Do you have what it takes to be a Student Leader?

Do you have what it takes to be a Student Leader?

Student leaders are in a unique position to use their influence to make a difference on campus. Leadership can take a formal structure, like participating in student government or a less formal arrangement, like simply being a student others look to for guidance and support. Regardless of the way they lead, student leaders are a necessity, as other students, teachers, and administrators count on these teens to share ideas, improve morale, and facilitate communication.

Though they don’t get paid or receive credits or grades for their efforts, student leaders gain invaluable life lessons, like decision-making, communication, and teamwork. None of those is a still that can be learned from a textbook or in a classroom. As a student leader, you can take actions that will impact your campus, community, family, and environment.

Deciding right now that you want to be a leader, and how you want to lead, will give you the best chance to take advantage of all the leadership opportunities that will come your way, both in high school and as you go on to college or a job. Student government, athletics, the arts, and worship circles are all great places to test the waters and decide how big a role you might want to take.

You may be eager to assume a leadership role, but are you capable of assuming the necessary responsibilities? Do you truly understand the personal price of leadership? Sure it’s all smiles when things go well – but as a leader, you must also be willing to take responsibility when things don’t turn out so well.

Qualities of a Student Leader

Integrity. Trustworthy, honesty, and reliable follow-through are the foundation of integrity and the most important quality of a student leader.

Compassion. Sincere leaders step up out of a desire to help others succeed; compassion for those others is a necessary component of strong leadership. Demonstrating a caring attitude is one of the best ways of influencing others and getting them to join your effort.

Contemplation. The best leader learns from the past and plans for the future, but takes action in the present.

Influence. A leader is someone who sets a good example and can offer ideas when asked, but leaves it to others to decide to follow/participate.

Initiative. An accomplished leader has good ideas and knows how, when, and with whom to share them.

Planning. Great leaders bring their teams onboard with their plans, explaining the expectations and setting realistic timetables.

Flexibility. A good leader doesn’t freak out or start pointing fingers when things don’t go as planned. They take responsibility and look for ways to make improvements next time.

Delegation. A strong leader knows the capacities of his or her team and assigns tasks to the appropriate people.

Chances are you have some aspect of leadership skills – it may just be a matter of finding the best outlet for your particular talents. The next step is stepping up.

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ALBERT MENSAH is a champion of opportunity and achieving one’s dreams. Rising from humble beginnings in Ghana, Africa, Albert has become one of the world’s leading student motivational speakers, regularly presenting to groups such as FCCLA, FFA, FBLA, DECA, 4-H, and numerous school assemblies and student council groups. Visit his website to book him to speak at your student assembly, career day, or state or national teachers’ conference.