Leader: /ˈlēdər/ noun: A person of the utmost importance, who oversees a situation, holds the highest position of a community, or the most outstanding character with regards to intelligence or extrovert-like-qualities. This definition is something I find that many people associate with the term ‘leadership’, and something I am strongly opposed to. In recent generations, children are taught to be leaders: to take control of situations, to be the bigger person and not let others tell you what to do, and to be the best at everything. These are not only unrealistic but also not the best ideas to implement into people’s minds. If children are taught to be leaders, then who leads the leaders? This means that leaders must also possess “follower” qualities and this is something I would like to explore. I would like to step out of my comfort zone and learn to empathize with others. Leadership is not about taking charge or telling people what to do. Leadership is being able to engage a community, unite people, recognize every person’s unique opinions and experiences, and be able to create new discussions that advance current ideas. As the topic suggests, leadership is a work in progress and I hope to develop my communication skills by volunteering in my community and attending leadership workshops at OSU by distinguished faculty and guests.
