What do you think about when you hear the word leader? A politician? Professor? Maybe even a law enforcement officer? All of these people may be leaders, but leadership extends far beyond these people. Leaders make a substantial difference in the community and in the lives of people around them. A leader is courageous and takes bold risks in difficult situations. A leader looks out for the best interests of an organization or group of people that he/she may oversee. I think it is important that we all cultivate our leadership potential because we are the future! Our generation will be the next to run the country, and educate the generations that will come after us. I believe an important aspect of being a leader is learning to first be a follower. Has anyone ever heard the phrase, “too many chiefs and not enough Indians?” Well in a ot of cases, this phrase applies. Sometimes leaders have to recognize when it is appropriate to take the back seat in a situation. Leaders are able to designate times in which they are vocal and times in which they allow others to take center stage. As college students, we are already on the path to being successful leaders by educating ourselves. By being a part of this Leadership and Community Engagment LLC, we are polishing our leadership techniques in order to further enhance the way we view the world and impact society. Everyone should realize that anyone can be a leader! There us no leadership stereotype! A lot of times, people feel intimidated because they may not be the “typical leader” but that is definitely no excuse. I challenge everyone to go out, and sharpen their leadership skills. Make a difference-BE a difference!!
Until next time,
Tediah Grant
October 3rd, 2012 at 4:17 pm
I totally agree! As young adults, a lot of people think a leader has to look a certain way or fit a certain mold. That is not the case at all. I mean, look at our LLC for example! We are so diverse! We come from different backgrounds, and walks of life, but we are all leaders. We all want to make a positive impact not just here at Mason but also on the world around us. I think we (as a generation) need to change our mentalities and fight the stereotypes! We can all make a change and be leaders!!
October 4th, 2012 at 7:20 pm
“Too many chiefs and not enough Indians” is something I thought I would experience a lot by living in a Leadership LLC. I am the type of person who doesn’t mind taking a back seat and observing. Actually, I prefer to sit back and watch. Sometimes when there are too many strong-minded people working together, they all feel the need to constantly voice their opinions. While having multiple people in the forefront may sound like a good thing, it can become overwhelming and cause tension. I agree when you said “to be a leader you have to know how to be a follower.” I feel that that is something that should be emphasized more in class.
October 9th, 2012 at 7:36 pm
Sup Tediah.
This morning, I was like “What is Tediah Grant going to grant me today?” and then Tediah was like “I’m GRANTing you these Leadership Tips!”
My mind was blown. Thanks Tediah, I agree that there are too many Leaders on this floor, and not enough Indians.
I wonder what Tediah will Grant me tomorrow? That’s always the question I ask myself before going to sleep at night. Don’t let me down Tediah!
October 10th, 2012 at 6:23 am
I definitely like that our group seems to have moved on from believing that leadership is about holding a position that has authority (politician, professor, etc.). Here is a question for folks on this thread – I often here people say that leaders need to learn to be followers “first.” But to me it seems to be more of a fluid thing. Not “first” a follower and “then” a leader, but sometimes one and sometimes the other. Even people who have years of leadership experience sometimes need to recognize that given a particular situation, their best contribution is to listen and support rather than decide, direct and delegate. Thoughts?