Some people are natural born leaders while others seem to cultivate important leadership characteristics. Whatever applies, I feel that it is important to exercise leadership skills. A lot of times people underestimate themselves or they convince themselves that they are not good enough or that someone is better than them in a specified area. However, I feel that it is essential that everyone use their leadership capabilities for the betterment of their communities and society as a whole! I have a question for everyone…Is being a leader a responsibility or a privilege? By book definition a responsibility is the ability or authority to act on one’s own without supervision while a privilege is defined as special advantage, right, or benefit granted to or enjoyed by an individual. So what is it? Personally, I feel like it is both. If naturally, you are given the talent then why not use it? Furthermore, if authority is used in the wrong manner it can be taken away.
What can you do to make sure this does not happen to you?
- Whenever you can be of service to someone or the community, DO IT!
- NEVER take advantage of authority, Be grateful for being elected into your position!
- Do not forget why you became a leader to begin with, because like most things in life-they can be snatched away at any moment and you do not want to be left with “what if” situations.
Ultimately, we are the decisive factors in the way we choose to lead, and first we must lead as an example.
That’s my take on leadership as a responsibility vs a privilege..
Thanks for reading!
Tediah Grant
Leadership- Responsibility vs Prvilege
October 17, 2012
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Posted by tgrant9
#dosomething
October 17, 2012With the inception of new technologies the age of the social networking has emerged. Ideas and information are now more accessible than ever and Americans have the ability to voice their opinions in ways like never before. With these concepts in mind a new form of social activism has emerged. The idea of signing pledges online, ‘liking’ pictures on Facebook to support a cause, forwarding e-mails to raise awareness and more recently the use of hashtags on Twitter to advocate a cause, a movement or even just mutual feelings, ie: #longhairdontcare. All these are just some of the ways Americans are reaching out, voicing their opinions and uniting those around the world. But is all this really making a difference?
Like any argument, this debate has two sides and it’s important to observe each carefully.
Recently, a video made by Invisible Children regarding the Lord’s Resistance Army and its leader Joseph Kony went viral on almost every social network. The 14 minute short film raised awareness of millions around the world within a matter of a few hours. The clip was followed up by hashtags over Twitter such as #stopkony or #kony2012, url links to the video on Facebook as well as criticism from several skeptics. However, the movement is worth mentioning due to the unprecedented momentum it produced throughout the masses as well as the heightened awareness which resulted.
However, in opposition, some critics have ventured to discount social media as a means of producing significant social change. Malcom Gladwell published an article titled, “Small Change: Why the Revolution Will Not Be Tweeted” in 2010 regarding his hesitations and reservations regarding the extent social networking is working to produce social change. Gladwell makes the argument that the Internet serves rather as a mask for individuals to hide their true faces behind when supporting particular people or causes as a means of tip-toeing around coming off too strong.
However, in an additional article, Cathy Davidson makes an attempt at compromising these two opposing views through stating the following, “The existence of social media neither necessitates nor preludes social activism”. She notes the events of the 20th century such as the civil rights movement and how social media worked to facilitate further action as well as raise awareness following the actions of key activists such as Rosa Parks. She goes on to say that individual actions are facilitated by social media, however, social media itself is insufficient to be counted as a means of significant social change. Click here for more
With each of these perspectives in mind, this idea can be related to how we are to lead in the generation we find ourselves in today. The bottom line is, activism requires ACTION. In order to make a difference, we must reach beyond the keyboard in front of us, beyond the world wide web and immerse ourselves in what true action and activism should look like.
“People seldom do what they believe in they do what is convenient, then repent” – Bob Dylan
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Posted by cshuler
Rules of Leadership
October 17, 2012I think a lot of problems associated with leadership today is centered around perfectionism. We all strive to be perfect in what we do, whether it’s leading a team or a various organization. Although perfection is what we all strive for, we all know that that is an unrealistic goal. Instead, leaders sometimes need to take a step back to refresh our minds and readjust to various circumstances that are presented before us. So, in the name of the leadership, I’ve provided a few helpful tips for leaders:
- When a situation is stressful, don’t overwhelm yourself insisting that it’s solved instantaniously
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help- it does not make you look weak or incompetent
- Know when to take the backseat- DON’T BE POWER HUNGRY!
- Recognize the strengths of individuals on your team and utilize them
Being a leader is often a daunting task, but it is nothing to feel inferior to. And if you don’t believe me, follow these rules from Colin Powell:
Until next time,
Keilah Sutton
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Posted by ksutton5
Of Tolerance & Toilet Paper
October 17, 2012With Halloween coming up, and the Paranormal Activity 4 screening on Thursday (whoop, whoop!), I got to thinking – what is “scary”? For example: to some, haunted houses induce fits of giggles and to others they may illicit nightmares. My point is, there are a lot of things in life that are up to interpretation.
This idea is applicable to many peoples opinions across the board; including the best route to take in the car to a destination, what weather constitutes as “perfect”, which stuffing recipe should be used at Thanksgiving dinner, and perhaps most controversial, which way the toilet paper roll should face [duh, duh, duh!!].
A cacophony of ideas inevitably ends in conflict over whose idea is “better”. What people often don’t realize is that their needs may best be met with one solution while another person’s or group’s needs may be better met with a different solution. The cliche saying “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” really is true. Taking a physical approach, just look at how discarded or otherwise unloved items are giving new life through recycling and flea markets!
Next time you think about getting into an argument about religion or politics (or anything else!) with someone, whether they are close to your heart or not, remember that you two are entirely separate individuals and that you have different needs. I’ve talked in class before about “meeting felt needs”. You and the individual in question will have some needs that you feel should be addressed differently, so try not to bash others merely because you can not understand or assimilate their needs.
Being more sensitive to the varying opinions of others will help you build rapport on those things you do have in common, and still be able to respect the fact that you two can’t see precisely eye to eye. I think using this method of tolerance can help someone become a valued member in a community and a respectable leader.
What is your Great Debate ?
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Posted by mkinsey
DO NOT STRETCH!
October 17, 2012
When it comes to going to the gym, you should always stretch before you work out. It is called a “warm-up”. You do your work out. You stretch to cool down. When it comes to being a leader, I can not stress this enough: DO NOT STRETCH! Now, here me out.
Leadership for one is not the same as working out; however, it is a work out. Leading isn’t easy. We all know that even though anyone can do it. When it comes to my pivotal piece of advice “DO NOT STRETCH!”, I mean don’t stretch yourself too thin. Pick one, two, maybe even three things that you really love to fight or advocate for. Leave it at that.
Now, I have told what not to do, but I bet you are wonder why not? I will do that right now since you asked. When you stretch while leading, you stretch yourself out among all of your efforts. Especially if you are a perfectionist like many leaders, you try to stretch yourself 100% among all of your efforts. The inevitable response to this is stress. I know this from personal experience.
During high school, which was so long ago (5 months ago), I was a very involved student leader. I was involved in theater, my Legal Studies Academy, my Mentor Program, my Young Democrats group, and other things. On top of all that, I had my school work to conquer and my family issues to deal with (don’t even get me started on that).
Anyways, the point I’m making if you have stress overloading you. Normally, people resort to depression and self-harming acts and suicidal ideations. Those are issues that most leaders deal with at one point of their life. Most go to therapist or talk to someone else. If you follow my advice, you won’t stretch yourself in the first place.
I leave you with this:
“My success, part of it certainly, is that I have focused in on few things.” -Bill Gates
5 Comments | LCE LLC | Tagged: Dean, Don't, Roger, Stretch | Permalink
Posted by Roger Dean
2011 Top American Leaders
October 17, 2012Recently, I found a very interesting article regarding the men and women who were named the 2011 Top American Leaders (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-leadership/post/leadership-advice-from-the-2011-top-american-leaders/2011/04/01/gIQAc2zrZO_blog.html). Harvard’s Kennedy School and the Washington Post selected these seven selected leaders. The winners all gathered in a forum where they gave advice to the public about how to hone in on their own leadership potential. The winners were former FDIC chairman Sheila Bair, New York Governor Chris Christie, Google Ideas Director Jared Cohen, University of Maryland Baltimore County President Freeman Hrabowski, Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts President Michael Kaiser, New York Times Columnist Nicholas Kristof, and Nobel Prize winner and United States Science Envoy to the Middle East Ahmed Zewail. They all had different backgrounds, came from different walks of life, and held different beliefs, but everyone was known for their outstanding leadership abilities.
Despite the obvious differences, each leader held very similar values. These values included honesty, focusing on the task at hand instead of worrying about the future, and the need to improve education. The general consensus was that “leadership is about groups rather than individuals and about character rather than title.” I could not agree more with this philosophy of leadership.
Although every single leader had a different idea for what makes a good leader, each person highlighted the fact that the group is more important than the individual and that one must have integrity in order to lead. What do you think? Are these the most important things for a leader to remember? Hrabowski put it perfectly when he stated that “leadership is not about the status of one person, but the dreams and values of a group of people.” Kristoff also believed that “leadership is above all else a state of mind.”
Do these ideas presented by the 2011 Top American Leaders line up with your ideas surrounding leadership? When leading, is it more important to focus on the task at hand instead of the future, or should the future be the first thing we worry about?
2 Comments | LCE LLC, Uncategorized | Permalink
Posted by cbutle11
Stop the Shouting! Disappointing leadership…
October 17, 2012
I am sure that all of us or the majority of us have watched the Presidential Debate last night. At the beginning I thought I had my set mind made up as a declared Democrat, but I wanted to keep my mind open. I have discovered to be moderate and see both sides. However, in order for me to make a smart decision as a young voter, I want to know both candidates plans and HOW they are going to implement their way of action to fulfill all these promises. I was disappointed in the more hostile debating style that both candidates had, especially Romney. This DOES NOT mean that I am biased against the Republican side. I thought that he had some good points, but didn’t show how he was going to do it. President Obama could have also done a better job. I feel like leadership is not about all that talk, but action and how you are going to get things done. Instead of bashing the other side, an individual should focus on oneself to show that they are the right decision. Here comes the question of whether “Obama and Romney were too aggressive”, which I read in another blog that can be found under this link: (Aggressive Presidential Debate). Also, the Washington Post commented on the debate, stating, “A far more aggressive President Obama showed up for his second debate with Mitt Romney on Tuesday, and at moments their town-hall-style engagement felt more like a shouting match than a presidential debate. The two men challenged each other on the facts, talked over each other and stalked each other across the stage” (Washington Post).It is sad and disappointing to me to have an inmature debate, which portrays the future of our nation for the next four years. I hope that the next debate will be for the people, rather than egos. All I care about is to make the right and best decision to vote for the better good of America.
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Posted by soofed
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: Skip reading this post and not post a comment on said post
October 17, 2012If you think you are going to skip this post and not read more, and not even post a comment, well then you better….
1 Comment | LCE LLC, Uncategorized | Permalink
Posted by Daedalus
Effective Way of Creating Change: Yes or No?
October 17, 2012I recently volunteered at the LAMB center here in Fairfax with my campus ministry group. If you haven’t heard of it, the LAMB center is a day shelter for people who are homeless or who have very low incomes. It provides breakfast, lunch, showers, laundry service, job search assistance, Bible study, and other services.
To help with job searches, the center has a closet of nice business clothes for interviews. My job for the day was to organize the closet and iron dress shirts. Afterwards, I talked with some of the people there and helped clean up after lunch.
In the article called “What is Social Change?” by Professor Wagner that we read at the beginning of the semester, there was a section called “Possible Pitfalls in Social Change” (28-32) that explained faults that could potentially happen in social change efforts despite good intentions. The center’s ultimate main goal is to combat homelessness in the Fairfax area. I think that this organization is one that doesn’t fall into one of the “pitfalls” because it doesn’t just stop at giving to the citizens of Fairfax in need; it helps them get out of their situations by finding jobs or getting counseling. It is also a friendly space where they can create ties with people from the community.
What do you think about the center? Does it sound like something that creates social change, or does it fall into one of the “pitfalls?” Do you know of any organizations around your hometown or around the area that did/do fall into one of the “pitfalls?”
-Mimi
3 Comments | LCE LLC | Tagged: Service, social change | Permalink
Posted by mfuerst
“What’s Gonna Work? TEAMWORK!”
October 16, 2012This week I decided to write about selflessness in teams and the importance of sharing the glory. Both of these acts are exemplified in the article posted above. In summary, a teen football player was 1 yard line away from scoring his twelfth touchdown of the season, when he suddenly stopped running and purposely stepped out of bounds. Two days prior, a freshman teammate had lost his father to a stroke but managed to suit up for that night’s game. The purpose of his upperclassman teammate getting flagged was to allow him the honor of scoring his first touchdown in memory of his father. [Read the article for a clearer understanding].
The selfless act demonstrated by one teammate caused an uproar in the community. He was able to sit his ego to the side and prioritize his somewhat “lesser” teammate as number one. How many of us would be willing to give up something for ourselves and hand it to someone else?
Working together in a team is all about collaborative efforts amongst everyone. Ones in higher positions should strive to pull ones up that are in lower positions. Everyone should feel equal, no matter his or her rankings. In my opinion, that is the meaning and purpose of being in a team.
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Posted by Andrea Person