What makes a good student leader you may wonder? Most people think being a leader means having a super important title and a high position. That isn’t necessarily the case. I don’t believe that you have to have a name tag to be considered a leader. The simple task of taking care of your family and making sure they’re well, makes you a leader because you’re setting an example for others to look up to you. There are many values and lessons I have learned over the years of being a leader, and I’m here to spill all the knowledge to you.
Passion Led Us Here
Be a part of groups and organizations that pique your interest because you never know where it will take you. Whatever you choose to dedicate your time to, make sure it’s what you’re passionate about. When you’re passionate about what you do, it won’t feel like work. It will feel like just another day of you doing something you love.
Be Genuine
I cannot stress how much authenticity matters! When you’re not being genuine it shows and there’s no way to hide it. People can pick up whether someone is being their true self and that will make people not be open with you. As a leader, it’s important to be genuine because it helps students feel comfortable with being themselves around you and feel welcomed around your presence. It also lets people know that you’re someone that they can trust and depend on.
Be Confident
Be confident in yourself because there’s literally, I mean literally, no one like you in this world. Your doppelgänger may be out there somewhere, but they don’t have the same personality and life experiences as you. You can easily fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others. But don’t do it. Be confident in who you are and what you bring to the table. It all starts with truly believing in yourself and your abilities. Also, don’t let the judgment of others deter you from what you want to do. Hold your head up high and believe in yourself fully.
It’s Bigger Than You
It’s important to remember that the work that you’re doing is way bigger than you. It’s about the mission or the purpose of the organization that you’re implementing through your leadership. Whether it’s improving the lives of the student body or empowering women all across campus, remember that those are the groups of people you’re representing. What you do as a leader affects not just you, but the people around you and the future leaders that will come after you.
Have Compassion for Others
The key ingredient to being a leader is to have a group of people to lead. It’s not easy to lead others because just like you have a mind of your own, so do the people in your group. There will be times when someone isn’t doing the work that they were assigned to complete, or they’re just not giving their all into a certain task. This is when you step in and be understanding. Pull them aside and ask them if everything is okay. Listen to what your group member says to you. Ask them if there’s anything you can do for them to give a helping hand. Don’t be harsh and rude. You will be surprised at how some people don’t treat others with kindness when someone is struggling.
Being a leader isn’t easy. But it’s worth it. You meet so many people who have similar goals and dreams as you. But you also meet people you have different perspectives than you. Leadership overall gives a voice to what changes you want to implement and see happening. If you were thinking of an organization or a group of people that you have been interested in joining, then take a leap of faith and do it!
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