Not everyone is a born leader. However, leadership is less of a talent and more of a skill, which means it is something people must learn and improve. High education students enjoy the unique opportunity of simultaneously improving their leadership skills while at the same time getting a better shot at a promising career.
“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other” – said John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Taking this into consideration, we have decided to share the advantages of high education in the creation and development of leadership skills.
Confidence
“A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others” -Douglas MacArthur
The more you invest in your education, the more likely you are to be recognized for your abilities. Once you take at least a small leadership role, you will be able to show off your abilities and prove what you can. Knowing that others value your abilities is a great way to gain confidence and this is the main prerequisite in being a good leader.
Communication Skills
“Ninety percent of leadership is the ability to communicate something people want.”-Dianne Feinstein
Having to speak with and in front of others is often requested from students. Communication with peers and teachers will allow you to express yourself much easily, while public speaking is known to improve with experience. The diplomacy, persuasion and presentation skills you will learn at college or university are something that can be applied to every career you decide to pursue in the future.
Communication skills development will not come solely from your experience in speaking with and in front of others. When your teachers and role models speak, you consciously or unconsciously gather information on body language and leadership skills. Watching how experienced speakers and leaders teach in every level of education should give you a perspective of what you should and should not do, which will eventually help you improve your communication skills.
Building Relationships
“I suppose leadership at one time meant muscles; but today it means getting along with people.” -Mahatma Gandhi
It is a known fact that the more you insert yourself in an environment where people with similar interests reside, the better relationships you can build. Education gathers people with similar interests to one spot, allowing you to share your network and become familiar with people that may help you become great. Building relationships is key to being a good leader and networking can yield both personal and professional contacts that may one day be valuable.
Responsibility
“The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership.” – Harvey S. Firestone
Being a student comes with many difficulties, including gaining self-dependency and responsibility. When the time comes for you to pursue a higher education, you will be expected and requested to extend your responsibilities and become more aware. The responsibility you will learn while in school is one of the key factors in being a great leader.
Negotiation Skills
“Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.” –John D. Rockefeller
Success can only occur when the integrity of something is maintained. Education allows students to learn how to establish their priorities. Furthermore, college years will teach you of the necessity to compromise at certain times, all with the goal of achieving more.
If you want to further develop this particular skill, you can always join a cooperative learning workshop or a conflict-resolution group. After all, negotiation is one of the most important skills a good leader must possess.
Management Skills
“You manage things; you lead people.” –Grace Murray Hopper
Management skills are the forte of a good leader. In order to lead others, you must oversee things and organize them in the best possible way. Practicing management in college allows you to learn how to prioritize, build consensus and use your talent for the advantage of others. Additionally, it is always better to make the mistakes while leading to be a leader than when the time to be one actually comes.
Experience
Earn your leadership every day.” –Michael Jordan
Any future employer will appreciate and immediately recognize the experience you have with leadership, especially if throughout your high education, you have at some point shown the initiative and taken the action to lead something. If you manage to improve your resume by adding some leadership experience, you will distinguish yourself from others and get the attention of employers faster.
Getting a degree is not the only reason why you should opt for following the education path. Education allows for developing skills that are crucial to the personal development of a student and will go a long way in improving your leadership skills. If you want to become a leader at a certain point in life, a good education is a great way to start.
