Self Image
Before achieving any task or being a leader in any capacity, it is vital to believe in yourself and in your capabilities as a leader. Although it is extremely important to know your faults and your short-comings, I believe it is even more important to not let them hinder you but rather inspire you to not let them hold you back. I learned this year in ELA that in order to be a great leader, you need to acknowledge your talents, gifts, and capabilities as an individual and have your self-image rooted in reality. It is key to believe in yourself and not limit yourself based off of perceived weaknesses.
Taking the Initiative
Confidence is key when starting any daunting task. Another great skill I have learned in ELA is that you cannot let your fear prohibit you from achieving greatness. As a young person, I want to be the person who can stand up and take initiative even when it seems to be intimidating. I want to be the little beginning to something great. Taking initiative doesn't necessarily mean being the one in charge or the center of attention, it is being someone who a team can rely on and someone that is not afraid to step up when no one else is willing.
Connecting with Others
A skill that is growing scarce today is being able to build lasting personal connections. Being able to connect with others is key to being a true leader. Leaders need to be personable and know the needs of the people they are leading. One thing that is very important about connecting with others is that your life is not all about you. I firmly believe that what brings meaning to my life is not not solely focusing on my needs, but on others. By listening to others and making them feel cared for, seen, and heard, one can begin to build meaningful connections that will build trust and last a lifetime.
Team Building Skills
A very big misconception in leadership is that one can lead on their own. This misconception can be detrimental to the success of the group. To be a true servant leader is to acknowledge and praise all of the talents of a team and use their skills to further the group. Being able to hear and see all members of a group is necessary to gain trust while leading a team. Through my experience in ELA, I have learned that having a leader who knows the skills of its team can make the team more efficient, enjoyable, and successful overall.
Personal Reflection
Perhaps one of the most effective ways to improve as an individual is to reflect. When reflecting, it is important not only to focus on the ways you succeed, but also on the ways you fail. Personal reflection can enhance your growth mindset and push you to not be afraid or ashamed of your mistakes, but to learn from them and be better because of them.