Student leadership is arguably the most beneficial
extracurricular activity a person can perform while in school. Though there are
no grades and zero credits to earn, the experience gained from a leadership
role will be valuable for a lifetime. As a student leader, you are in the
unique position to make a difference.
One leads by listening to and being heard by others. It is
the way you carry yourself and act on a daily basis which singles you out as a
leader. You may have felt a certain magnetism or attraction to specific people.
You wish to emulate these people and be more like them. This quality is known
as charisma. Some are indeed born with it, but only a selected few can fully
develop it. Those who master this trait become great leaders.
To be a good leader one needs to acquire certain healthy
habits. Good habits may be defined as a behavior that is beneficial to one’s
physical and mental health, often linked to a high level of discipline and
self-control. These qualities make the personality of a person well-balanced and
likeable.
Personal hygiene, which may seem trivial, is the foundation
upon which all other healthy habits are based. Personal hygiene is the basic
concept of cleaning, grooming and caring for our bodies.
Cleanliness goes a long way in improving one’s image and
hence has a great positive impact on one’s leadership qualities. It is often
said that first impressions are very important. Good hygiene, in the form of
clean and ironed uniforms, well-maintained hair, nails, teeth, all contribute massively.
So it is imperative that one maintains an impeccable standard of hygiene at all
possible times to be a role model for one’s peers.
This is followed by healthy-eating habits. Avoiding
excessive junk-foods, focusing on fruits and vegetables will all give you an
energetic lifestyle. Apart from your diet, eating etiquettes play a vital role
in cementing your image. Knowing how and when to use proper cutlery, the size
of portions to be had, table-top discussions etc. are all vital skills.
Physical exercise is also character building. One learns the
value of hard work and through a strenuous workout regime is able to improve
his health, physique and levels of endurance. Following a regular routine
further leads to a sense of order and discipline in one’s life. Physical and
mental limits are tested and pushed, which allows us to better meet our other
targets and goals.
Good manners and etiquettes along with other social smarts
are key components in one’s leadership arsenal. These act as a bridge for
meeting new and exciting people and make for a strong foundation in maintaining
relationships. Knowing local customs, the proper way to address our elders,
juniors, friends and families, will all help you in getting into the good books
of the people you interact with on a regular basis.
This is further augmented by good communication skills. “No
man is an island” is an old and very true statement. To live and function in
society one must communicate. Signifying to the other party of what you want
but doing so in a way which guarantees results may be defined as good
communication. Possessing these skills will ensure that you achieve your goals
and maintain strong bonds with your team. However, conveying your needs and wants
to others is only one side of the communication coin. Listening to the demands,
wishes and concerns of others in a respectful and understanding manner
completes the communication process. A good leader listens first and then speaks,
and only then if absolutely necessary. “Words are gold”, be mindful of how you
spend them.
Keeping your emotions in check and knowing how to react to
delicate situations can be life-saving skills. Thinking logically and
rationally, with all the material facts in front of you and having regard for
the feelings of others’, you can make great decisions which will benefit you,
your friends and your relationships. Therefore, having control over your
emotions and not over-reacting are important leadership skills as well.
However, the core foundation upon which all your other
qualities are based and in fact spring from is self-discipline. Realizing your responsibilities
and going about performing your duties in a well-organized, pre-planned manner
is self-discipline. Without self-discipline no leader can succeed. Self-discipline
is indeed the sauce which holds all the other ingredients together and blends
them into the perfect leadership recipe.
These are but the basic qualities that a good leader should
possess. There are numerous other ways to improve your character and everyone
have their own individuality and style. Just remember: confidence and courtesy can
take you just about anywhere you want to go. Add good hygiene and a drive for
hard work and you’ll be a leader in no time.
