Leadership is the quality that enables an individual to organize others to perform collective action. Leadership exists in our everyday lives, whether it’s in the realm of politics, religious observance, team sports, or any other activity with a social hierarchy. A good leader has many qualities, such as charisma and intelligence that allows others to view them as a beacon. On the other hand, a bad leader can also drive people into the depths of depravity. It is easy to be a leader when the status quo is easy. In turbulent times it is far more difficult to be a leader. It is important to have good leaders who are able to provide moral clarity and vision, and that have the maturity to make difficult and unpopular decisions.
Throughout my life I have always sought to be a leader. I have proven myself to be an effective leader at home, school, and in my community. In the context of school, my leadership has taken on a political angle, as I serve on the student council. My position requires that I be attentive to student needs and that I am able to communicate those needs to teachers and school administration alike. In this function, I must also learn to discriminate between frivolous desires of student and legitimate concerns. This aspect of the position is not always easy, as groups of popular students may make an absurd request and expect it to be brought before the faculty. However, if every request was entertained, the council would quickly lose its credibility with the administration and we would be relegated an even more remote advisory role.
Another are that I have sought to be a leader is in community activism through my Church. I volunteer in the nursery of Hope Community Church, where I am constantly called upon to take responsibility for young children. Sometimes the work is very demanding between the demands of the children and the parents, however, I have found that with patience and humility, the work is much easier. This volunteer work is important because it allows parents to either go to work and feed their families, or otherwise perform routine household tasks that are complicated by the presence of the children.
An important aspect of leadership is the ability to project a vision and make that vision grow into something tangible. Over two years ago I began the recycling program at Lonesource, a local business. I have recruited volunteers to aid in this important environmental project, and have continuously worked to improve and update the system that I had established. Leadership regarding environmental causes is perhaps one of the most pressing needs of the day, as we only have one Earth to live in.
In sum, I have expressed a desire to lead throughout my life. This leadership has been important to achieving political, social, and environmental ends. Leadership used towards constructive ends is a very powerful force in motivating people and promoting positive outcomes in our communities.
