Oh yes, we all know that famous quote from Spiderman, “With great power comes great responsibility.” I guess I’m going through that phase now in life. Taking over millions of leadership in a matter of weeks with millions of thoughts unstraightened out… How would that turn out?
But, enough with the idle chatter. What I really want to discuss right now is whether the process of leadership is really worth the energy invested into it.
Leadership is probably the nearest thing to playing god. You are leading a group/organisation of people whom you are accountable to. The more people there are, the more responsibility adds on as we strive to ensure everyone is well taken care of. Essentially, leaders make decisions; leaders ensure development of people; leaders bring out the best in everyone.
However, because of the need to fulfill these commitments, much time, sweat, and energy must be invested into it. The stress, pressure from the teachers, pressure from the students, pressure from the rush to meet deadlines, so painful but rewarding at the end of the day. In a busy society, not only adults have to deal with stress. Increasingly, students like myself are beginning to face enormous responsibilities. Imagine that you’re tasked with the organisation of the biggest event on the school calendar and you will inevitably think about, “What if I screwed up?” Not only will you lose credibility from those you are accountable for, but you also feel a great sense of guilt. In my opinion, the real challenge in leadership is to be able to withstand and overcome the pressure.
But since leadership is such a chore, why do we still go in the pursuit of it? Is it an inate human nature to be one above the rest? Is it the thrill of pushing your mental capacity to its very very limits? Is it the sense of curiosity in us, to see what might happen?
But nothing is ever completely bad, there are bound to be some good points, depending on how you look at it. Just like a rotten apple. In our perspective, it’s bad. But in the perspective of a worm, it’s good and food!
Through the pressure and mental grind, leadership trains us to become agile and responsive thinkers. It sharpens our mind like how a knife is sharpened by grinding it. Leadership also makes us become responsible thinkers. We think responsibly, execute responsible actions and stay responsible for the results. Leadership makes us aware. Of ourselves; of human nature in different situations; of the surrounding society.
I must definitely admit that leadership in school, though it is no mean feat, is safe. The environmental factors are controlled, and you will be protected. It’s safe for making accidental mistakes, and this is the time where we must learn from it. Not to roll around in self-pity and worry so much. The right attitude is to extract the lessons and look forward with an optimistic mind. That’s how you can further enhance your role as a motivativational leader. Your charges will be able to look up and say, “We can do this together!”
But now comes the question, because some leaders may not be optimistic people to begin with. Some people lack leadership qualities that society has once and again re-emphasised. But, we always say that everyone can become a leader. Why do some leaders make it seem easier than others? That’s where Part II will continue, discussing on the issues of Nature vs. Nuture.
