#ThrowbackThursday: Learnings I've Gathered About Leadership As An Undergrad
Some of my reflections from a leadership program in my university
In the very first interview, we were asked why we decided to join this program. I remember my reason was…
“I wanted to experience coaching and mentorship, firsthand”.
I had always heard from others that having a true mentor shapes you to be a better version of yourself, but I had never experienced that yet. I eagerly anticipated exploring new perspectives and delving deeper into what would be best for my personal growth. Hence, what enticed me to join this program was to understand myself better, through engaging like-minded students, seeking advice from professional mentors, and even interacting with successful individuals. Back in 2020, the academic year was certainly a stepping stone for me as I took on a role for a cause I truly believe in — Women In Tech.
Now, I'd like to share the key insights I gained from this program:
What makes a good leader?
Practicing Gratitude:
There are two aspects to practicing gratitude here: gratitude (for self) and empathy (gratitude for others). In the first aspect, self-gratification fuels your own motivation in any task you attempt. In the second aspect, strong leaders embrace empathy to create a positive, supportive, and trusting environment.
Effective Communication:
A good leader can articulate their ideas effectively, ensuring that their points are clear and understood without resorting to assertiveness or harsh tones. When responding to questions, leaders should be mindful of connecting their ideas with the concerns or interests of the person asking. Making content relatable for the other and checking in with phrases like "Let me share why this is important for you" helps maintain engagement and their attention on you.
Mindful Communication:
Leaders should be aware of the impact of their words. Choosing language free from judgment and grounded in evidence promotes constructive communication.
Stay tuned on this page for more!