Last year, I was elected to Student Government, and recently the entire group of students went on a short weekend retreat to the northern shore of Lake Champlain. The goal of the retreat was simple: setting expectations for the year. As a sophomore I wasn’t sure exactly what to anticipate, but I was blown away by the quality and quantity of amazing peers and leaders in the room. Through many discussions with my fellow senators on what builds effective leaders I learned a lot … here are some of my favorite thoughts on what builds an strong leader, that I wrote down throughout the weekend:
- Effective leaders build trust.
- Work-life balance is so important. When you are your best self you can do your best work.
- Be a critical thinker. Doubt everything. Ask questions. Blindly accepting the past has never lead to any good for society. Change progresses us forward and makes us a better institution, and we can’t do that without doubt and change.
- The best leaders uplift others and recognize they can’t do everything. True leaders recognize that there will be people who can do what they can’t, and so it’s important to give everyone the tools to ensure their ideas are heard.
- On a related note, some of the most inspiring people in the room won’t make themselves known. One can learn the most from the person who talks the least.
- As a leader it’s important to be the first to sacrifice. Always. Good leaders enjoy well deserved rewards but also take responsibility for giving something up.
- Remain calm. Think through issues. Responding when you are emotional does no one any good.
- Good leaders have the highest emotional intelligence. They know themselves, they know others, they can read a room and adapt to it.
- The best leaders can communicate their expectations to their peers and followers.
Just one girl and her experiences 