EXCEL

EXCEL . . . the focus of Leadership

By: Caryssa Therese Versoza

Editor-in-chief

Last July 3, 2010, Saturday, all Student Council Officers and Class officers were gladly invited to attend a Leadership Training Seminar Workshop inspired by the theme of “Empowered, Extraordinary, Conscientious and Effective Leaders” (EXCEL) which reinforced Dr. Stephen R. Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective Leaders. The seminar was filled with fun and action-packed activities that helped us young leaders create a more effective team. Throughout the seminar, activities were arranged to help participants apply what they have learned. They also had valuable opportunities to help themselves learn from one another.

What is a leader? Several important aspects of leadership including a complex description of what leadership is and a description of several popular theories, researches, observations and styles of leadership are being set to explain. A leader is simply someone who shows and guides others toward a certain goal by setting a good example and by making an interactive environment for all to feel involved in the whole process of performing a certain task. A good leader does not reflect as the dictator or boss of a team. Instead, he or she is committed to carry out the purpose of the action. Therefore, it always takes two or more to generate and improve an idea. It is one’s job to readily accept others’ constructive criticisms and to make sure that everyone is heard. As a leader, it is important to stay on track for others to keep on their own tracks; the team should always stay more and more productive, organized and motivated. Availability is another key factor. Leaders find time to have an open communication with the team to keep away from being misunderstood. GOOD COMMUNICATION can help in making your teammates realize their responsibility and help each one to be cognizant about one’s interest and strengths. Confidence is the most important element within a leader. If you don’t believe in the success of your tasks, then who else will?

In the leadership training, I really enjoyed every bit of it and learned lessons to live by. We, the participants, took part in each activity. Mind-boggling obstacle courses aren’t easy to tackle but by cooperation and the dash of helpful ideas, each team experienced sweet success. I experienced a few misunderstandings, clashes of idea and carried unsuccessful plans as we tried to apply the concepts into actuality. The training teaches me to be more understanding, patient with what I am doing and to listen intently to other’s point of view. Each of us frequently reminds each other that whatever happens, win or lose, we must put our best foot forward. To recapitulate the 7 Habits of a highly effective individual and after all the rigors of the activity, I came up to a realization that being a good leader is not measured by the physical strength of an individual but by the inner strength of one’s heart and mind. In every way, this will be my guide to my future venture, I will never be afraid to fail because it’s a step forward in the emergence of a real leader in me.