What Makes A Great Leader?

No matter where you go in life, there are individuals who are popular and there are those who are leaders. Leadership is the quality of a person who is capable of guiding others through ideas with creativity, fairness, flexibility and a willingness to listen. Above all else, they need a good sense of humor.

To seek out the opinions of others in my school and surrounding schools, I distributed questionnaires to students from Creston, Wilbur and Harrington high schools.

Dan Krause from Creston said, “Leadership is not only the ability to lead people through certain circumstances, but being able to set a good example by setting good goals and qualities for your life.”

A couple of ways that Dan demonstrates his leadership skills is by going to church and collecting food for the needy.

A leader isn’t just the basketball player who swished a three-pointer at the buzzer, pulling the team ahead for the victory. A leader can be the quiet kid in the corner who offers the advice or idea needed to save the day, or the ASB president. Matt McMurray, Creston’s ASB president, told me that, “Leaders are people sought out by their peers to help and guide them through problems and obstacles.

“Leadership is earned because … your peers look to you as a role model based on past accomplishments, actions and opinions,” he added. “It takes time to become a leader and to earn the respect of your peers.”

However, leaders can be athletes depending on their attitude and willingness to be one. After being a member of the championship volleyball team and the No. 5 basketball team in the State B tournament, Erin Krause realizes her role as a leader, but often takes it for granted.

“After people look up to you and adults see you as a ‘good kid,’ leadership becomes something that needs to be maintained to keep a good image for yourself.”

Another well-noted athlete, Ryan Floyd, ASB president of Harrington High School, believes “Leaders are individuals who are willing to go against popular belief and trends to follow what they believe.”

Coming from a family of athletes, with a sister who just played in the NCAA tournament, Wilbur High School sophomore Mindy Brandy believes a leader is a person who can motivate those around them. Mindy has demonstrated this quality by creating and organizing a program for high school students to read to elementary students, HERO.

Being a role model is also part of being a leader. HERO program gives younger students a chance to relate to or spend time with some of their high school heroes.

Jessica Martin, a Wilbur junior, is a member of the Honor Society and a Natural Helper. She thinks being a leader can be a burden.

“Leadership is a responsibility in that the actions you take and the things you say will reflect who you are, and if people look up to you, they may do the same.”

So as you walk down the hall in school or down the street, always realize that you are being watched by young kids and your peers. They might just look up to you. Your opportunity to become a leader is always right around the corner. Be prepared.