Students like Jensen have both taught and innate tools to be great leaders. We wanted to take a look at the people who cultivate these tools. The ones who tap students in whom they see leadership potential. We turned to none other than Associate Professor Carol Smith of Health and Human Performance. Here are here thoughts on leadership:
While thinking about my leadership roles on campus, my first thoughts are, “Am I being the best leader that I can for my students?” I am the mentor for the class of 2017 Leadership Fellows, the first faculty asked to be in this role. I am also the faculty mentor for the class of 2017 Periclean Scholars. That role is more defined; but I still ask myself if I am leading them efficiently and effectively.
What does being a leader mean? A question I asked students in the interview process for the Periclean Scholar was, “What is the difference between a leader-leader, leader-follower, follower-leader, and follower-follower. And, which are you?” I was less concerned with their definition of the four constructs, and more interested in their interpretations of where they fell, and HOW they described the four.
Individuals frequently “see” the leader as someone who stands in front of the rest; answering questions, delegating responsibilities and often times making the decisions. However, I find that I “lead” best from the back. I want my students to make decisions for themselves, gain knowledge to make those decisions, and be comfortable in that decision making process. I don’t believe we can all be leader-leaders all the time. We need to know when to step back and let someone with a better skill set take the lead. We need to know when our proficiencies are the best for that situation and have the confidence to set forward.
I have been fortunate to have been one of the faculty mentors/advisors for Adventures in Leadership the last 6 years consecutively (2-3 years prior to that, but that was prior to the current structure of the program). In those 6 years, I have seen students step up and lead admirably. Watching the unfolding of the maturity and confidence of these young adults has been heartwarming. Another thing I admire is the creative process some of them have used in their leadership style. Many of these students have outstanding skill sets which will serve them commendably in the future.
My recommendation to you:
- Find a leadership position on campus in which you can thrive.
- Use your personality and ideas to make it your own.
- Be creative in the ways in which you address the issues.
- Be inspired in how you treat the people with whom you work.
- Be imaginative in the ways you use your leadership abilities.
- And, if in doubt – utilize your resources to make the situation the best it can be.
Carol is certainly using her personality and creativity to thrive in leadership as she pies Director of the CFL Steve Mencarini.
