Name: Jordan Dallas Teaford
From: Woodbridge, VA
Votes: 0
Leadership
is not a quality every individual has. Some are natural-born leaders,
and others tend to follow the example rather than define it. Being a
leader, though, is a skill, and thus can be acquired if someone
wished to pursue it enough. I, as a person, have gravitated more
towards the latter. I do not like being in the spotlight, and I tend
to let others take the lead if possible. Being the center of a group
can be very stressful and dealing with all the problems that may
arise in a cooperative setting is quite cumbersome. However, I do not
believe I have given myself enough chances. When it comes down to the
wire, I think I make good leading materiel. The three strengths that
I value most whenever I take the reins are the ability to
problem-solve, the ability to empathize, and the ability to protect
others.
The
first, and possibly most important, skill that I see in myself is the
ability to problem-solve. This is important because a leader must be
able to overcome challenges and obstacles that stand in the way of
the group, and I can do just that. Others may try to help remove the
roadblocks, but it often falls to the one in charge to take control
of the situation and figure out a proper solution. Members of a group
often look up to a leader for guidance when it comes to internal
issues, so the leader must be able to handle the situation properly.
Even if one isn’t born with the ability to solve problems, this is
one of the few attributes that can be attained. Challenging oneself
with tasks that require thought and nuance can prepare one for a real
situation where those will be present. Brain teasers, riddles, and
otherwise material can assist as well. Just thinking outside of the
box and contemplating more often is even enough. Overall,
problem-solving is a key skill for leadership because, as a leader,
one must be able to step up and take charge of a bad situation.
The
second skill I believe every leader should have is the ability to
empathize with others and understand their situation. This is
important because being a leader means possibly dealing with
emotional issues and contending with opposing viewpoints from the
members of the group. Not being able to understand the why behind the
what could compromise the integrity of the group at large because
working with others is key to accomplishing a goal. If there is
friction between members for any reason, key progress can be halted
for an otherwise trivial matter. Also, just like before, people often
look to those in charge for guidance and an example of what they can
do. If the leader can’t be that bastion, it could make members feel
alienated and find themselves shying away from the group. This is a
skill that can be attained, but only somewhat. People are typically
raised or with the ability to empathize with others (or not). Some
are more caring than others, and this is an unfortunate fact. If only
there was more understanding to go around… Overall, the ability to
feel for others is important for a leader because a leader needs to
be able to understand the position of their companions and provide
guidance in a time of need.
The
last skill (and the one I personally value most) is the ability to
protect others and step in at times of need. This is majorly
important because sometimes people can’t help themselves. Some
situations require a helping hand to either help others up or push
away a negative force. As a leader, it is key that one can provide
such assistance. Members of a group may face a problem (a person or
otherwise) that stands in its way, and it falls to the leader to step
up and face it down. As repeated time and time again, a leader should
be able to serve as a bastion, a shoulder to lean on, and a shield to
protect with. This is mostly an instinct, and not everyone has a
strong enough conviction to put themselves on the line. Overall, the
ability to protect others from harm stems from one’s own conviction
and requires a leader to be willing to put others over themselves.
