TEEN TRUTH: INSIGHT – LEADERSHIP

August 31st, 2010

I recently spoke at a Student Leadership Camp that took place on the University of California at Santa Barbara campus. This event was very special because about eighteen years earlier I attended the same camp as student government member!

As I spoke to the 1,500 student leaders I began to think about what the definition of leadership means to me. I don’t remember thinking of myself as a leader when I was on student government. I was more focused on planning the dances, the rallies, or other campus events. I never realized the power we had to enhance our school culture and connect the students on campus, so I worked hard to communicate this idea to the students at the camp.

After reflecting on the camp, I think a leader is someone who can see all the angles and understand how to properly connect all the dots.

Not everyone becomes a leader, many actually follow, but I believe everyone has this potential inside. Everyone will have to make hard decisions during their life and often times those decisions will be unpopular. True leaders have no problem bucking the trends to propose a new way of thinking, while many continue to do things always the same. If you look back through history it’s often just one person who has toppled regimes, changed societies, or evolved ways of thinking.

I believe you have to fight for what is right even if you are hated you for it. Sometimes you have to make the choice that no one else can make. I think that is what being a leader is all about.

I challenge you to reflect on your own leadership opportunities and recognize how these moments will make you stronger and more fulfilled. Are you willing to rise up and accept responsibility for those around you?

I believe you are.

Written by: JC Pohl
Photo by: JC Pohl & Jacob Rushing
Published by: TEEN TRUTH NET