realized that other’s experiences can help shape how I see the world and solve problems. As Maya said, each person offers a unique voice and a different perspective, all-powerful and important in their own way.

I want to thank Maya for inspiring me.

I want to thank Maya for inspiring me to become a better leader.

Hello L Dau K!

Thank you for sharing your experience and lessons as a student council president. Listening to your implementation of listening Mondays has brought me back to a time when I was the storyteller, pouring my life out, not to a student council president, but to my mother.

Before the story begins, I must tell you about my mother. She is a very successful corporate leader of hundreds of people. Of course, when it comes to life, she’s never lost her footing when it comes to parenting. Her dogma for me was always the same as that for her employees. She required me to write a time schedule and reflect on life every day and report my academic progress to her with a PowerPoint presentation every week. Similar to your listening Mondays, but coerced. Of course, these rules also apply to her employees. I argued with her countless times, berating her for treating me, at the time, a 12-year-old, as her employee. Perhaps you have already begun to detest my mother’s parenting philosophy, or that she is just another derelict mother who neglects her children’s emotional needs to give her career 100%. But she was a mother for the first time, and I as her oldest child witnessed her growth and how she became a leader, both to her employees and to me.

Where should I begin my story with this leader? As I counted the episodes that flashed through my mind, neither the long conversation in the evening breeze nor the laughing conversation in the dark living room seemed like the most appropriate beginning of the story. Puzzled, I put down my thoughts and sat down to recall the beginning of our conversations. There’s no longer nameless fear and tension when she approaches me, dreading to hear what she has to say. Instead, I always walked up to her when I found her alone, and the dialogue always began with a sigh. I told her many stories about young love, friends, hobbies, and self-reflection, all parts of me that I was reluctant to reveal in PowerPoints. She is busy all day but never said no when I started a conversation. I could feel that she valued every part of our communication, regardless of how nonsensical it was, taking it wholeheartedly. She would sit down and listen to every word I had to say, and she would take to heart every hint of emotion I tried to convey. She did her best to understand my passions, cater to my needs, and embrace my sentiments. And that’s one of the most valuable lessons she’s taught me as a leader.

My mother’s growth as a leader came naturally to her as she listened to every ebullient story and every heart-wrenching sob. She did what many leaders, even in family relationships, fail to do: give the most attention to her children and subordinates, dwelling on their stories, bringing herself into their emotions, and living their experiences. Simply receiving a comment differentiates from understanding the root of their feedback. Through sharing stories with my mother, as my thoughts became words and leaped out of my mouth, my thoughts received a carrier. The stories I told were imparted with meaning through the process of communication. These words made me who I am and marked every footprint of mine. Not only giving her a chance to guide me but giving me a chance to recourse, bonding two unknown souls by building emotional bridges rather than giving ice-cold PowerPoint presentations. I myself am walking on those bridges, and I will be learning to build them up. Through open communication, we can build bridges high enough to see the world from a bigger view, see the tips of Mt. Everest, hear the mumbles of rhinoceros and vaquitas, and unveil a side of the world that we have never seen before.

In her essay “The Power of Stories to Inspire Strong Leaders”, Maya S. quotes “I was able to understand that although it’s impossible for us to all experience the same things, it is possible for us to try and listen to each other and understand each other’s differences. I began to appreciate the meaning of finding beauty in diversity. During that trip I learned that true leaders listen to the voices of others, and as a result they are able to enrich their own points of view.” This quote taught me that in order to be understood, one must learn to understand.

As an international student living in the states, my school days were certainly different from most of my classmates. There were a lot more plane rides, more hours of memorizing English vocabulary, and less people that paid attention to the struggles I went through. It was hard to focus on the upside of life when I knew that my comfort zone was about 6800 miles away. I felt like I was drowning in my own world, and was unsure of what I needed to do to get out of it.

As time passed, I did learn to embrace my new home. That started with a simple step: Learning about how people here lived. I added Kendrick Lamar and Olivia Rodrigo to my playlist, started to watch the NBA, and reached out for corrections when I didn’t recognize an English word. As I began to understand and appreciate what was around me, it was way easier to fit in. My struggles started to pay off as I received multiple honors and varsity MVP awards. Apart from Academics, I also became much more active in the social circle. I learned more about life here from my new friends, and also taught them some parts of life that I left behind back in Korea. After these changes, I could proudly say that I’m definitely leading my own life.

Maya’s story of the privilege walk reminded me of the change in my perspective before and after trying to understand American culture. At first I was hesitant in getting to know the new environment, but now I see the hidden value of entirely different customs, just like how Maya was able to understand the children with more depth. Furthermore, something Maya did that I greatly appreciate is that she didn’t just stop from enlightenment and took action to advocate for her beliefs. I believe that Maya’s propulsion of creating the “Voice of Change” weblog exemplifies what leaders do to promote their voice to the world. As a person aspiring to be a global leader and a businessman, I was greatly inspired by Maya’s quotes of insight and her action to spread her words.

Our world today is heavily interconnected, and the effects of collaborating across diverse backgrounds have never been more apparent. As I reflect on Maya’s quote and my own understanding, I am reminded that true leaders are distinguished by their ability to seek harmony in differences. My journey from a foreign student drowning in isolation to a confident participant in a global community underscores the transformative power of understanding others to be understood. Of course there are still customs that I cannot resonate with, like pineapple on pizza. But as I step forward into a world of connections and communications, I carry with me the invaluable lesson that true understanding is the cornerstone of meaningful process.

My life has been quite secure from the start, so I can’t say that I very much connect with various problems like this. However, studying about various issues like in schools and textbooks has made me aware of the seriousness of the various social problems. Today, its funny how with increase in awareness and campaign to see how these problems have just been a thing to pass time and maybe get certificates for college without taking issue seriously and then chat-gpting few stuff to say how much gravely you understand the issue. I witnessed this a certain. person which made me wonder maybe this all has just become propaganda for achieving selfish desires instead of really addressing these problems. Instead of making jokes in friend circles do body shaming etc it is necessary to really respect and help others. There were many good quotes in the essay. People should if not participating in camping at least should help others and be aware of these problems around them.

How to Be an Effective Youth Leader? 20 Time-Tested Approaches

Becoming a youth leader is a journey of growth and transformation, not only for you but also for the individuals and community you are destined to impact. The role of a youth leader is diverse and dynamic, encompassing various aspects of personal development, communication, goal-setting, decision-making, and many more. This comprehensive guide will provide you with 20 time-tested approaches on how to be an effective youth leader and make a lasting impact. Each of these strategies are designed to equip you with the tools and insights necessary to excel in your leadership role, inspire your team, and contribute positively to your community.

Table of Contents

1. Understand Your Role

As a youth leader, understanding your role is the foundation from which all your other leadership qualities will spring forth. Grasping the core aspects of your leadership role paves the way for fulfilling responsibilities and exerting influence in a meaningful way.

Significance of Youth Leadership

Youth leadership holds immense significance in shaping the society of tomorrow. Young leaders often act as catalysts for change, fostering progress, innovation, and social cohesion in their communities. Their fresh perspectives, energy, and dynamism allow them to approach challenges differently, enabling them to find solutions that adults may overlook. Moreover, when young people take up leadership roles, they inspire their peers to follow suit, thereby creating a cycle of positive influence.

Responsibilities of a Youth Leader

As a youth leader, your responsibilities extend beyond self-development. You are tasked with creating a conducive environment that encourages growth, collaboration, and development among your peers. This includes setting a positive example, motivating others, helping resolve conflicts, and promoting inclusivity. Being a youth leader also means being a voice for the youth, representing their interests, and working towards creating better opportunities for them.

2. Develop Emotional Intelligence

Developing emotional intelligence is a crucial step in becoming an effective youth leader. This trait refers to the ability to understand, manage, and respond to one’s own and others’ emotions.

Understanding Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence involves recognizing and regulating one’s own emotions, understanding others’ emotions, and using this knowledge to guide one’s thinking and actions. It’s about empathy, self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, and social skills. An emotionally intelligent leader can effectively handle stressful situations, conflict, and challenges, while fostering positive relationships with team members.

Applications in Leadership

Emotionally intelligent leaders are adept at managing team dynamics, resolving conflicts, and making informed decisions. They create a positive work environment and foster strong relationships within their team by understanding and addressing the emotional needs of their peers. Their empathetic approach helps in bridging gaps, promoting understanding, and driving collaborative efforts.

3. Cultivate Communication Skills

Effective communication is one of the core skills every youth leader should cultivate. It not only involves conveying your thoughts clearly but also involves listening to others and understanding their perspectives.

Verbal Communication for Leaders

Verbal communication is more than just talking. As a leader, your words should inspire, motivate, and guide those you lead. You need to be able to communicate your vision clearly, provide constructive feedback, and facilitate open discussions. Mastering the art of verbal communication also includes honing your public speaking skills to effectively address larger audiences.

Non-Verbal Communication in Leadership

Non-verbal communication includes body language, facial expressions, gestures, and tone of voice. These non-verbal cues can communicate your feelings and attitudes more accurately than words alone. As a leader, effective non-verbal communication can help you establish authority, build trust, and create an open and honest environment.

4. Build Trust and Rapport

Building trust and rapport with your team is fundamental for effective youth leadership. It lays the foundation for open communication, collaboration, and mutual respect.

Importance of Trust in Leadership

Trust in leadership is the cornerstone of a cohesive and productive team. When team members trust their leader, they feel secure in expressing their ideas, taking risks, and investing their time and effort. Trust fosters an environment of loyalty, commitment, and collaboration, which ultimately leads to better results.

Techniques for Building Trust

Building trust requires consistency, transparency, and integrity. As a leader, you must follow through on your promises, communicate openly about both successes and failures, and demonstrate ethical behavior. Show genuine interest in your team members, respect their contributions, and treat everyone fairly. Remember, trust is not built overnight but is the result of consistent actions over time.

5. Incorporate Active Listening

Active listening is a crucial aspect of effective communication, particularly in leadership roles. It involves not just hearing what someone is saying, but comprehending the intent behind their words and responding appropriately.

Concept of Active Listening

Active listening involves fully concentrating on the speaker, understanding their message, responding thoughtfully, and then remembering what’s been said. It goes beyond simply hearing the spoken words. It requires paying attention to non-verbal cues like tone of voice and body language. Active listening is about engaging in the conversation and showing empathy towards the speaker, which ultimately fosters better understanding and connection.

Active Listening as a Leadership Tool

As a leadership tool, active listening can significantly enhance team dynamics. It creates a sense of respect and mutual understanding between the leader and the team members. By listening actively, leaders can understand their team’s strengths, weaknesses, aspirations, and concerns, which aids in decision-making and conflict resolution. Furthermore, it makes team members feel valued and heard, promoting a healthy team environment.

6. Create an Inclusive Environment

Creating an inclusive environment is a critical responsibility for a youth leader. It involves fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance, where everyone feels valued and their contributions are appreciated.

Understanding Inclusion

Inclusion implies ensuring that everyone, irrespective of their background, has equal opportunities to contribute, grow, and succeed. It is about recognizing, respecting, and valuing differences. Inclusion not only pertains to cultural, racial, and gender differences, but also to different ideas, perspectives, and experiences.

Promoting Diversity and Inclusion

Promoting diversity and inclusion within your team involves a proactive and conscious effort. It includes creating policies and practices that encourage participation and equal opportunities for everyone. It also involves challenging biases, breaking stereotypes, and creating a safe space where different voices can be heard. Furthermore, fostering diversity and inclusion can bring a wealth of different ideas, foster creativity and innovation, and ultimately lead to better decision-making and problem-solving.

7. Influence with Authenticity

Authentic leadership is a powerful way to influence others. It is about leading with personal integrity, transparency, and consistency, which naturally inspires trust and respect among team members.

Concept of Authentic Leadership

Authentic leadership is about being true to oneself, being open and honest, and sticking to one’s values and principles . Authentic leaders are self-aware, genuine, mission-driven, and focused on results. They lead with their hearts as well as their minds, and they’re not afraid to show their vulnerability.

Becoming an Authentic Leader

Becoming an authentic leader involves self-awareness, self-regulation, and personal growth. It is about understanding your strengths and weaknesses, aligning your actions with your beliefs, and continuously learning and growing. Authentic leaders practice what they preach and are consistent in their actions, which builds credibility and trust among their team members.

8. Embrace Change and Adaptability

Embracing change and demonstrating adaptability are key traits of an effective youth leader . Change is inevitable, and adaptability is the ability to respond quickly and effectively to those changes.

The Nature of Change

Change is a constant and inevitable part of life. It can be disruptive and challenging but also brings opportunities for growth and innovation. Understanding the nature of change – its potential, its challenges, and its benefits – is essential for effective leadership.

Leader’s Role in Managing Change

As a leader, your role in managing change involves recognizing when change is needed, facilitating the change process, and supporting your team through the transition. This includes communicating the reasons for change, setting a clear vision, and providing the necessary resources and support. By demonstrating resilience and optimism, you can help your team navigate change effectively and emerge stronger on the other side.

9. Foster Teamwork and Collaboration

In a leadership role, fostering teamwork and collaboration is a must. It aids in accomplishing goals effectively and creates an environment of learning and growth.

Importance of Teamwork in Leadership

Teamwork plays a pivotal role in leadership. A leader’s ability to motivate the team, delegate effectively, and integrate diverse skill sets towards a common goal is crucial. When a team collaboratively works, it optimizes resources, encourages learning from each other, and results in enhanced productivity. Moreover, teamwork fosters a sense of belonging and mutual respect among members, leading to a positive work environment.

Building and Sustaining Collaborative Teams

Building a collaborative team requires clear communication, mutual trust, respect for diversity, and shared objectives. A leader must facilitate open dialogue, encourage constructive feedback, and build rapport among members. It is also essential to recognize individual contributions and celebrate collective achievements. Sustaining such a team involves continuous learning, adapting to changes, and handling conflicts effectively.

10. Incorporate Conflict Resolution Techniques

Conflicts are inevitable in any team setting, and as a leader, handling them effectively is integral to maintaining a healthy team environment. It requires understanding the nature of conflicts and applying the right techniques to resolve them.

Understanding Conflict in Teams

Conflicts in teams can arise from differences in perspectives, ideas, or approaches. They can lead to stress and hinder productivity if not managed well. However, conflicts also provide opportunities for growth and innovation, as they challenge the status quo and stimulate creative thinking.

Effective Conflict Resolution Strategies

Effective conflict resolution involves identifying the cause of the conflict, facilitating open communication, and finding a mutually acceptable solution. It requires active listening, empathy, and negotiation skills. Leaders must ensure a fair process where everyone’s viewpoints are considered. They should promote a positive outlook towards conflicts, viewing them as opportunities for learning and improvement, rather than as threats.

11. Promote Creativity and Innovation

Creativity and innovation are key drivers of progress and success in any leadership role . They foster problem-solving, adaptability, and continuous improvement.

Role of Creativity in Leadership

Creativity in leadership involves thinking out of the box, challenging conventional wisdom, and exploring new possibilities. A creative leader encourages curiosity, experimentation, and risk-taking. They see mistakes not as failures, but as valuable lessons for growth and innovation.

Encouraging Innovative Thinking

Encouraging innovative thinking within your team involves fostering an open and supportive environment where new ideas are welcomed and valued. It requires providing resources and opportunities for learning and exploration, promoting diverse viewpoints, and rewarding creativity. Leaders should also lead by example, demonstrating innovative thinking in their actions and decisions.

12. Use Technology Responsibly

The use of technology is prevalent in today’s world, including in leadership roles. However, it’s crucial to use it responsibly to ensure it aids rather than hinders your leadership effectiveness.

The Impact of Technology on Leadership

Technology can significantly impact leadership, providing tools for effective communication, organization, and decision-making. It facilitates data-driven decisions, improves accessibility, and enables efficient workflows. However, it also brings challenges such as managing digital distractions, maintaining online etiquette, and ensuring digital security.

Best Practices for Technology Use

Responsible use of technology involves understanding its benefits and drawbacks and using it to enhance, not replace, human interaction. It’s about using the right tools for the right tasks, maintaining a healthy digital work-life balance, and promoting digital literacy among your team. Furthermore, leaders must ensure the ethical use of technology, respecting privacy and data security.

13. Engage in Personal Development

Personal development is a continuous process that is integral to being an effective youth leader. It allows you to grow, acquire new skills, and improve existing ones, which enhances your leadership capabilities.

Importance of Personal Development

Personal development is a journey of self-improvement that contributes to your growth as a leader. It involves improving self-awareness, acquiring new skills, overcoming personal challenges, and expanding your knowledge. Engaging in personal development enables you to adapt to changes, enhances your decision-making skills, and boosts your confidence, thereby making you a better leader.

Strategies for Self-Improvement

Strategies for self-improvement include setting personal goals, seeking feedback, lifelong learning, and maintaining a positive mindset. You can start by identifying areas of improvement and setting realistic, achievable goals. Seek feedback from peers, mentors, or team members to gain different perspectives. Engage in lifelong learning by attending workshops, seminars, reading books, or enrolling in online courses. Above all, maintain a positive mindset, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth.

14. Set and Achieve Goals

Setting and achieving goals is an essential part of leadership. It provides direction, promotes focus, and motivates both you and your team towards achieving desired outcomes.

Goal Setting for Leaders

Goal setting for leaders involves setting clear, specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. These goals should align with your team’s mission and values. As a leader, your role is not only to set these goals but also to communicate them effectively to your team, ensuring everyone understands and works towards them.

Techniques for Achieving Goals

Achieving goals requires planning, commitment, persistence, and flexibility. Start by creating a detailed action plan outlining the steps needed to achieve your goals. Stay committed and hold yourself accountable. Be persistent but also flexible, willing to adjust your plan if circumstances change. Celebrate small victories along the way to keep yourself and your team motivated.

15. Implement Effective Decision-Making

Decision-making is a vital aspect of leadership. Your ability to make sound, timely decisions can significantly impact the success of your team.

Importance of Decision-Making in Leadership

Effective decision-making in leadership involves making informed choices that benefit your team and align with your goals. Decisions made by leaders set the course of action, impact team dynamics, and influence outcomes. Making the right decisions requires critical thinking, analyzing available information, assessing potential risks and benefits, and considering team members’ input.

Techniques for Making Good Decisions

Techniques for effective decision-making include gathering and analyzing relevant information, consulting with your team, considering multiple perspectives, and evaluating potential risks and outcomes. It’s important to take the time needed to make an informed decision but also to be decisive once a decision is made. After making a decision, monitor its outcomes and learn from the experience to improve future decision-making.

16. Prioritize Health and Well-being

Health and well-being play a significant role in leadership effectiveness. Maintaining your health and promoting wellness among your team members contributes to overall productivity and morale.

Health Considerations for Leaders

As a leader, your health and well-being directly impact your ability to lead effectively. This includes physical health, mental health, and emotional well-being. It’s important to maintain a balanced lifestyle, manage stress effectively, and prioritize self-care. By taking care of your health, you demonstrate its importance to your team and encourage them to do the same.

Promoting Wellness Among Members

Promoting wellness among your team members involves creating a healthy, supportive environment. Encourage work-life balance, provide resources for stress management, and promote open communication about health and well-being. Creating a culture of wellness leads to happier, more engaged team members, and ultimately, a more productive and successful team.

17. Exercise Patience and Persistence

Patience and persistence are two virtues that greatly impact leadership effectiveness. Mastering these qualities can enhance your resilience, improve team relationships, and contribute to long-term success.

The Role of Patience in Leadership

Patience in leadership is about maintaining composure in the face of challenges and not rushing decisions or actions. It involves being understanding and empathetic towards your team members, giving them room to grow and learn. Patient leaders can better manage stress, are more likely to think clearly and make more informed decisions, thus improving overall team performance.

Cultivating Persistence in Leadership

Persistence in leadership means staying determined and focused, even in the face of adversity. It’s about resilience, maintaining your course of action despite obstacles. By demonstrating persistence, leaders can inspire their teams to stay committed to their goals, fostering a culture of determination and resilience that drives success.

18. Develop Networking Skills

Networking skills are increasingly important in today’s interconnected world. Effective networking can open doors to opportunities, broaden your perspective, and provide valuable insights.

Understanding the Power of Networking

Networking is a powerful tool for leaders. It enables you to connect with like-minded individuals, share ideas, gain insights, and form strategic partnerships. Effective networking can provide opportunities for growth, learning, and collaboration, which are invaluable in your leadership journey.

Networking Strategies for Leaders

Successful networking involves active listening, effective communication, and genuine interest in others. Be proactive in attending networking events, joining professional organizations, or engaging in online networking platforms. Always be prepared with a clear and concise introduction of who you are and what you do. Remember, networking is about building mutually beneficial relationships, not just about what you can gain.

19. Practice Public Speaking and Presentation Skills

Public speaking and presentation skills are vital components of effective leadership. Whether you’re addressing your team, speaking at a conference, or presenting a proposal, your ability to communicate clearly and compellingly matters.

Importance of Public Speaking for Leaders

Public speaking is crucial for leaders as it’s often the medium through which they influence, motivate, and inspire others. Effective public speaking skills allow you to convey your message clearly, create a compelling narrative, and engage your audience, all of which can significantly impact your leadership effectiveness.

Improving Presentation Skills

Improving your presentation skills involves practice, preparation, and feedback. Take every opportunity to speak in public, whether in team meetings, public speaking clubs, or professional seminars. Prepare thoroughly, understand your audience, and structure your speech for maximum impact. After each presentation, seek feedback and use it constructively to improve for the next time.

20. Install a Growth Mindset

Adopting a growth mindset can significantly enhance your leadership capabilities and foster an environment of continuous improvement in your team.

Understanding the Growth Mindset

A growth mindset, a term coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. Leaders with a growth mindset see challenges as opportunities for learning, are resilient in the face of setbacks, and are committed to continuous improvement.

Fostering a Growth Mindset Among Members

To foster a growth mindset among your team members, promote a culture of learning and development. Encourage risk-taking, and treat mistakes as opportunities for learning, not as failures. Provide constructive feedback, appreciate effort as well as outcome, and provide opportunities for professional development. By instilling a growth mindset, you can create a team that is resilient, innovative, and continuously striving for improvement.

In conclusion, being an effective youth leader requires a combination of skills, attributes, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement. By incorporating these 20 time-tested approaches, you’re setting yourself up for success in your leadership journey. Remember, leadership is not about being perfect but about inspiring, influencing, and making a positive impact on others. Keep learning, remain adaptable, and strive to be the best leader you can be. The path of leadership is full of challenges, but the rewards of making a lasting impact are incomparable. Stay resilient, foster a growth mindset, and continue to make a difference in the lives of those you lead.

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Leadership Tactics and Strategy for the Modern Day

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The essentials for leadership; a message for future youth leaders

The youth are essential assets for building our future societies, and thus must be encouraged to harness and develop their inherent potentials towards this challenge. In periods where there are no leaders, society stands still and could collapse. Conversely, progress, peace and development may occur when courageous, skillful and selfless people are in the right places at the right time. Society must recognize the inherent talent and capabilities of its young people. Young people themselves must sharpen their tools of character, attitudes and mindsets in preparedness for responsible and self-less leadership. To lead is to learn to understand, appreciate and involve other people. Leadership without followership is a mere illusory feeling. So be enlightened spiritual leaders, not heroes of enslavement and vindictiveness, for you become practically nothing without the people you lead.

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New Directions for Youth Development

The author of this chapter draws on adult leadership literature by presenting the adaptive leadership model. He then presents case studies of three existing youth leadership education programs, viewed through the lens of the adaptive leadership model. The analysis explores the conceptions of leadership that inform each program, the pedagogies employed by each program to teach leadership, and the alignment that exists between theory and practice. The study concludes with a grounded theory exploration of the theories and pedagogies employed in youth leadership education in the field today.

SSRN Electronic Journal

Wayne Macpherson

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A conference paper being the text of an address given by the author at the Youth Meeting in Rome, held at the European University of Rome, via degli Aldobrandeschi, 190, Rome on 28-30 November 2008, and co-sponsored by the Foundation “Family, Hope for Tomorrow”, the Foundation “Swiat na Tak”, the European University of Rome, the Athenaeum Pontificium Regina Apostolorum, and the Center for Thought of John Paul II.

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IOSR Journals

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The choice of style of leadership must attention about what the leader thinks about his power and authority on human nature. The leader assumes that people can basically self-address, where appropriate together to produce motivation. Leadership is a question of how to be... . We spent a good part of our lives learning how to do things, but in the end is the individual quality and character that define the great leaders. As for leaders, thrive through the efforts of people who lead. The basic task of a leader is to train a workforce highly productive and motivated. The leader has to overcome challenges to achieve a cohesive community that is well structured within and outside your organization which would invest in relationships and convey a vision to establish a communication between the workforce and an assorted market. The leader is one who worries about what is around you, near or far, inside or outside the organization, and that the true leader understands that the worker and not compromise the performance of the organization. The leader has to be circular in relations in the organization, as people want to join the cause because of the effects brought by its attitudes. The leader should propose a common framework of exit and enter a higher sphere where people realize they are being observed and valued by their ideas. Leadership is an interpersonal influence exercised in a situation and directed through the process of communication for the achievement of specific objectives.

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Leadership Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on leadership.

First of all, Leadership refers to the quality of leading people. Probably, it is one of the most important aspects of life. Above all, Leadership has led to the progress of human civilization . Without good Leadership, no organization or group can succeed. Furthermore, not everyone has this quality. This is because effective Leadership requires certain important characteristics.

Qualities of a Good Leader

First of all, confidence is the most quality. A leader must have strong self-confidence. A person lacking in confidence can never be a good leader. A person must be confident enough to ensure others follow him. The leader must have confidence in his decisions and actions. If he is unsure, then how can people have the desire to follow him.

A good leader must certainly inspire others. A leader must be a role model for his followers. Furthermore, he must motivate them whenever possible. Also, in difficult situations, a leader must not lose hope. How can a leader inspire people if he himself is hopeless?

Honesty is another notable quality of a leader. Honesty and Integrity are important to earn the love of followers. Above all, honesty is essential to win the trust of the people. Probably, every Leadership which loses trust is bound to fail. People will not work with full effort due to an immoral leader.

Good communication is a must for a good leader. This is because poor communication means the wrong message to followers. Furthermore, good communication will increase the rate of work. Also, the chances of mistakes by followers will reduce.

Another important quality is decision making. Above all, if a leader makes poor decisions then other qualities will not matter. Furthermore, good decision making ensures the success of the entire group. If the leader makes poor decisions, then the efforts of followers won’t matter.

A good leader must be an excellent innovator. He must display a creative attitude in his work. Most noteworthy, innovation is a guarantee of survival of a group or innovation. Without creative thinking, progress is not possible.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Real-Life Examples of Good Leadership

Mahatma Gandhi was an excellent example of a good leader. He was a staunch believer in non-violence. With his brilliant Leadership skills, he made the British leave India. Probably, this was the most unique independence struggle. This is because Gandhi got freedom without any violence.

Abraham Lincoln was another notable leader. Most noteworthy, he ended the slavery system in the United States. Consequently, he made many enemies. However, he was a man of massive self-confidence. His struggle against slavery certainly became an inspiration.

Sir Winston Churchill was a great patriotic Englishman. Most noteworthy, he led Britain in the 2nd World War. Furthermore, he was extremely inspirational. He inspired Britain to fight against Nazi Germany. His great communication motivated the entire country at a time of hopelessness.

To conclude, Leadership is required in probably every sphere of life. Good leadership is the door to success. In contrast, bad leadership is a guarantee of failure. Consequently, good leaders are what make the world go round.

FAQs on Leadership

Q.1 Which is the most important quality for being a good leader? A.1 The most important quality for being a good leader is self-confidence.

Q.2 Why Sir Winston Churchill is a good leader? A.2 Sir Winston Churchill is a good leader because he inspired Britain to fight in 2nd World War. Furthermore, his excellent communication also raised the motivation of his people.

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Feb 15, 2023

Essays on Leadership for Students | 200 - 500 Word Essays

Are you writing an essay about leadership? Check out these examples!

Leadership is often defined as "the action of inspiring others to act in concert to achieve a particular goal." It signifies the harmony in actions that lead to a common objective. A genuine leader not only exudes confidence but also paves the way for their followers towards triumph. Over the years, various leadership styles have been identified and discussed by psychologists.

Qualities such as intelligence, adaptability, extroversion, innate self-awareness, and social competence often emerge as the hallmarks of impactful leaders. There's a consensus that these traits mold an individual into an effective leader. Interestingly, some theories suggest that extraordinary situations can thrust an ordinary individual into the spotlight, bestowing upon them the mantle of leadership. It's also believed that leadership isn't a static trait but an evolving journey. It underscores the belief that with dedication and the right resources, anyone can hone their leadership abilities.

True leadership goes beyond merely advocating for a cause. It involves taking responsibility, igniting motivation in others, and differentiating oneself from just being a 'boss'. A leader's essence lies in their ability to inspire and propel people towards grand visions, whereas a manager typically focuses on oversight and operational aspects.

What Is a Leadership Essay?

A leadership essay falls under the category of student application essays and serves to provide student admissions officers with insight into your past leadership experiences. Despite appearing to be very specific, this type of essay acknowledges that the nature and perception of leadership can vary significantly depending on the individual and the context.

If you find yourself in need of further insights or a unique angle for your leadership essay, consider exploring an expert essay-writing tool designed to assist students in crafting compelling narratives by analyzing vast data and generating fresh ideas within minutes. In this article, we'll also delve into various leadership essay examples to offer a clearer understanding of the genre and inspire your writing journey.

4 Examples of Leadership Essays

Qualities of a good leader, introduction.

Confidence is the most important attribute first of all. One of the most important qualities in a leader is confidence in one's own abilities. A lack of self-assurance is fatal to a person's leadership potential. If you want others to follow you, you need to exude self-assurance. It's imperative for a leader to have faith in his own judgment and actions. How can people want to follow him if he doesn't even know what he's doing?

Every effective leader knows that they need to be an inspiration to their followers. A leader needs to set an example for his team. In addition, he ought to inspire them whenever feasible. A leader must also maintain optimism in trying times.

What qualities a good leader must have?

Leadership is the ability to influence and guide individuals or groups toward a common goal. A leader must possess several qualities to be effective, including:

Communication skills: A leader must be able to communicate their vision and goals clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing. This requires excellent listening skills, empathy, and the ability to adapt to different communication styles.

Emotional intelligence: A leader must be able to understand and manage their own emotions, as well as those of their team members. This includes being able to understand and respond to the emotions of others, and handling conflicts in a constructive manner.

Visionary: A leader must have a clear and inspiring vision of the future, and be able to articulate this vision in a way that motivates others to work towards it.

Strategic thinking: A leader must be able to think critically and creatively to identify and solve problems, make decisions, and develop plans and strategies to achieve their goals.

Flexibility: A leader must be able to adapt to changing circumstances and be open to new ideas and perspectives. This requires the ability to embrace change, be innovative, and continuously learn and grow.

Integrity: A leader must have strong ethics and values, and be willing to make difficult decisions that are consistent with their beliefs. This requires honesty, transparency, and accountability.

Decisiveness: A leader must be able to make tough decisions quickly, without undue hesitation or procrastination. This requires courage and the ability to take calculated risks.

Empowerment: A leader must be able to delegate responsibilities, give team members the resources they need to succeed, and foster a sense of ownership and accountability among their team.

Conclusion

These qualities are essential for effective leadership, and when combined with hard work, determination, and a commitment to excellence, can help leaders to achieve great things.

How one can be a Great Leader?

Leadership is the act of performing the duties of a leader. In the business world, for instance, it is essential to have someone in charge of a team to ensure everything runs well. Effective leadership is essential for any group that wants to maximize its prospects of success.

Leadership Comes from Experience

As we've shown, leadership can be innate in some cases but is more often learned through practice and exposure. Sometimes the best traits of a leader must be learned over a lengthy period of time, so that one can become a notable one, proving that leadership is not always about a person's innate qualities. Leaders should continuously be on the lookout for opportunities to grow their leadership skills.

Nobody can disagree that experience is a key component of leadership. Numerous examples exist to back up this claim, such as:

Instance 1:

Our school's head boy or girl has traditionally been an older student who has been around for a while and thus has a better grasp of the ins and outs of school politics.

Instance 2:

When there is a vacancy for a team leader, it is common practice for the employee who has consistently put in the most effort and attention to the office job to receive a higher number of votes than their coworkers.

“The best teacher for a leader is evaluated experience.” - John C. Maxwell

How one can be a Great Leader/Skills to be a Great Leader?

Effective leadership is a skill that develops through time. Developing into a leader with all the qualities that are needed takes a lot of hard work and potential. Being a prominent leader calls for a wide variety of traits. Some of these characteristics are addressed in further detail below:

One should be a Good Communicator

To be an effective leader, one must be able to convey his thoughts clearly to his/her/its subordinates.

Should have Confidence

The individual should have faith in what he says and does.

Give Credit to other Team Members too

A leader not only needs to impose his viewpoints and opinions instead he must also hear to the suggestions of other members of the team and offer them credit if their concept is appropriate.

Good Bond with the Team

A leader's ability to command respect from his team members depends on his ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with them.

Leads with Responsibility

A leader needs to be completely committed to his position. It's important that he takes on responsibility so that he can effectively deal with the various challenges he will inevitably face.

Any group or organization needs a leader above all else. Leadership development takes time and effort. One needs to have lived through a lot to be an effective leader. It's not enough to simply have years of experience in the field; one must also have the traits that make one an effective leader. You can't be a great leader unless you possess certain traits.

What makes a Good Leader?

Trying one's hand as a leader appears easy when viewed through this lens. Is that so tough? Of course not; leading is difficult, and not everyone aspires to be a leader. The vast majority of us have settled into well-established careers where we report to superiors and make a living. Still, not everyone is content to go along with the crowd. They become leaders in whatever field they pursue. A leader is an example to followers and will prioritize the needs of those around them.

Some Unique Qualities of a Leader

Many individuals resort to their leaders to vent their frustrations, therefore it's important for them to be good listeners.

A leader ought to be completely forthright; they can't play favorites or give anyone preferential treatment. One of the most essential qualities of a strong leader is the ability to make decisions with integrity.

They need to be aware of the bigger picture and understand what makes an individual stand out or become a leader. It's their expertise in addition to other distinguishing traits. Their awareness of current events and the results of recent studies is essential. In many ways, this is helpful, and it's the leader's responsibility to stay current.

Since some might not understand them, they should utilize straightforward, easily comprehended language. Leaders need to be able to communicate effectively at all times. In reality, what sets them apart is their exceptional communication skills. Adolf Hitler was such a gifted orator that his followers believed every word he said.

No matter how you're feeling or what's going on in the world, if you listen to a leader, they may make you feel energized. Since leaders are in charge of inspiring confidence in their followers, they can't afford to be wary or unsure of themselves. People tend to blindly follow their leaders.

Whether you're a leader or a doctor, you should devote yourself completely to your chosen field. Everything we do is for the benefit of others; engineers, for example, spend much of their time designing and constructing buildings for other people. So, take pride in what you do, and if you possess the aforementioned traits, you are also a leader who doesn't have to rely on others to succeed. No matter what you do, aspiring to leadership positions will always benefit others.

What is Leadership in Management and what are the weaknesses and strengths of a Leader?

Simply said, leadership is acting as a supervisor or manager of a group. Different mental pictures pop up when we hear the word "leadership" used in conversation. One might think of a political leader, team leader, corporate leader, school leader, etc. Leaders facilitate order and efficiency in the workplace. Teamwork and success are fundamental to effective leadership. Leaders utilize their managerial abilities to establish courses and guide their teams to success.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Leadership

Able to express oneself more clearly

Growth of character.

Self-awareness.

Possession of teamwork skills.

Gain assurance in yourself.

Weaknesses:

Acting favorably toward one's teammates.

Having no faith in the leader.

Thinks they're better than everyone else, but act hypocritically.

Not living up to the promised standard.

Insufficient morals.

Leadership and Management

Management and leadership are inextricably linked to one another. Leadership and management are both vital to the efficient operation of an organization; but, they accomplish very different things in the process. Leadership is a necessary skill for anyone aspiring to be an effective manager. The terms management and leadership are synonymous with one another. In this manner, we are able to draw the conclusion that a manager who demonstrates the traits of a successful leader is, in fact, a manager who is effective.

Leadership in School

Leadership is essential in nearly every group, as we've seen above. That group includes one's educational institution. Every school needs an outstanding figure to serve as its head of school. Class monitor, assembly captain, cultural leader, etc. are all examples of leadership roles that can be taken on at school, but this raises the question of what makes a person a successful school leader.

Any student hoping to be chosen as a student body leader will need to demonstrate a wide range of competencies. He or she needs to be a consistent student who pays attention in class and does well in extracurricular activities. For the simple reason that no intelligent and hardworking kid would ever be considered for leadership. Student leaders are most often selected from among those who participate fully in all activities.

Leadership in Organization

Leadership in an organization, also known as organizational leadership, is the process of establishing long-term objectives that further the company's mission and help it reach its ultimate destination. This is a classic illustration of how Bill Gates often works with his team: they agree on a strategy, and Gates implements it. To the same extent, it is the responsibility of the leader in each given organization to determine what it is that the group is trying to accomplish.

Leadership in Politics

Leadership in politics, also known as political leadership, is the process of becoming actively involved in a political party in the role of a party leader. Knowledge of political processes, their outcomes, and the political agenda is central to the idea of political leadership.

An effective leader can be developed in anyone who has the determination and drives to do so. Both the strengths and the areas for improvement should be nurtured. Whether in the classroom, the workplace, or the political arena, leadership is always necessary. Therefore, one can exercise leadership anywhere they like inside their own organization.

What are the types of Leadership?

The ability to lead is a rare trait that not everyone possesses. The ability to do so is a gift, so count your blessings if you possess it. It's recommended that you hone it even more so that you can propel your career forward and serve as an example to people around you. However, it is crucial to grasp the various leadership styles before you go ahead and polish your skills.

Types of Leadership Styles

Democratic Leadership

In this style of management, subordinates are given a voice in decision-making. Although the subordinates' efforts are highlighted, the leader is ultimately held responsible for the group's actions. Many people find this type of leadership to be effective.

Transformational Leadership

Transformational leaders motivate and inspire others to adopt new behaviors and ways of thinking in order to improve their own performance and that of their teams and organizations. A transformational leader is someone who encourages their team to strive for greater things and works to boost morale and output.

Team Leadership

A good leader fully incorporates his team into the task at hand. Members of the team are motivated to reach their goals and advance in their careers thanks to the leadership of the group.

Strategic Leadership

It requires a chief executive who doesn't restrict himself to brainstorming sessions with his superiors. He contributes on every level of the team. He is well-liked for his ability to unite the need for fresh ideas with the necessity of grounding them in reality.

Autocratic Leadership

The leader in a command and control structure is the center of attention. The chief executive has absolute power in this setting. He decides things on his own, without polling his staff. He relays this information to his staff and stresses the importance of swift action. The buck stops with him, and he alone must answer for his actions. Not much room for negotiation exists. It's no secret that this method of leading has its detractors.

Visionary Leadership

This kind of leader appreciates the abilities and requirements of his team members. He describes his ideal outcome and the teamwork that will be necessary to attain it.

Coaching Leadership

Leaders who coach their teams do so regularly in an effort to raise output. He inspires his employees to do better and works to keep them motivated. This approach to leadership has been much praised.

Facilitative Leadership

With occasional guidance, a facilitative leader ensures that the process runs smoothly for his team. As a precaution in case his team is ineffective. If the team is highly effective, the leader will take a hands-off approach.

Cross-Cultural Leadership

The leadership of this type is necessary when interacting with people from various cultural backgrounds. Because of the wide variety of cultures represented in the workforce across the United States, many managers and executives hold cross-cultural positions.

Laissez-Faire Leadership

The members of the team are given responsibility in this style of management. They are free to choose how they spend their time at work, with minimal oversight from the boss. It's not a good way to lead, according to experts.

Transactional Leadership

An interactive approach is integral to this kind of leadership. When team members successfully implement their leader's ideas and choices, they are rewarded with immediate, material benefits.

Charismatic Leadership

In order to bring out the best in his followers, this kind of leader makes the effort to change their attitudes, values, and actions.

This article should dispel the notion that leadership qualities can't be further subdivided. It should also assist you in pinpointing your own personal brand of leadership so you can perfect it over time.

Final Words

In conclusion, leadership is a complex and multifaceted concept that involves various qualities and skills. Effective leaders possess traits such as integrity, vision, empathy, decisiveness, and the ability to inspire and motivate others. They are able to navigate challenges, make difficult decisions, and lead their team toward success. Leadership also involves continuous learning and self-improvement, as leaders must adapt to changing circumstances and remain relevant. Effective leadership can have a positive impact on both individuals and organizations, fostering growth and creating a culture of success.

You can use Jenni.ai to quickly compose an essay on leadership, or any other topic, of your choosing. It's a fantastic choice that promises convenience and relief. Create an essay on any topic in a matter of minutes with the help of our AI-powered program. Membership is immediately available upon your free registration here.

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Essay on Leadership Experience As A Student

Students are often asked to write an essay on Leadership Experience As A Student in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Leadership Experience As A Student

What is student leadership.

Leadership as a student means being the one who guides or is in charge of others. In school, this can be being a class president, leading a project group, or being a team captain in sports. It’s about making decisions, solving problems, and helping classmates.

Learning from Leading

When you lead, you learn a lot. You find out how to plan things, talk to people clearly, and get jobs done. You also learn to listen to others and work as a team. These skills are important in school and in life later on.

Challenges of Leading

Leading isn’t always easy. You might face tough situations or have to make hard choices. Sometimes, friends may not agree with you. But overcoming these challenges helps you grow stronger and smarter.

Benefits of Leadership

Being a leader can be rewarding. You get to see how your ideas can make things better for everyone. It feels good to help others and see them succeed because of your guidance. Plus, it’s a great way to make new friends.

Encouraging Others

250 words essay on leadership experience as a student, what is leadership.

Leadership is when someone takes charge and guides others to achieve a goal. In school, students can be leaders too. It’s not just about telling people what to do. Good leaders listen, help, and inspire their team.

Being a Class Representative

One way to be a leader is by being a class representative. You get to speak for your classmates and work with teachers to make your class better. It teaches you to be responsible and to understand what your friends need.

Leading a School Project

Imagine your class has to do a big project. If you lead it, you plan who does what and check how everyone is doing. You learn to organize things and solve problems when they come up.

Helping in School Clubs

School clubs are great for leadership. You could be in charge of a sports team, a music band, or a science club. Leading a club means making sure everyone is having fun and learning new things.

What You Gain

By being a leader, you gain confidence. You learn to talk in front of people and make decisions. You also become better at working with others and making friends.

500 Words Essay on Leadership Experience As A Student

Leadership is when someone guides or leads others. Think of it like being the captain of a ship. The captain must make sure the ship goes the right way and that everyone on board is safe and working together. In school, students can also be leaders. They can help guide their classmates in group projects, sports teams, or school clubs.

Being a Leader in School Projects

Imagine you are working with your friends on a big project for class. Someone needs to make sure that the work is split up fairly and that everyone knows what to do. That’s where a student leader comes in. They help decide who does what and make sure everyone understands the task. They also cheer everyone on and keep the group focused.

Leading a Sports Team

Running a school club.

School clubs are another great place to be a leader. If you start a club or are in charge of one, you get to plan what the club will do. You might organize meetings, think of activities, and talk to teachers about your ideas. It’s your job to make the club fun and interesting so that other students want to join.

Learning From Mistakes

Even leaders make mistakes sometimes. What’s important is that they learn from these mistakes. If a plan doesn’t work out, a good student leader thinks about what went wrong and how to do better next time. They also say sorry if they need to and try to fix the problem.

Helping Others

Working as a team.

Being a leader doesn’t mean you do everything alone. Good leaders work with others. They listen to ideas and suggestions from their team. When everyone works together, they can come up with better plans and do a better job.

Leadership as a student is about guiding others, being a good example, learning from mistakes, helping people, and working as a team. It’s a chance to make your school a better place and learn skills that will help you in the future. Whether you’re leading a project, a sports team, or a club, remember that being a leader is a big responsibility, but it’s also a great way to grow and help your friends.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

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Youth of the Year: Leadership Development Getting Ready Activity Guide

These getting-ready activities are intended to help youth prepare for the various activities of the Youth of the Year Selection process.

Activity 1: Essay Writing – Making Your Words Count Permalink

Youth describe the importance of writing clearly. They identify the basic elements of an essay. They apply strategies to improve their writing. They identify a goal to improve one aspect of their writing.

Activity 2: Interviewing – Responding With Confidence Permalink

Youth describe why preparing for an interview is important. Youth identify several qualities of a confident interviewee. They also demonstrate responding confidently to interview questions.

Activity 3: Public Speaking – A Key to Leadership Success Permalink

Youth describe why public speaking is important. They identify the qualities of a powerful speech. They also demonstrate speaking powerfully.

Activity 4: Application – Putting It All Together Permalink

Youth assess their own leadership abilities. They identify the materials they need to complete the application process. They also identify individuals who can serve as references and/or mentors.

Related Collections

Youth of the year: leadership development targeted program guide, youth of the month/junior youth of the year: leadership development quick-start activity guide, quick-start activities .

To give Clubs maximum flexibility, the following quick-start activities can be used at any time to build a basic understanding of leadership. They include a variety of experiences to address a range of interests and can be facilitated in 30 to 60 minutes with minimal leader preparation.

Leadership Outcomes

Activities are specifically designed to foster the following essential outcomes: 1) self-leadership, helping youth become aware of themselves and their emotions as a step toward personal growth and leadership; 2) leadership with others, enabling youth to understand their own perspective and the perspective of others and learn to communicate effectively as part of a team; and 3) leadership in the community, encouraging youth to take positive actions in the community that are informed by their self-knowledge and their ability to collaborate with others.



1. Leadership Scramble		X
2. From the Inside Out	X	X
3. Your Goals Pyramid	X
4. Framing Your Strengths	X	X
5. Say “No” to Stereotypes	X		X
6. Leadership Bingo	X	X
7. Improv Night	X	X
8. The Inequality Project	X	X	X
9. Songs of Justice	X	X	X
10. Cooperation Comics		X
11. The World Is Bigger Than You!	X	X	X
12. Plan a Social-Justice Project		X	X

Targeting Different Age Groups

Activities in this guide are targeted to three different age groups: 1) ages 6-10 years; 2) ages 11-13 years; and 3) ages 14-18 years. Activities that are targeted to youth in several age groups include suggestions for adapting the experience to younger members.

Groups

1. Leadership Scramble		X	X
2. From the Inside Out	X	X
3. Your Goals Pyramid	X	X
4. Framing Your Strengths		X	X
5. Say “No” to Stereotypes		X	X
6. Leadership Bingo		X	X
7. Improv Night		X	X
8. The Inequality Project		X	X
9. Songs of Justice		X	X
10. Cooperation Comics		X	X
11. The World Is Bigger Than You!		X	X
12. Plan a Social-Justice Project		X	X

The Youth of the Year Experience

Recognizing and fostering leadership strength in all youth.

The population of teens in the United States today is approximately 21 million. All young people have the potential to be leaders in schools, workplaces and communities, yet only a few are encouraged or given a chance to demonstrate leadership in meaningful ways. While there are plenty of opportunities for leadership development in the adult years, many successful leaders report that experiences they had early in their lives are what helped them in leadership roles as adults. What is clear is that leaders do not develop overnight; a lifetime of experiences strengthen an individual’s personal leadership as they mature and grow. Here are the advantages to educating young people in leadership.

What youth bring to leadership roles

Youth are digitally savvy – adept researchers who know how to educate themselves and dig deep for information. The prevalence of technology in their lives means younger people are more qualified to take the lead in developing and adapting social media and emerging technologies.
Youth today want to make their world a better place. In the U.S., more than four in five teens believe their age group has the potential to change the world, and almost all (95 percent) globally believe it’s important for youth to collaborate to make the world better.
Sixty percent of young people want their jobs to positively impact society, while one-third of 16-to-19-year-olds currently volunteer.
Youth bring a fresh perspective that can help communities enhance programs, improve community conditions and find more effective solutions to problems – resulting in a just community for all.

What youth gain from leadership development

Youth gain social-emotional benefits from taking on leadership roles: higher self-esteem, increased motivation, gains in confidence, personal control, self-identity and empowerment.
When youth have opportunities to take on leadership roles and share their voice in planning, problem solving and implementing various aspects of projects, they are more motivated and intentional in addressing community issues.
Youth who engage in leadership programs gain employability skills such as public speaking, decision making, problem solving, strategic thinking, communication and collaboration skills – promoting achievement in school and other settings.
Youth leaders are more likely to be employed in managerial positions as adults; leadership skills developed early can have a positive impact on future wages.

A Comprehensive Leadership Development Experience

Since 1947, Youth of the Year has recognized and celebrated the extraordinary achievements of Club teens. Stories of outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle have made it America’s premier leadership and recognition program for teens. BGCA has since enhanced Youth of the Year to provide a comprehensive leadership development experience. Through Youth of the Year, youth gain the leadership knowledge and skills they need for success in 21st-century life, work and educational settings.

Youth of the Month is a year-round recognition program and entry point for the Youth of the Year leadership experience. It introduces youth of all ages to important leadership concepts and showcases their achievements in the Club, at school and in the community. Youth selected as Youth of the Month are recognized for service and leadership at the Club level, then can advance to either the YOY or Junior YOY program.

Junior Youth of the Year gives younger youth the training and practice they need to develop their leadership skills and be considered for Junior Youth of the Year at the local (Club and organizational) level. The program cultivates junior leaders, giving them the foundation they need for more advanced leadership development, academic excellence and post-secondary success.

Youth of the Year develops teens’ leadership skills and abilities through experiences in and out of the Club. Each year, youth who embody excellence in the areas of academics, character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles are recognized at the local, state, regional, and finally, at the national level. One exceptional Club/Youth Center teen is selected to be the National Youth of the Year (YOY), serving as an ambassador for Boys & Girls Club youth as well as a voice for the nation’s young people.

Overview of the Youth of the Year Leadership Development Suite


Purpose
Age levels	All ages	Ages 10-13 years	Ages 14-18 years
When/why to implement
Target audiences
Leadership development
Selection process/competition
Scheduling

Youth of the Year’s Leadership Focus

As with all BGCA programs, Youth of the Year places youth at the center of learning – putting youth first and allowing them to focus on what matters, connecting with them to support social-emotional development, celebrating who they are and where they are in their lives and providing meaningful experiences that respond to the unique strengths, needs, interests and identities they bring to the Club.

Building on this approach, Youth of the Year helps youth discover and develop their leadership ability by focusing on three essential areas: self, other and community. Youth become leaders who are able to create meaningful change in themselves , in preparation for working in collaboration with others toward the shared goal of making transformative change in their community .


Self-leadership involves self-awareness; youth get to know themselves, acknowledge their unique experiences/backgrounds and become aware of their emotions and personal values. The ultimate goal of self-leadership is emotional wellness, which involves recognizing, understanding and responding to emotional needs to gain an overall sense of positive well-being.	Leadership with others has to do with understanding one’s own perspective, appreciating the perspectives of others and being able to communicate effectively with others to encourage collaboration within and between teams.	Leadership in the community means taking positive actions toward a shared goal – actions informed by youths’ self-awareness and their ability to collaborate with others. As youth seek to understand community needs, listen and engage with people from diverse perspectives, they learn that they can leverage their self-knowledge to collaborate with others in making transformative change in their communities.

Self-leadership involves self-awareness; youth get to know themselves, acknowledge their unique experiences/backgrounds and become aware of their emotions and personal values.

The ultimate goal of self-leadership is emotional wellness, which involves recognizing, understanding and responding to emotional needs to gain an overall sense of positive well-being.

Leadership with others has to do with understanding one’s own perspective, appreciating the perspectives of others and being able to communicate effectively with others to encourage collaboration within and between teams.

Leadership in the community means taking positive actions toward a shared goal – actions informed by youths’ self-awareness and their ability to collaborate with others. As youth seek to understand community needs, listen and engage with people from diverse perspectives, they learn that they can leverage their self-knowledge to collaborate with others in making transformative change in their communities.

Through the Youth of the Year Leadership Development Suite, youth develop their strengths in self-leadership, leadership with others and leadership in the community , building a strong foundation for personal growth, collaboration with others, and the ability to take positive action in the world around them. As adults and peers work together, they become allies, sharing ownership and responsibility and contributing their unique strengths toward a goal of creating change. Youth also prepare to meet the workforce challenges of tomorrow by exploring their interests and passions, developing their employability skills and applying their knowledge to real-world experiences. (See “Leadership and Service Core Program Area Pathway” in the Appendix.)

Youth of the Month Leadership Recognition Program – Program Outcome Model

Junior Youth of the Year Leadership Readiness Program – Program Outcome Model

Youth of the Year Leadership Development Targeted Program Sessions – Program Outcome Model

Acknowledgments

Boys & Girls Clubs of America gratefully acknowledges the many people who contributed to the development of the Youth of the Year Leadership Development Suite, made possible by the generous support of our Youth of the Year Signature Partner, Toyota, and our lead partner, Mondelez International.

The following BGCA national staff members contributed to the development of this program:

Senior Vice President

Youth Development

National Vice President

Youth Development

National Vice President

Youth Development

National Director

Youth Development Programs

National Director

Youth Development Programs

National Director

Youth Development

Senior Director

Youth Development Activations

Senior Director

Youth Development Programs

Director

Youth Development Programs

Director

Editorial Services

Director

Creative Projects and Management

Content Development and Editorial

Graphic Design

Senior Art Director

Business Support Specialist

Anti-Defamation League. (2021). 10 ways youth can engage in activism. adl.org/education/resources/tools-and-strategies/10-ways-youth-can-engage-in-activism.

Anti-Defamation League. (2021). Exploring solutions to address racial disparity concerns. adl.org/education/educator-resources/lesson-plans/exploring-solutions-to-address-racial-disparity-concerns.

Anti-Defamation League. (2021). Social justice poetry. adl.org/education/educator-resources/lesson-plans/ social-justice-poetry.

Anti-Defamation League. (2021). Using art to explore injustice and social justice. adl.org/education/educator-resources/lesson-plans/using-art-to-explore-injustice-and-social-justice.

Bacon, Perry Jr. (2020, June 4). How the police see issues of race and policing. FiveThirtyEight.com. fivethirtyeight.com/features/how-the-police-see-issues-of-race-and-policing.

Brackett, M., Divecha, D., and Stern, R. (2015, May 19). Teaching teenagers to develop their emotional intelligence. Harvard Business Review. hbr.org/2015/05/teaching-teenagers-to-develop-their-emotional-intelligence.

Common Sense Media. (n.d.). Learning with technology. Retrieved April 10, 2021 from commonsensemedia.org/learning-with-technology /how-can-i-tell-if-an-app-or-a-website-is-really-good-for-learning.

Craig, Heather. (2021, Feb. 27). 83 leadership activities, building games and exercises. PositivePsychology.com. positivepsychology.com/leadership-activities .

Dell’Angelo, Tabitha. (2014, Sept. 29). Creating classrooms for social justice. Edutopia.org edutopia.org/blog/creating-classrooms-for-social-justice-tabitha-dellangelo.

Dylan, Sara. (2020, Oct. 13). Leadership activities for teenagers. teenwire.org/leadership-activities-for- teenagers/#:~:text=Minefield%20Is%20a%20Great%20Leadership%20Activity%20for%20Teenagers&text=To%20make%20it%20more%20challenging,are%20paired%20up%20in%20groups.

Forder, Meghan Lynch. (2019, July 22). What teens gain when they contribute to their social groups . Greater Good Magazine. greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/what_teens_gain_when_they_contribute_to_their_social_groups#:~:text=Studies%20show%20that%20young%20adolescents,don’t%20have%20such%20opportunities.

I Care. (n.d.). Value cards activity. Retrieved March 29, 2021 from icarevalues.org/value_activity.htm.

Ingram, Patreese D. (2008). Diversity activities for youth and adults. College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University. extension.psu.edu/programs/4-h/members/projects-resources/diversity/diversityactivities.pdf.

Kouzes, James M., Barry Z. Posner, Beth High, Gary M. Morgan. (2013). The student leadership challenge: Student workbook and personal leadership journal. Jossey-Bass.

Landau, Peter. (2018, Sept. 13). The 9 best leadership games for skill development. projectmanager.com/blog/the-9-best-leadership-games .

Learning for Justice. (n.d.). Cooperative comics. Southern Poverty Law Center. Retrieved April 10, 2021 from learningforjustice.org/classroom-resources/lessons/cooperative-comics .

Let’s Cultivate Greatness. (2017). Team building idea flip deck. Let’s Cultivate Greatness, LLC.

Perrenoud, M. (n.d.). Developing youth-led activities: Engaging youth as leaders and decision-makers. California AfterSchool Network. Retrieved April 1, 2021 from afterschoolnetwork.org/sites/main/files/file-attachments/dev_youth_led_act_booklet_0.pdf?1392327385 .

Public Broadcasting Service. (2018, Nov. 6). Student voices: Here are election issues on most teenagers’ minds. PBS News Hour Extra, News Hour Productions, LLC. pbs.org/newshour/extra/student-voices/student-voices-here-are-the-issues-teens-want-to-see-changed .

Rothwell, M. (2015). Teen leadership skill development through participation in leadership training. Unpublished thesis, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/bitstream/handle/10919/64285/Rothwell%20Marie%20Project.pdf?sequence=3.

Van Velsor, Ellen. (2012, Oct. 16). Developing young leaders: Great potential, significant gaps. Center for Creative Leadership. insights.ccl.org/blog/developing-young-leaders-great-potential-significant-gaps.

Western Justice. (n.d.). Negotiation role-playing. Retrieved March 3, 2021 from westernjustice.org.

Western Justice. (n.d.). 12 tactics for handling bias. Retrieved March 3, 2021 from westernjustice.org.

Yates, Clinton, Lonnae O’Neal, Aaron Dodson, Rhiannon Walker. (2016, July 8). Black police officers’ perspective. TheUndefeated.com. theundefeated.com/features/a-black-police-officers-perspective.

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International Advocacy
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News articles
Meaningful and Inclusive Youth Participation
Youth-Led Advocacy
Movement Building
Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
SRHR Language
Stories of change

What is youth leadership

Young people need to be actively involved in the design, implementation, and evaluation of SRHR programs, interventions and policy-making. However, in order to actively advocate for their rights, young people (may) need support to develop their knowledge and skills. Having strengthened youth leadership skills allows young people to participate in a meaningful way in local, national, regional, and international advocacy processes and programs. For example, when young people are coming together to prepare for a community dialogue with the local leaders, they are exercising as much leadership as the person who is ultimately participating in the dialogue and is in direct talks with the local leaders.

Youth leadership skills

Youth leadership skills contain two abilities: (1) the ability to guide other people in a certain direction and to influence other people’s opinions and behavior, and (2) the ability to analyze and work with your own strengths and areas of improvement, to believe in yourself, and to achieve your goals.

Youth leadership skills can be strengthened by participating in youth leadership trainings. Participants are able to practice skills that can be used in directing people and influencing other people’s opinions and behavior. Trainers facilitate skill strengthening by creating an environment in which the participants can explore what kind of youth leader they are or would like to become.

Some examples of youth leadership skills are:

Feedback skills: both giving and receiving feedback
Presentation skills
Listening skills
Giving a speech
Communication skills
Working in teams
Motivation skills
Convincing skills
Negotiation skills

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The Robert Bowne Foundation Legacy

HISTORY: The Robert Bowne Foundation
VISION: Building a Field of Out-of-School Time Youth Literacy
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Building Individual & Organizational Capacity
EVOLVING PRACTICE: Inquiry, Reflection, Research
2015 RBF Legacy Celebration!
The RBF Legacy Project Team

Youth Leadership: Program Examples

Explore & Download These Resources

Ethnodrama & Youth Leadership

An Infinite Earth podcast about ethnodramatic programming through Community Allies, LLC, which helps youth acquire sophisticated understandings of societal processes, gain communication skills, and learn where and how they can advocate for themselves and others. Students use their research to teach others, administrators, teachers, parents, and communities access much-needed healing.

» Listen to the Podcast «

Hollaback Global Site Leader Program

Hollaback! has trained over 550 young leaders to become site leaders in their communities. Participants receive nine months of free trainings and monthly webinars on strategic planning, community outreach, technology, intersectionality, traditional and social media, volunteerism, and public speaking. Each team that goes through the gains the skills to run a site and engage in on-the-ground action. Once they launch their site, they become a part of the Hollaback! Site Leader Network for ongoing training and support.

» Visit the Website «

Youth Leadership Institute

A project of the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation , this project works with youth in St. Paul, MN to develop youths’ understanding of themselves and their culture; equip youth with the knowledge, skills and qualities needed for leadership; encourage youths’ appreciation for the culture of others and promote cross-cultural leadership; build youth leadership through meaningful engagement in real community issues.

Global Kids Youth Conference

This conference, designed and delivered by youth participating in the Global Kids program in New York, explores the theme of peace and justice.

» Watch the Video «

Young Adult Leadership Curriculum

A different look at leadership and youth leadership training. A complete curriculum guide from Pathways RTC. Their work is guided by the perspectives of young people and their families, and based on a positive development framework.

» Download the Curriculum (PDF) «

The Relationship between Cross-Age Teaching and Social & Emotional Learning.

This publication provides a rationale for setting up a cross-age teaching program, as well describes a case study of a 4-H program, and the benefits of doing so.

» Download the Publication (PDF) «

Youth Leadership Table of Contents

Youth Leadership: Articles & Research
Youth Leadership: Resources
Youth Leadership: Professional Development
Youth Leadership: OST Field Notes

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Grants Available

Youth leader development and career training grants: female team leader leans over table talking to team while pointing at things on table

Grants to improve job/career training at community colleges

GRANT FOCUS: Community College, Job/Career Training, Youth Employment, Youth Development | Amount: $1,500,000 -...

disadvantaged youth sports equipment grants

Grants to create/renovate youth sports spaces in underserved communities

GRANT FOCUS: Youth Sports, Youth Development, Physical Activity, SEL, Underserved Communities | Amount: $50,000...

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Grants for institutional partnerships to reduce inequality in youth outcomes

GRANT FOCUS: Youth Inequality, Youth Outcomes, Research, Race/Ethnicity, Disadvantaged Youth | Amount: $650,000 |...

Low-Income Community Minority-Owned Business Support grants; young black woman stands at the front of her shop

Disadvantaged and minority small business support program grants

GRANT FOCUS: Nonprofit/Small Business Support, Disadvantaged/Underserved Communities | Amount: $1,000,000 | Deadline: Sept. 5,...

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Healthy family homes program grants

GRANT FOCUS: Child/Youth Health, Child/Youth Development, Housing, Environmental Health | Amount: $1,000,000 - $2,000,000...

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Community-based maternal mental and behavioral health program grants

GRANT FOCUS: Maternal Health, Mental/Behavioral Health, Substance Abuse/Use, Healthcare Access, Community | Amount: Up...

Silicon Valley region disadvantaged community action grants

GRANT FOCUS: Disadvantaged Communities, BIPOC Communities, Racial/Social Justice, California | Amount: Unspecified | Deadline:...

Welcome to the United Nations

From refugee to trailblazer: Monicah Malith's Journey to leadership

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Monicah Malith's story is about resilience, determination, and personal achievements. Fleeing conflict in South Sudan at 12, Monicah's journey took her from the harsh realities of refugee life to the prestigious role of the first-ever female refugee and non-Kenyan President of the University of Nairobi Students Association.

I was born and raised in South Sudan, where my family lived as nomadic pastoralists. From a young age, my life was marked by constant movement in search of pasture and water for our cattle. However, escalating conflict across the country gradually disrupted that life.

In my case, it changes my life trajectory.

Journey to Kenya

In 2008, when I was around 12 years old, my aunt decided to seek safety from the conflict in South Sudan and took me with her to Kenya. The journey from South Sudan to Kenya took about two days, and we travelled on a lorry transporting soda crates.

I vividly remember our arrival in the Kakuma refugee camp. It was July 13, 2008.

Initially, I was expected to help my brothers, who were also on the journey, with household chores. I was not to attend school. When they were leaving for Kenya, my aunt wanted me to come along and insisted that I should not be left behind, and my mother was determined to provide me with an education.

Traditionally, boys ‘education is favoured over that of girls. Nevertheless, my aunt and mother would not go along. Despite these challenges, my mother wanted me to have the same education as my brothers.

By empowering us through education, we can break the cycle of hardship and provide a path towards a brighter future.

I enrolled in primary school, a year after arriving in Kenya. I could not read and only spoke Dinka, my mother tongue. Yet, with determination and the support of my family and mentors, I quickly caught up with my classmates.

By the end of my first year in school, I was top of my class and was awarded the title of "most improved pupil" across all classes.

I got a lot of help and support from my family and mentors. Dr. Bok Chol Bok, a mentor and family member, tutored me daily, helping me learn the basics and catch up academically.My teacher also supported me by helping me with spelling and writing my name for the first time.

My mother, who ran a small restaurant back in South Sudan, worked hard to pay for my school fees and constantly motivated me by emphasizing the power of education.

I will always remember what she told me: 'I'm sending you to Kenya, and I will suffer for you. I'll do anything to make sure that you study.'

Higher education

Completing primary and secondary education made my determination to pursue higher education stronger. Despite financial constraints and societal pressures to marry, I remained focused on my studies. The loss of my father during my final year of high school was a significant emotional challenge, but it also strengthened my resolve to succeed.

I applied for and received the DAFI (Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative) scholarship, which provided financial support for my university education. This scholarship was a turning point, giving me the peace of mind to focus on my studies without worrying about school fees.

Driven by my aspiration to hopefully improve the justice system in South Sudan, I enrolled in the University of Nairobi to study law. There, determined to succeed and impact changes, I run for the presidency of the University of Nairobi Students Association.

Many of my fellow students did not believe I would make it because I was a refugee and a female. Then, no refugee, no female and no foreign national student candidate has ever been elected.

Yet, the more I was being reminded of the reasons why I couldn’t be elected, the more I was determined.

I wanted to prove to them that a refugee and a female South Sudanese have equal chances, and can compete just like any other other student.

My campaign was guided by thorough preparation, including reviewing the university's student association constitution to ensure my eligibility, and building an extensive network. I campaigned across the university's 13 campuses, using social media platforms like Twitter to reach a wider audience.

My efforts paid off, and I became the first-ever female refugee and non-Kenyan President of the University of Nairobi Students Association.

Advocacy and mentorship

Beyond my role in the student association, I founded the Youth Uplift Network and the Gender Inclusive Community.

These initiatives are aimed at supporting and mentoring other students, particularly refugee girls because I am a passionate advocate for increased financial support for refugee students and promoting kindness towards them.

I strongly believe education is the only thing that can transform your life, break free from societal constraints, and chart your own path.

My personal experiences and the support I received from my family and mentors deeply motivate my choices.

My desire to break stereotypes associated with being a refugee, a foreigner, and a female in leadership drives me to achieve my goals and I am committed to proving that refugees and women can lead and succeed.

Looking to the future, I aim to improve the justice system in South Sudan and continue advocating for the education and empowerment of refugee girls. I believe that by sharing my story and serving as a role model, I can inspire others to overcome challenges and achieve their dreams because if you seize every opportunity, no one and nothing can hinder you from achieving what you want.

My life story is a testament to the power of education, resilience, and determination. My journey highlights the importance of support systems, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to one's goals. My advocacy and leadership continue to inspire and drive positive change for refugee girls and students worldwide. By empowering us through education, we can break the cycle of hardship and provide a path towards a brighter future.

Also in this issue

The Manor: A home for Africa's greatest stories

Famine now prevalent in parts of war-torn Sudan

UN General Assembly recognizes Kiswahili Language Day

Empowering Africa's Youth: A Commitment to Our Future

Nurturing hope and leadership among Gaza’s young people

Two adult women sit with a group of young children around a table

07 August 2024

A young woman holds a child in front of tents

GAZA, Palestine – “My message to the world is how important it is to strengthen the role of youth in societies, and to invest in their potential,” said twenty-three-year old Sarah Al Shamali, from Gaza City.

A volunteer with local NGO the Sharek Youth Forum in Gaza, Ms. Al Shamali is currently displaced for the ninth time and lives in a crowded refugee camp. Before the latest eruption of violence she ran her own media and graphic design company, where she honed the leadership skills she is now teaching to hundreds of her fellow Gazans.

“I was motivated to alleviate the suffering of Gaza’s citizens,” she told UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. “I want to show the world that no circumstances will extinguish the lifeline of hope for our young people.”

Ms. Al Shamali and her colleagues are providing practical support, from educational programmes to distributing safe water in displacement camps, and cultivating a spirit of solidarity among Gaza's youth.

She described her experience as a volunteer as “transformative,” explaining that it has helped her to navigate crises, strengthened her resilience and confirmed her belief in the potential of future generations, “because young people embody the soul and energy of our country.”

Catalysts for change

Some 1.9 million people are currently displaced in Gaza, many of them already multiple times. Most are living in temporary, insecure and unsanitary shelters, vastly increasing their exposure to diseases and gender-based violence yet with scarce access to even the most basic health care.

A UNFPA-supported youth programme launched in December 2023 has so far engaged almost 1,000 volunteers to assist more than 90,000 young people across Gaza. Funded by Education Above All , the initiative offers psychological counselling, stress relief activities, support for survivors of gender-based violence, and essential supplies and advice during public health campaigns.

Such efforts are essential – not only to meet the immediate psychosocial needs of young people, but also to equip conflict- and trauma-affected youth with skills to rebuild a more peaceful future. Studies from conflict- and post-conflict settings show that community-, peer- and survivor-led community support programmes can significantly improve the health and well-being of women and young people who are vulnerable to violence.

Ms. Al Shamali described being struck by the creativity young people showed in meeting the needs of their communities, such as building clay ovens and setting up temporary educational spaces. “The most valuable investment lies in empowering them as the owners of their ideas, initiatives and projects – they can find solutions to society's challenges, as leaders, innovators, and as our future.”

The volunteers have also distributed essential menstrual hygiene and sanitary supplies to women and girls, rebuilt classrooms, and installed bathrooms and solar panels in displacement camps.

Youth resilience amid war in Gaza

A man paints a green heart onto a young girl’s cheek

“Children are experiencing what I endured in my youth – pain, siege and war,” said Ahmed Halabi. “No child should suffer like this.”

Mr. Halabi, 26, was born and raised in Gaza City and now volunteers with local NGO and UNFPA partner Save Youth Future Society . He channels his own childhood experience living under Israeli occupation into designing youth-led initiatives that provide psychological support, primarily for children, teenagers and women.

Psychological services are critical in Gaza, where 1 million children now require this support. Reports of gender-based violence are rising in Gaza city and the north, as services shutter and staff are forced to flee constant attacks and insecurity. The traumas and disruptions of conflict are known to exacerbate gender-based violence, and although difficult to ensure during ongoing hostilities, community support structures can help prevent this damaging ripple effect. One initiative encourages young men and boys to assume positive gender roles in their families and lessen their stress and anger by playing sport, such as football. Doctors also dress up as clowns to visit children and provide first aid, while local NGOs the Charity Fund and Eid Lantern distribute gifts and lanterns for Eid – a commitment to restoring some sense of normality amid the chaos of war.

“We saw the happiness among the children, the laughter – as if a spark of hope had returned to their eyes: The parents too would watch their children with smiles and joy.”

What began with 10 volunteers assisting 50 children has now expanded to 40 volunteers reaching over 300. Working with young people helps to foster social cohesion, as learning to lead community initiatives can reduce stress and prevent violence, provide an outlet for their energy and emotions, and teach teamwork and communication.

A safe space for the future

In the south of Gaza, gender-based violence referrals have been reestablished and some services are running, but extraordinary challenges remain – namely a lack of fuel, exorbitant rental and operational costs and a severe lack of supplies.

To help plug these gaps, UNFPA is supporting six safe spaces in displacement camps in Gaza City and northern Gaza, which provide psychosocial support, sexual and reproductive health care, referrals for legal services and essential hygiene kits. Youth volunteers at these spaces engage other young people in arts and crafts, sport, singing, theatre and games.

Although themselves traumatized by the suffering of their families, friends and fellow Gazans, those working in these roles are carrying on, relentless in their dedication.

“If you ask me about my biggest gains from this volunteering, I would say everything I have been able to provide to the displaced children of my city,” said Ahmed.

International Youth Day

My future, my choices: Empowering young Arab women and girls

A woman stands with three children in front of a box and a basin.

Supporting the first line of response amid climate crises in Yemen

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How To Tackle The Weirdest Supplemental Essay Prompts For This Application Cycle

Writing the college essay

How do you write a letter to a friend that shows you’re a good candidate for the University of Pennsylvania? What reading list will help the Columbia University admissions committee understand your interdisciplinary interests? How can you convey your desire to attend Yale by inventing a course description for a topic you’re interested in studying?

These are the challenges students must overcome when writing their supplemental essays . Supplemental essays are a critical component of college applications—like the personal statement, they provide students with the opportunity to showcase their authentic voice and perspective beyond the quantitative elements of their applications. However, unlike the personal essay, supplemental essays allow colleges to read students’ responses to targeted prompts and evaluate their candidacy for their specific institution. For this reason, supplemental essay prompts are often abstract, requiring students to get creative, read between the lines, and ditch the traditional essay-writing format when crafting their responses.

While many schools simply want to know “why do you want to attend our school?” others break the mold, inviting students to think outside of the box and answer prompts that are original, head-scratching, or downright weird. This year, the following five colleges pushed students to get creative—if you’re struggling to rise to the challenge, here are some tips for tackling their unique prompts:

University of Chicago

Prompt: We’re all familiar with green-eyed envy or feeling blue, but what about being “caught purple-handed”? Or “tickled orange”? Give an old color-infused expression a new hue and tell us what it represents. – Inspired by Ramsey Bottorff, Class of 2026

What Makes it Unique: No discussion of unique supplemental essay prompts would be complete without mentioning the University of Chicago, a school notorious for its puzzling and original prompts (perhaps the most well-known of these has been the recurring prompt “Find x”). This prompt challenges you to invent a new color-based expression, encouraging both linguistic creativity and a deep dive into the emotional or cultural connotations of color. It’s a prompt that allows you to play with language, think abstractly, and show off your ability to forge connections between concepts that aren’t typically linked—all qualities that likewise demonstrate your preparedness for UChicago’s unique academic environment.

How to Answer it: While it may be easy to get distracted by the open-ended nature of the prompt, remember that both the substance and structure of your response should give some insight into your personality, perspective, and characteristics. With this in mind, begin by considering the emotions, experiences, or ideas that most resonate with you. Then, use your imagination to consider how a specific color could represent that feeling or concept. Remember that the prompt is ultimately an opportunity to showcase your creativity and original way of looking at the world, so your explanation does not need to be unnecessarily deep or complex—if you have a playful personality, convey your playfulness in your response; if you are known for your sarcasm, consider how you can weave in your biting wit; if you are an amateur poet, consider how you might take inspiration from poetry as you write, or offer a response in the form of a poem.

The goal is to take a familiar concept and turn it into something new and meaningful through a creative lens. Use this essay to showcase your ability to think inventively and to draw surprising connections between language and life.

Harvard University

Prompt: Top 3 things your roommates might like to know about you.

What Makes it Unique: This prompt is unique in both form and substance—first, you only have 150 words to write about all 3 things. Consider using a form other than a traditional essay or short answer response, such as a bullet list or short letter. Additionally, note that the things your roommate might like to learn about you do not necessarily overlap with the things you would traditionally share with an admissions committee. The aim of the prompt is to get to know your quirks and foibles—who are you as a person and a friend? What distinguishes you outside of academics and accolades?

How to Answer it: First and foremost, feel free to get creative with your response to this prompt. While you are producing a supplemental essay and thus a professional piece of writing, the prompt invites you to share more personal qualities, and you should aim to demonstrate your unique characteristics in your own voice. Consider things such as: How would your friends describe you? What funny stories do your parents and siblings share that encapsulate your personality? Or, consider what someone might want to know about living with you: do you snore? Do you have a collection of vintage posters? Are you particularly fastidious? While these may seem like trivial things to mention, the true creativity is in how you connect these qualities to deeper truths about yourself—perhaps your sleepwalking is consistent with your reputation for being the first to raise your hand in class or speak up about a cause you’re passionate about. Perhaps your living conditions are a metaphor for how your brain works—though it looks like a mess to everyone else, you have a place for everything and know exactly where to find it. Whatever qualities you choose, embrace the opportunity to think outside of the box and showcase something that admissions officers won’t learn about anywhere else on your application.

University of Pennsylvania

Prompt: Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge.

What Makes it Unique: Breaking from the traditional essay format, this supplement invites you to write directly to a third party in the form of a 150-200 word long letter. The challenge in answering this distinct prompt is to remember that your letter should say as much about you, your unique qualities and what you value as it does about the recipient—all while not seeming overly boastful or contrived.

How to Answer it: As you select a recipient, consider the relationships that have been most formative in your high school experience—writing to someone who has played a large part in your story will allow the admissions committee some insight into your development and the meaningful relationships that guided you on your journey. Once you’ve identified the person, craft a thank-you note that is specific and heartfelt—unlike other essays, this prompt invites you to be sentimental and emotional, as long as doing so would authentically convey your feelings of gratitude. Describe the impact they’ve had on you, what you’ve learned from them, and how their influence has shaped your path. For example, if you’re thanking a teacher, don’t just say they helped you become a better student—explain how their encouragement gave you the confidence to pursue your passions. Keep the tone sincere and personal, avoid clichés and focus on the unique role this person has played in your life.

University of Notre Dame

Prompt: What compliment are you most proud of receiving, and why does it mean so much to you?

What Makes it Unique: This prompt is unique in that it invites students to share something about themselves by reflecting on someone else’s words in 50-100 words.

How to Answer it: The key to answering this prompt is to avoid focusing too much on the complement itself and instead focus on your response to receiving it and why it was so important to you. Note that this prompt is not an opportunity to brag about your achievements, but instead to showcase what truly matters to you. Select a compliment that truly speaks to who you are and what you value. It could be related to your character, work ethic, kindness, creativity, or any other quality that you hold in high regard. The compliment doesn’t have to be grand or come from someone with authority—it could be something small but significant that left a lasting impression on you, or it could have particular meaning for you because it came from someone you didn’t expect it to come from. Be brief in setting the stage and explaining the context of the compliment—what is most important is your reflection on its significance and how it shaped your understanding of yourself.

Stanford University

Prompt: List five things that are important to you.

What Makes it Unique: This prompt’s simplicity is what makes it so challenging. Stanford asks for a list, not an essay, which means you have very limited space (50 words) to convey something meaningful about yourself. Additionally, the prompt does not specify what these “things” must be—they could be a physical item, an idea, a concept, or even a pastime. Whatever you choose, these five items should add depth to your identity, values, and priorities.

How to Answer it: Start by brainstorming what matters most to you—these could be values, activities, people, places, or even abstract concepts. The key is to choose items or concepts that, when considered together, provide a comprehensive snapshot of who you are. For example, you might select something tangible and specific such as “an antique telescope gifted by my grandfather” alongside something conceptual such as “the willingness to admit when you’re wrong.” The beauty of this prompt is that it doesn’t require complex sentences or elaborate explanations—just a clear and honest reflection of what you hold dear. Be thoughtful in your selections, and use this prompt to showcase your creativity and core values.

While the supplemental essays should convey something meaningful about you, your values, and your unique qualifications for the university to which you are applying, the best essays are those that are playful, original, and unexpected. By starting early and taking the time to draft and revise their ideas, students can showcase their authentic personalities and distinguish themselves from other applicants through their supplemental essays.

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Pan Africa Youth Leadership Program (PAYLP) – Spring 2024 Opening

The Pan-Africa Youth Leadership Program (PAYLP) is a transformative three-week exchange experience for high school students, aged 15 to 18, from Africa. This dynamic program invites young leaders to the United States to live with host families and participate in leadership and civic education workshops, engage in community service, visit local schools and organizations, work on projects, and take part in cultural activities with American peers.

Spring 2024 Cohort

On April 6, 2024, Meridian International Center proudly welcomed the PAYLP 2024 Spring cohort in Atlanta, Georgia. The group, comprising 81 African high school students and adult mentors from 24 countries, began with a five-day program opening. From the outset, p articipants received a program overview and engaged in sessions on leadership training and community action planning, crafting strategies to tackle critical issues like women’s empowerment, drug prevention, youth education, and leadership development in their home communities.

Immersed in Atlanta's rich culture, the cohort visited landmarks such as the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and the World of Coca-Cola, creating lasting memories and deepening their understanding of U.S. history and culture. These experiences created powerful moments of connection that participants described as “forever engraved” in their minds.

As the program progressed, participants exchanged stories of their diverse ethnic, religious, and national backgrounds. The program opening culminated in country presentations, where each cohort proudly shared their culture, forging new relationships and a deep mutual understanding before continuing their journey to host cities across the U.S.

PAYLP is designed to develop leadership capacity and potential in the next generation of African leaders, primarily through dynamic trainings and cultural exchange with their American counterparts. The goals of the PAYLP program are:

Enhance the civic engagement, consensus building, and leadership skills of a cadre of young leaders from Sub-Saharan African Countries.
Promote mutual understanding, sustainable partnerships and relationships among and between U.S. and Sub-Saharan Africa program participants and between key civil society groups in the U.S. and counterpart organizations in participants’ home countries.
Provide continued support for implementation of projects aimed at encouraging civic engagement among diverse ethnic populations.
Involve a broader audience in learning and teaching opportunities.

Project summary

Pan Africa Youth Leadership Program (PAYLP) – Spring 2024 Opening
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Beaufort County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Department All Aboard Youth Leadership Back to School Kick Off

Thursday, August 15, 2024 1:29 PM

Beaufort County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Department's STAR (Striving to Achieve Resiliency) Youth Leadership Program is kicking off the school year with an event encouraging middle school and high school students north of the Broad to develop peer-to-peer conversations about substance abuse in the hopes of reducing their misuse.

In partnership with All Aboard Beaufort, the event will be held Saturday, August 24 from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m., at the Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott Street ( map ).

Student participants will:

Be Changemakers: Help reduce alcohol and marijuana misuse through peer-to-peer interactions. Your voice matters, and you can make a real impact.
Earn Rewards: Rack up volunteer hours for awards while gaining leadership and communication skills that will set you apart.
Get Active: Participate in community scavenger hunts, create media campaigns, and present at schools—turning your ideas into action!
Meet Movers and Shakers: Engage with community leaders and make your mark on northern Beaufort County.

This is event is free and open to all interested middle school and high school students in northern Beaufort County. The All Aboard Beaufort coalition is funded through the Centers for Disease Control by a Drug-Free Communities award to address primary prevention efforts in northern Beaufort County communities.

For more information and to rsvp, contact Jodie Martinez at [email protected].

New Relic is named a Leader in the 2024 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Observability Platforms for the 12th Consecutive Time

New relic has been named a leader in every report since 2012.

By Katrina Wong, Chief Marketing Officer

We are honored that New Relic has been named a Leader in the 2024 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Observability Platforms . We are the only observability company to receive recognition as a Leader each time since 2012. This demonstrates our commitment to helping our customers like Domino’s , Mercado Libre , and Forbes Media stay consistently ahead in their respective markets.

Proliferation of monitoring tools is driving operational complexities

Businesses are facing growing technological and operational complexity due to the proliferation of specialized monitoring tools and distributed applications. This often leads to inefficiencies, miscommunication, and delayed responses to issues, negatively impacting customer experiences and revenue. We address these challenges with our unified observability platform, giving businesses a holistic view of their technology landscape and deep context for troubleshooting. We help businesses streamline their monitoring processes, quickly identify and address issues, and make data-driven decisions. This simplifies operations and enhances the ability to deliver consistent, high-quality customer experiences and drive innovation.

Innovating ahead of the market with OTel, AI, and DEM

Innovation is at the core of our success. In the last few months, we have maintained our long track record of innovation by collaborating with NVIDIA to provide New Relic AI monitoring for applications built with NVIDIA NIM, launching the first integrated, AI-driven DEM solution and New Relic Pathpoint , and deepening our support for OpenTelemetry . These innovations provide businesses of all sizes the latest advancements needed to optimize the performance and reliability of digital applications. We are delivering on our mission of making observability accessible to every business with the industry’s only true consumption pricing and natural language querying and analytics powered by its in-platform generative AI assistant, New Relic AI .

Recommended by 90% of customers as their platform of choice

We are one of the most-rated observability vendors by customers on the Gartner Peer Insights™ platform. We have an overall rating of 4.5 stars out of 5.0 based on 1389 verified customers, with 90% willingness to recommend the platform. A high percentage (63%) of verified reviewers rate New Relic 5.0 stars for observability. Our customers recognize us for our ability to:

Ensure system resilience and up to 100% uptime : “New Relic has been there for us through the ins and outs of sunsetting zabbix and the noise that it has brought, and replacing it with a holistic, data-driven observability and incident management policy, I cannot speak highly enough of how much they helped us along the road to a successful implementation, and it's led to quarters at 100% uptime so far!" — Staff Platform Engineer - Healthcare and Biotech
Deliver superior customer experiences : “Our organization's observability journey centered in customer experience from zero to hero: New Relic as [a] vendor helped our company to establish true O11y." — Principal Software Engineer - Travel & Hospitality
Provide deeper insights via single view of both apps and infrastructure : “New Relic provides a holistic solution that goes above just APM monitoring. It provides deep insights into the health, performance, and behavior of applications and infrastructure. As a user, I like how much I can get from one tool, and it reduces dependency on multiple tooling to get reporting and metrics. The APM feature provides real-time data and insights and helps us to track down bottlenecks and optimize code with the help of the granular data provided." — Sr Solution Architect - IT Services
Maximize value with a flexible consumption model : “The evolution of their pricing model has been noteworthy, transitioning to a more flexible consumption-style approach, enabling us to pay for the precise services utilized. The implementation of New Relic surpassed our initial expectations, streamlining the execution of our observability project and accelerating our project timeline. A pivotal factor that significantly enriched our overall experience was the unwavering dedication and transparency demonstrated by our New Relic Senior Account Executives. Their tireless efforts in developing precise cost projections, facilitating conversations with subject matter experts, championing our cause during contract negotiations, and consistently maintaining open lines of communication showcased their commitment to our success.” — Senior Manager, Infrastructure Engineering - Hardware

Thank you to our customers and partners who trust New Relic to monitor, secure, and optimize their stack. We’re honored to be the sole vendor recognized as a Leader in the Magic Quadrant for observability platforms for 12 years running, and remain committed to eliminating disruptions to your digital enterprise so that your business can grow.

Download your copy of the Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Observability Platforms.
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8. Embrace Change and Adaptability

The Nature of Change

Leader’s Role in Managing Change

9. Foster Teamwork and Collaboration

Importance of Teamwork in Leadership

Building and Sustaining Collaborative Teams

10. Incorporate Conflict Resolution Techniques

Understanding Conflict in Teams

Effective Conflict Resolution Strategies

11. Promote Creativity and Innovation

Role of Creativity in Leadership

Encouraging Innovative Thinking

12. Use Technology Responsibly

The Impact of Technology on Leadership

Best Practices for Technology Use

13. Engage in Personal Development

Importance of Personal Development

Strategies for Self-Improvement

14. Set and Achieve Goals

Goal Setting for Leaders

Techniques for Achieving Goals

15. Implement Effective Decision-Making

Importance of Decision-Making in Leadership

Techniques for Making Good Decisions

16. Prioritize Health and Well-being

Health Considerations for Leaders

Promoting Wellness Among Members

17. Exercise Patience and Persistence

The Role of Patience in Leadership

Cultivating Persistence in Leadership

18. Develop Networking Skills

Understanding the Power of Networking

Networking Strategies for Leaders

19. Practice Public Speaking and Presentation Skills

Importance of Public Speaking for Leaders

Improving Presentation Skills

20. Install a Growth Mindset

Understanding the Growth Mindset

Fostering a Growth Mindset Among Members

About The Author

Hidayat Rizvi

Leadership Tactics and Strategy for the Modern Day

Achievement Oriented Leadership: How to Lead with it

What is grassroots leadership and how its changing the world, one issue at a time

Traditional leadership vs modern leadership, difference, pros and cons

Important Links

Social Networks

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The essentials for leadership; a message for future youth leaders

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