For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by the idea of leadership. I’ve always wondered how someone can pick up momentum so quickly with a concept and cause others to follow. And now, as I’m preparing to declare a Leadership minor, I’ve found I’m extremely attracted to acquiring the traits necessary to be an effective leader.
Within the next few weeks, I am looking forward to declaring my major as Communications, my minor as English, and a second minor as Leadership — which is, in my opinion, one of the coolest degrees Hope offers — because it will help me grow in my abilities in the areas of Communications and English and teach me to serve others in my personal relationships and in the business world in the best way possible.
To begin my journey in the field of leadership, I’m currently in an Intro to Leadership class with Tim Schoonveld, and the knowledge I have acquired through this class has changed my world in entirety. I’m amazed to learn ways not only to lead others, but also how to glorify God through leadership in my relationships, classes, and other parts of my life.
This class has consisted of service projects, guest speakers, and reflection time for us to each determine our specific and special form of leadership. To me, one of the most amazing parts so far has been recognizing that the term “leadership” means many things to many different people.
If you do a Google search to “define leadership,” it says, “the action of leading a group of people or a organization.” But the question I raise is how.
How does one become a leader? What qualities does it take to lead effectively?
After reflection, I have recognized that for me to become a leader, it means to be humble, consistent, and to be looking out for the good in and for the other people surrounding me. It means to love God with my heart heart, mind, soul, and strength so that my ways are guided by His. I recognize that I will never be able to lead effectively, justly, and courageously without His goodness pouring through me.
To others in my class, leadership means to be responsible, strong, to think clearly, and many other qualities (the list goes on forever.) It is neat for me to hear the perspectives of others based on our personal experiences and personalities.
What does being a leader mean to you? Comment below or tweet at me @hopesophie17.
If you have any other questions about anything at Hope, please feel free to send me an email at sophie.guetzko@hope.edu!
In the meantime, stay warm and lead on!