As someone who always aspires to be of service to others, I remember a classmate who was once affected by a typhoon. Unbeknownst to her, we tried making some notes so she could cope and work on the things she missed in class. Despite the goodness of the Professor to extend the deadlines for her, helping her out was something I believed I could do. This is also because when we serve other people, it also makes us better people that could then value our growth. Most importantly, I am happy when I see people happy with the gestures that I make for them.

As a leader, I have always believed in showcasing the ability to listen. With that, whenever there’s a group activity and we try to brainstorm ideas, it is necessary to be able to find techniques for us to listen to each other. This becomes a catalyst for other members to be more interested and participative once they feel they are being heard. Thus, a listener goes a long way and is even helpful in making the situation more manageable. 

In life, there will always come a time when you feel down. I remember one time, it was an impossible group event, and I did not know what to do to help out. Still, I made it even possible to believe so our group could make it. Fortunately, we were able to make some props out of it. Aside from that, one of the critical parts was during the college entrance examinations, and I remember a friend telling me that it made her anxious. As per my end, I believe that I can help her by giving them some meditation exercises. Moreover, I even tried telling her that if she has a dream, she must never let go of it. With God’s grace, she passed the entrance exam, and I am glad that she first told me that, telling me how I encouraged her when she doubted herself.

A student leader does not accept excuses and only commits to achieving favorable results. They may face mishaps and failures but will continue to make efforts for success. It is different from mere interest, they show unrelenting actions that will precede achievement.

Example:

Narra tried designing the prototype for their start-up project, but it just won’t work. Coco does her bare minimum to contribute, and she said that its failure to function is caused by their teacher who didn’t teach them. Narra refuses to quit, and determinedly searched for the cause of the misfunction. She innovated and found a solution. Narra’s commitment empowered her to continue acting to achieve their goal.  

A student leader knows the audience and how to let them understand. They let them become aware of what is required and the direction they are heading. They know how to grab the attention of the listener and maintain it. Communication allows a leader to inspire and convey knowledge and ideas as well as actively listening to the team. 

Example:

Luna starts the conversation with the group by starting with an exciting opening then conveying simply the important details of the project and what needs to be accomplished. She tells them the expected outcomes and contributions from everyone, and she ends it with a summary that makes people want to act. The group understood it clearly, because it was conveyed effectively by Luna, and now they feel motivated to start immediately. 

A student leader has a vision that leads him/her. They know their one big dream, and they implement a plan to realize the vision. They share this to the team, and it unites them. It also attracts people with the same vision. 

Example: 

 

Maria envisions creating a personal healthcare device by designing it with artificial intelligence as their group’s research. It seemed challenging, but they created an action-plan and took the necessary actions. The team followed her vision, and this served as the direction they are pursuing.

A student leader is excellent at problem-solving. They anticipate problems that may arise to prevent it, and acknowledges it when it comes unexpectedly. They are logical, and they do not get overwhelmed in the face of adversity. They can diagnose a problem, find solutions, and improve it after testing. They remain calm under pressure and shows expertise in assessing the situation. 

When you are really a sincere leader, you help people grow and empower others. You are adroit in establishing a good team and making it possible to have effective collaborative working relationships. You leverage diversity and build synergies. The most important aspect of this trait is valuing knowledge sharing.

As a leader, when I am working with people who have different backgrounds, I always try my best to relate to them and help them reach their full potential. Say for instance, when I was in High School, I am always attending seminars. Those seminars often congregate their participants into smaller groups. With that, I tried to be the leader when no one wanted to. I always make sure that our group will work collaboratively with each other, and they can assert and raise their voices when they want to suggest something or they want to say no. My group is a safe space for everyone for them to grow more. Another thing is that I do not stop them when I see that they have potential that I do not have.

 A leader is always compassionate to different people, this characteristic is connected to being an enabler.  It shows that you really show your concern about them to make them grow. Leaders should always show that they are grateful and cheerful as it creates a positive atmosphere where everyone does not feel scared or intimidated. One smile does not go out of style and can make everyone's day. You can also show your appreciation to others by giving them compliments they truly deserve. Do you admire your teammates’ diligence? Say it! By recognizing their admirable qualities, you also help them embrace their strengths.

I became a leader of students younger than me back then. Since they are young and sometimes feel intimidated by elders, I always make sure that I am acknowledging their feelings (note: I am compassionate to all ages).  When these young people have problems collaborating with the group, I address them with diligence. I always hear their side. With this, I am not showing authority that they must do whatever they need to do. I focus on my subordinates, not on their outputs. I influence them by making them realize that they can do more than they think they can and can currently do. I am doing whatever I can do to make them comfortable and happy, because without them, the group would not be a success!

This characteristic is one of the greatest, although it is tough, one must have this. Being fully present entails that the leader is intensely focused on what his subordinates are saying and doing, as well as the goal itself. The leader makes his subordinates feel that he is always there to guide and support them, through thick or thin and whatever it may be. A leader who is not present tends to be distracted by other things. By not giving his full attention to the group, he could jeopardize it. 

Every time I become a leader, I always utilize every means that I have to show my presence to my subordinates so that the group stays vigorous and maintains their enthusiasm towards our goal. Right now, we are currently experiencing a pandemic, and my classmates and I are geographically remote from each other during instruction. By being fully present, as a leader, nothing can hinder my will to lead my group. We have social media right now and we have to make use of every opportunity that we have to consistently communicate with the group. Despite the long-distance learning, I can still be fully present by different social media platforms, thus, I can always positively influence and show the way to my groupmates.