Leaders found in unlikely places Y By Sarah Barsky ou open the Common Application. You click to the “activities” section to enter your accomplishments. You see the option titled “leadership” and become discouraged, assuming that none of your accomplishments qualify for this category. When people see the word leadership, they tend to think of the traditional definition, “the action of leading a group of people or an organization,” as stated in the Oxford Dictionary. This definition is restrictive; it leaves people out who have the ability to lead, just in a different way. For example, people who are shy or struggle to speak in front of large groups of people may still have the qualities of a leader and have the passion to make a difference. The earlier definition doesn’t take into account other forms of leadership such as protests and different types of ac t i vism . Leadership is about working towards the underlying so themselves. Leadership today goes beyond the ability to motivate others. Today’s leader has the ability to organize, set goals, coordinate and instruct others and facilitate working with external groups. The most effective leaders are those people whom others respect and aspire to be. Additionally, leadership shouldn’t needs and priorities of groups. This perception of leadership augments its traditional, restrictive definition. Leaders don’t have to be the face of an operation to make a difference. According to “The Balance,” a digital media company, leadership is “motivating a group of people to act toward achieving a common goal.” The word “motivating” opens this definition of leadership to a larger group of people. Leaders aren’t necessarily physically leading a group towards a goal, they’re motivating and empowering them to do 17 The Jolly Roger | April 2020 Leaders don’t have to be the face of an operation to make a difference involve just one person. Traditional leadership often leaves out certain people, particularly quiet ones. More powerful and successful leaders bring all types of people together to lead, which allows for an influx of varying perspectives and provides a voice to more people. For many, leadership isn’t just about accomplishing goals, it’s about the ability to influence others. People look up to leaders who invest a lot of time in coaching their team members and care about their individual de ve l opm e nt . Effective leaders also allow for the groups that they are leading to help and motivate them, instead of just taking complete power over the group. In high school, many strive toward perceived leadership. I personally have struggled with this as I could never embody what I previously thought a leader was. My speech impediment, which has been a constant companion throughout my life, led me to believe I couldn’t be a leader. My stutter prevented me from talking in front of people or giving speeches - two things regarded as important for leaders to do. However, through the course of high school, I learned that I can use journalism and writing to motivate people and raise awareness about what I’m passionate about, in my own way. I don’t need to stand in front of a group of people and give speeches to be a leader. Leadership is something lots of teens struggle with in high school. We choose activities and pursue leadership roles to look more competitive in the college admissions process. People who are seen as traditional leaders, often holding top positions in groups and clubs, tend to get into top-notch colleges. However, many other people exhibit enlightened leadership qualities that make a difference minus the coveted title. They sign petitions, make posters, attend rallies all to motivate people to reach a common goal. Shouldn’t these contributions and actions be seen as leadership as well? So when you’re applying to colleges and think you have not demonstrated any leadership, rethink your accomplishments. Maybe you can click the leadership button after all. OPINION
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