USGLeads Emerging Leadership Program Module I Padlet by Shelby Speer

Having the ability to stand out and encourage followers to participate

2021-08-08 03:43:40 UTC

The first follower is what transforms a lone nut into a leader

2021-08-08 03:44:11 UTC

Together

2021-08-31 19:52:10 UTC

If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together -- African Proverb

I'm Esther Alvarado. I learned that a leader inspires followers to work together and waits for everyone to get to the finish line.

Courage

2021-09-01 20:25:52 UTC

Courage.

It takes courage to choose to do something and make someone's day and create a "lollipop moment".

It takes courage to share your voice in places like social media.

It is the word I chose because it is what I felt related most to the things in this module, especially with the Siyanda Mohutsiwa TedTalk.

Jennipher Monroy

Social media matters

2021-09-19 19:50:39 UTC

Social networks prove to be beneficial to leaders to spread their word and to make a different to more people in a bigger population. Using the internet to make a change in someones life or to guide others towards greatness is what the social networks bring to the 21st century.

I learned from the video "everyday internship" that the smallest things can make a difference in someones life. To be inspirational can be as easy as being there at the right time to the right person.

Roni Creedle

Everyday successes

2021-09-22 16:20:29 UTC

Everyday we experience or exhibit acts of leadership that may be small but should be acknowledged and celebrated. These are "lollipop" moments that may touch/change someone else's day/ or life. And these moments can give us power, make us feel powerful.

Kayla Argente

Connection, Influence, Taught

2021-11-07 03:21:33 UTC

Connection
In order to be leader, they must connect with their followers. It can be as simple as starting a hashtag like Siyanda Mohutsiwa #ifafricawasabar.

Influence
Leaders can influence and encourage others to do things that they may have seem impossible.

Taught
Leadership is a skill that can be taught and developed through personal experiences and education.

Sandra H.

Speaking and living your truth is one way to lead without having to convince others to do the same. You can move others by simply living this way. This is the magic if inspiring others to be their true selves, by simply being yours.

2022-01-12 20:54:33 UTC

2022-03-11 23:57:54 UTC

Impact, Passion, Purpose

Communication, Courage, and Humility.

2022-03-23 16:58:08 UTC

Communication- in order to be a great leader you must be able to communicate effectively.

Courage- it takes courage to step up and lead. To do something different, to see changes you would like to be made, among others.

Humility- being humble goes a long way in being a great leader.
-Dominique Duncan

courage is the ability to be vulnerable, and when we are vulnerable, we are unstoppable!

2022-04-14 00:32:05 UTC

I'm Elsy Estrada Murillo :)

The key to leading change

2022-05-26 13:38:34 UTC

We can't afford to stand still, or stick with the status quo. We have to grow and evolve as we create a better world.

That's why leadership isn't just about being a boss and telling people what to do. It's also about being empathetic, understanding, respectful, and recognizing the need for change throughout the organization.

Leadership is a continual process of growth and evolution.

- Deborah Hwang

You have the power to change the world

2022-05-26 13:41:43 UTC

"Leadership is an action, not a position" - Donald McGannon

- Deborah Hwang

2022-05-26 13:43:09 UTC

- Deborah Hwang

Empathy, Integrity, Communication

2022-06-27 23:58:36 UTC

Empathy allows a leader to understand different perspectives and share feelings.

Integrity will cause a leader to give credit where it's due and acknowledge the efforts of others.

Communication, whether it be public speaking, negotiating, managing conflict, or between individuals, is vital to articulate the thoughts of a leader.

-Leslie Kim

2022-08-08 01:45:11 UTC

Leadership can be learned and is a lifetime activity. -Fabio Garay

Anonymous

hilarynguyen16 — 2022-12-22 07:37:18 UTC

Ambition and Perseverance

- Hilary Nguyen

"The first follower is what transforms the lone nut into a leader"

2023-02-23 02:45:18 UTC

"if you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go far go together"

-Rorie Campbell :)

Give Voice to the Voiceless

2023-03-02 04:19:35 UTC

-Jeffrey Cheng

True Leaders

2023-04-01 22:03:24 UTC

True leaders are the one who guide you to do better, who support you and who make you into great leaders.

-Aleena Aulakh

Title vs. People

2023-04-01 22:07:12 UTC

A boss will have a title, a position and power, but a true leader has the people ready to follow him, to learn from him, and to support him.

-Aleena Aulakh

Key to Successful Leadership

2023-04-01 22:08:32 UTC

"The key to successful leadership is influence, not authority."- Kenneth H. Blanchard

-Aleena Aulakh

Leadership Concepts

2023-04-02 05:53:46 UTC

Two words I would use that resonate with me include 1. Communication 2. Responsibility.

- Daelen Cantillo

A quote & truths I resonate with is...

2023-04-06 18:41:03 UTC

Wong, J. J. (n.d.). JJ Wong. Inspiration Boost. Retrieved April 6, 2023, from https://www.inspirationboost.com/leadership-quote/

II. THREE UNIVERSAL TRUTHS
1. Nothing is lost in the universe

2. Everything Changes
3. The Law of Cause and Effect

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. (2012.). The Buddhist Core Values and perspectives for protection challenges: Faith and protection. UNHCR. Retrieved April 6, 2023, from https://www.unhcr.org/protection/hcdialogue%20/50be10cb9/buddhist-core-values-perspectives-protection-challenges-faith-protection.html

(Rivka Oren)

Communication and sharing

2023-04-14 13:55:00 UTC

A good leader should be able to communicate and share his/her power/resources to make people around him/her succeed in their lives. Without sharing, leadership turns into a dictatorship.

- GeZhi Liu

A Leader and the first follower

2023-04-16 03:52:00 UTC

The first follower helps a lone nut become a leader.

Leadership

2023-08-23 22:24:18 UTC

Servant Leadership: This concept emphasizes a leader's primary focus on serving the needs of their team members and empowering them to reach their full potential. It involves selflessness, empathy, and a commitment to fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.
Transformational Leadership: This approach involves inspiring and motivating team members to go beyond their own self-interests and work towards a common vision. Transformational leaders encourage creativity, innovation, and personal growth, often leading to positive changes in both individuals and the organization as a whole.

-Roberto Mejia

Reflection

2023-09-08 03:52:17 UTC

Two words/concepts about leadership that resonate with me from the assignment and/or activity are positivity and encouragement.
- Swechchha Shrestha

Leadership

2023-09-15 22:03:49 UTC

A concept for me that i learned about leadership from this activity is that leaders are not born but made.

The lone nut is nothing without the follower

2023-09-24 01:13:16 UTC

A leader isn't a leader until he has a follower. This means the people who hold the most importance are the followers not the leaders themselves.

The "Lollipop concept of leadership really had me thinking and with that it entails exhibiting positive attributes whether in speech, body language , etc . in ensuring we empower others.

2023-09-24 18:53:50 UTC

Social Pan Africanism!

2023-10-03 20:59:23 UTC

Always find the way to communicate as a leader. Find ways to celebrate your everyday achievement and if you want to go fast, go alone but if you want to go far, go together!

-Temmy

So you wanna be a leader huh?

2023-11-01 04:28:36 UTC

Leadership is not about pulling people to follow your path. It's about shining enough light for them to find their own route.
Bosses aim to wield power. They issue commands to maintain control.
Leaders strive to empower. They delegate authority to unleash potential.

Paulo :)

leadership

2023-11-07 19:27:25 UTC

1. "Servant Leadership" emphasizes leaders serving and empowering their teams, prioritizing the well-being and development of their followers.

2. "Leading by Example" means that effective leaders demonstrate the behavior and values they expect from their team, setting a positive and inspiring standard for others to follow.

Leadership

2023-11-09 22:00:32 UTC

Leadership comes in all different forms.

Leadership can reach you at any point in your life, it’s never “too late”.

Leadership

2023-11-09 22:01:03 UTC

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure“ - Marianne Williamson

This quote itself shows that by having an impact on one person, they can change the who world. And we should see leadership like that.

Joseph Alminagor

Leadership as listening

2023-11-09 22:01:24 UTC

The concept of listening as leadership where instead of always pushing and advocating you ask people what they need or want resonates with me

Ian

Leadership

2023-11-11 01:41:32 UTC

Leadership can do amazing things when used correctly.

Anyone can be a leader if they truly try to.

Julia Yen

Leadership-Jessika Bonilla

2023-12-19 15:23:46 UTC

A leader guides others and stands in the gap to improve lives.

ludivik1 — 2024-01-02 21:16:43 UTC

Great Leaders are inspired! They are molded by their life experiences and circumstance to be resilient, kind, empathetic, and so much more. Leaders are not born resilient. Their life stories tells the story of them and how they were resilient, kind, and empathetic.

Ludivine Kom Liapoe

Leadership

2024-01-11 04:15:29 UTC

"Leadership should not be something bigger than us or beyond us but instead should be something we acknowledge every day"

- Drew Dudley

Leadership

2024-01-17 00:39:26 UTC

Leadership can come from anywhere at anytime, we should "get over the fear of how extraordinary powerful we can be in each other's lives to move beyond it"

Jessica Cifuentes-Caravantes

2024-01-25 20:30:55 UTC

Stand out and be the first to lead.

Jonathan Delcid

Leadership

2024-02-01 01:00:27 UTC

Empowerment: Empower those whom you wish to lead and guide them toward success.

Connection: Without establishing a close connection, you cannot lead effectively unless you resonate with your followers.

-Ashley Morales

Leadership

2024-02-02 20:39:20 UTC

•Karen Chij

2024-02-06 05:22:09 UTC

One my favorite quotes about leadership by Sun Tzu.

-Henry Huang

The lone nut

2024-02-10 23:56:34 UTC

It is not the first person that starts a movement but the first follower that creates a "me into a we" and ignites the movement.

Jordan West

2024-02-11 04:42:48 UTC

Everyone is a leader in their own ways. We shouldn't shy away from the title, and should acknowledge how we demonstrate it every day.

Keila Espana

One act --> Large Impact

2024-02-12 16:33:09 UTC

I love this lyric from Rachel Platten's "Fight Song" where she describes how one simple thing can lead to so much more. This resonates with me, along with many of the ideas in this module; one small idea or action can have a large(er) impact on someone than you can imagine. Similar to the lollipop story. Best, ilana Zlotchenko

Leadership is over glorified

2024-02-15 17:45:57 UTC

It is the teamwork of the leaders/followers who together will make change in this world.

Alisa Leung

Be more than a leader.......

2024-02-22 20:47:01 UTC

do not just call yourself a leader make sure you are a leader that contributes greatly to your cause. A leader works!!

Eniola Arowolo

Lone Nut

2024-03-12 01:30:11 UTC

I think the concept of having one follower to believe in you as well as the fact that your followers help you become a better leader is so important.

Sierra Wynn-Lucas

2024-03-22 16:42:54 UTC

A leader is someone who leads by example, who is on the frontlines

Benz Aponesto

Klea Coli.

2024-03-25 14:52:12 UTC

Powerful

Meaningful

2024-04-14 05:26:31 UTC

A leader is one who has "profound and unusual effects on followers." Charismatic leaders have a keen ability to motivate others and set an example for others to follow.

-Shannon Injety

2024-04-22 22:14:09 UTC

Leadership comes from failures, suffering, compassion, and willingness to be wrong.

- Manish Khadka

The followers are one with the leader

2024-04-23 02:17:50 UTC

The followers are just as important as the leader as they support and reinforce them.

Karla Canas

Leaders stand out

2024-04-24 17:22:39 UTC

Leaders stand out and are ridculed, but see follwers as an equal

-Lesley Romero Osorio

Leading is about equality

2024-04-30 00:34:31 UTC

Britney Giron

Leadership is Different to Different People

2024-04-30 01:23:19 UTC

Leadership is not a concrete trait, there are different approaches to being a great leader.

- Lakshmi Latchi

Lollipop Moment

2024-04-30 02:23:08 UTC

Be someone else's "lollipop moment." You may never truly know how your natural skills and genuine personality can have an ever-lasting impact on someone else. You have the power to say something positive to someone that could change their life for the better.

Melany Angel

Leadership is Over glorified

2024-04-30 04:35:28 UTC

Hadiza Moulaye

Leadership

2024-04-30 22:32:40 UTC

Leadership is the art of mobilizing others toward shared aspirations - Cody Funderburk

A leader vs a manager (Georgi Tsvetanski)

2024-05-01 03:43:04 UTC

From Module I of the USGLeads Emerging Leadership Program, the concept that resonates with me the most is the distinction between being a leader and being a manager. I've come to understand that while managers focus on tasks and processes, leaders inspire and motivate others towards a shared vision. This distinction has reshaped my perspective on leadership, highlighting the importance of emotional intelligence, communication skills, and vision-setting in effective leadership. Additionally, learning about the various leadership styles and their impacts on organizational culture has provided valuable insights into my own leadership approach and how I can better support and empower those around me.

Leadership is empowerment

2024-07-09 04:44:03 UTC

To lead is to communicate effectively, uplift, and build connections with people.

-Alexa Mae Laurden

Celebrate the "lollipop moments"

2024-08-10 14:33:08 UTC

-Courtney Cohen

Ripple Effect

2024-09-04 05:53:45 UTC

True leadership isn’t just about having a vision; it’s about inspiring others to rise and make a difference, setting off a ripple effect that leads to lasting change.

- Ruth Beyene

2024-09-20 16:08:10 UTC

I had a "Lollipop Moment" that completely changed how I understand leadership. During a conversation with my sister, who was feeling extremely nervous about her upcoming exams, I shared some advice on how to manage her stress and stay calm. At the time, I didn’t think much of it—it was just a sisterly chat. But later, she told me how my words gave her the confidence to face her exams with a clearer mindset. This moment made me realize that leadership isn’t always about grand gestures or formal positions. It’s often found in small, meaningful interactions that have the power to uplift others. I learned that simply being present, empathetic, and supportive can make a lasting impact. Leadership can come from anyone, anywhere, and I’m excited to explore how these small actions can make a big difference through the USGLeads program!

RAHMA RAS

2024-10-02 03:27:09 UTC

Leadership is about inspiring and guiding a group of individuals to work together towards a shared objective. - Mariana Ruiz

2024-10-02 03:29:56 UTC

True leadership means guiding others in a way that inspires them to follow willingly, without needing to impose control. - Mariana Ruiz

Lone nut and Follower

2024-10-12 06:20:27 UTC

y take always from module I

1. Being lone nut takes courage. You'll face loneliness, misunderstanding, and sometimes rejection, but don't take it personally. Not everyone will support your ideas initially. Stay confident and patient; the right first ally will come along.

2. Discern who is the right first follower. Not everyone can be a first follower. They enhance your vision, but don't try to replace or change it. Let them join naturally.

Danie.T

Leadership

2024-10-18 14:45:33 UTC

Leadership is not about the big gestures or titles but its about the small and everyday actions that can have a long lasting affect. The lollipop moment makes us realize that its about the simple moments that can deeply impact a person without us ever realizing it. Anyone can be a leader by being caring, making others happy in meaningful ways. Its about having empathy and not about being controlling and in charge.

- Batael Emeshwu

Anyone can be a leader

2025-01-13 16:47:21 UTC

Being a leader is so powerful and anyone can do it. Just be confident! - Liliana Escalante

Anyone can be a leader!

2025-01-13 16:55:01 UTC

Leadership is for anyone, and it is not something to be fearful of. Be confident! - Liliana Escalante

We are all leaders

2025-01-16 04:25:25 UTC

Leadership is the ability to inspire and empower others toward a shared vision, while remaining steadfast in values and purpose.

-Roman Ipanag

Takeaways from Module I

caitlynclifton — 2025-02-25 15:36:34 UTC

Leadership is often glorified ("Lollipop" Moment): Drew Dudley explains that by only celebrating the big achievements, we tend to overlook the smaller ones. "Lollipop" moments are moments where someone's small words or actions have a large, positive influence on another's life.
The first follower is what transforms a lone nut into a leader: Leaders cannot lead if they do not have anyone to follow them. The first follower is the one to transform a "lone nut" into a leader; the first follower makes it easier for the second, third, fourth, and fifth followers to join.

- Caitlyn Clifton

Leadership

2025-02-28 19:15:45 UTC

Being a leader means helping to guide, inspire, and motivate others. Leaders also uplift and build connections with others.

-Maura Ayala

Concepts that resonated with me

2025-03-28 23:31:50 UTC

The concepts about leadership that resonated with me from the assignment was learning about the differences between a leader and a manager, and learning that anyone at any age can be a leader at some point without even realizing it.

-Nicole Walker

Two word leadership

2025-04-01 19:52:35 UTC

"Everyday Impact"

"Leading by Example"

Amenah Aluzri

Quiet leadership!

2025-04-11 16:38:59 UTC

Quiet leadership means making a difference through small, meaningful actions that uplift others. It’s about inspiring growth, confidence, and change.

-GIOVANA CORTEZ

Leadership

kirstyncollins — 2025-04-23 12:29:31 UTC

-One follower can make a lone nut a leader

-Leadership is over glorified

2025-04-28 14:51:52 UTC

Kofoworola Afolabi

Darlene Reyes

2025-04-30 17:40:03 UTC

Guidence and Influence

Module 2: Leading the Self

dtuekam — 2025-05-05 03:04:03 UTC

What I learned: One of the most important lessons I should embrace is the power of accepting responsibility. Instead of getting stuck in blame or frustration over setbacks, I should take ownership of my journey. Believe I can learn anything I set my mind to. Real understanding doesn’t come from outside—it grows through honest reflection on my personal experiences. In that sense, I am my own best teacher.

My biggest takeaway from Module 2 is that leadership starts with self-awareness. It begins by understanding who I am—my values, motivations, strengths, and weaknesses—and recognizing where those qualities come from. With that awareness, I can intentionally choose to develop the leadership skills I need and let go of patterns or traits that no longer serve me.

A true leader must be able to guide themselves before they can guide others. I’ve come to see that my self-concept fuels my motivation and influences the kind of leader I become. Honoring my strengths while still acknowledging and working on areas for growth is what leads to authentic, grounded leadership.

Would you like this turned into a short reflection paragraph or included in a presentation slide format?

Module 2: Things to work on

dtuekam — 2025-05-05 03:09:50 UTC

It is intresting to realise the traits I have to work on. These are things I did not think I had, or I knew they were they but didn't realise their impact, if that makes sense, until I wrote them down. Doing these exercise has helped me have a better view of what areas need improvement and why certain things have not worked while I lead in ceratin aspects.

Emerging Leadership Module 1

2025-05-05 20:12:04 UTC

Two words:

Empowering
Inclusive

- Ignatia Msomi

Sara Williams

2025-05-19 16:02:41 UTC

Encouragement

Empowerment

Module 1

2025-06-18 23:44:37 UTC

There is power in everyday leadership. A simple check-in with a friend, offering help, or showing kindness can create a meaningful impact.

Never underestimate the importance of being a supporter rather than the starter. You don’t always have to be the first one to act to make a difference. The first follower is important.

-Alondra C.

Crystal Tran

2025-09-02 14:18:48 UTC

Empowerment and Inclusivity.

Isaiah Mbamalu - Module I

2025-09-06 22:49:50 UTC

Making a Difference, Impacting Someone's Life

Leadership is Like Lighting a Candle

2025-09-20 17:22:18 UTC

•Quiet Strength- like a candle, leadership can be calm and powerful.

• Everyday Impact- one small act can spread and inspire others.

-Keylin Mateo

Nyasia Shrader

2025-11-03 18:42:24 UTC

Be someone's lollipop moment! Leadership can be done by us every day in small increments; it doesn't always have to be huge movements :)

First follower by Stephen Toth

2025-11-14 18:45:17 UTC

Sometimes being among the first followers is more important than being the leader.

I will try to think of ways I can be someone's "lollipop moment" by showing them support or encouragement in a small way.

Kimberly Chun

2026-01-26 19:09:44 UTC

Leadership can be shown through: Tenacity and Teamwork

Althea De Castro

2026-02-24 02:49:13 UTC

Leadership is highly situational, and effective leaders must adapt their approach depending on the people, goals, and circumstances involved.

2026-03-19 15:17:34 UTC

Lead by Example
Empathy in Leadership
- Gopi Chandran

Sarah Samuels

2026-03-20 20:44:06 UTC

In leadership, embrace others as an equal.

Krisha Kalyan Kumar

2026-03-24 16:59:39 UTC

Small actions, big impact

Everyday leadership

Connect Brandon C

2026-04-16 15:21:29 UTC

Make sure the people around you know just how important they are to you.

Brandon Campos

AngelSkye Monroy

2026-04-22 17:46:42 UTC

Stronger together as one team

You can impact another person's life by changing through a 'lollipop moment' - Britanny Rodriguez

2026-04-23 15:49:31 UTC

2026-04-27 15:22:52 UTC

Be the leader others can trust - Tanya Joginapally

Evodi Kabamba

2026-04-28 18:43:14 UTC

Leadership is often overglorified and seen as something much higher than ourselves, when in reality, the ability to influence even one person and acknowledging leadership moments in everyday life counts.
Another thing that stuck with me was about experiential learning; that something doesn't become experience until you learn from it either by applying it or reflecting on it. Simply reading the book or watching the videos won't magically turn me into a good leader, but it is in applying the characteristics and reflecting on the information I am receiving.

Patience makes people grow

2026-05-05 04:24:58 UTC

Being patient helps people feel comfortable growing from their mistakes at their own pace.

2026-06-13 02:55:42 UTC

Leadership often grows from the quiet, unseen choices we make to support others. Just like strong roots sustain a tree, simple acts of kindness can ground someone, help them feel valued, and create a lasting impact we may never fully see.

Anyone can be a leader -Cindy Matsiko

2026-06-15 17:33:09 UTC

You don't have to have a certain personality or character to be a leader. Leadership is for everyone.

Lizzie Mautsa

2026-06-25 19:51:24 UTC

In leadership, great achievement begins with one person taking the lead and grows through empowering others to act. By persevering through challenges, it culminates in a movement that transforms individual effort into a collective achievement and milestones into lasting success.