Leadership Tips for Girls, By Girls

Each year, we select two students from NCGS Member Schools to attend the Student Leadership Conference in Australia. They are chosen for their contributing leadership roles within their school communities, their strong sense of adventure and their recognition of the importance of having and building a global perspective. Here, they share that perspective, with insights about what it means to be a leader.

 

"If you are energetic and involved, those around you will follow your example"

Rebecca Adelsheim of the Ellis School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Jyotika Banga of the Marymount School in New York City:

 

1.    Use the Experiential Learning Cycle method of "plan, do, review". Planning help to center group efforts and leads to a more organized initiative. Reviewing after carrying out a plan, regardless of whether or not you have succeeded, allows for learning and development for future actions.

 

2.    Set S.M.A.R.T. Goals. SMART stands for: Specific Measurable Active Realistic and Time-bound. Defining your goals clearly and using positive language ensures that you have a strong foundation. Break down broad goals into smaller ones that you can achieve more easily. Perform an action that contributes to your goal each day or week - be proactive. Remember to set realistic goals and be willing to change them if you feel that you are not making significant progress. Finally, use time limits to make sure that you fulfill part of your goal each day.

 

3.    Never compromise your values to complete a task however tempted you may feel.

 

4.    Communication is essential for leadership. Body language, tone, and words all covey a message. If any of these components are lacking there will be misunderstanding within a group.

 

5.    Remember that feedback is constructive and never be afraid to give or receive it. When giving feedback phrase it helpfully.  Remember to encourage as well as make suggestions for improvement. Praise is important, but so is constructive criticism. When receiving feedback don't take it as a personal attack. Embrace it and use it to your advantage.

 

6.    No single style of leadership is best. Rather, bringing together many characteristics of different leaders allows for a stronger, more effective team.

 

7.    When running a meeting keep in mind your audience, environment, and agenda. Be firm about getting decisions made, but be open to discussion and questions. Start with the end in mind so as to achieve your goal for the meeting.

 

8.    Remember that "you are the weather." You set the tune for your environment - if you are energetic and involved, those around you will follow your example.

 

9.    Be confident in yourself and your actions. Believe that you can do more then you think you can. 

 

10.    Always remember: "Mediocre leaders tell. Superior leaders demonstrate. Good leaders explain. Great leaders inspire. Be bold and valiant."
 

"When asked for advice, leaders should be honest"

Lauren W. of the Emma Willard School, in Troy, New York, and Ashley S. of the Castilleja School in Palo Alto, California:

1. A leader needs to know that they can lead from the bottom as well as the top. Sometimes stepping back and letting others have the opportunity to lead is the best form of leadership. As an anonymous author once wrote "Part of leadership is creating more leaders, not followers."

2. Don't be afraid to say no to taking on too many responsibilities. Leaders need to prioritize and balance their lives in order to stay healthy and save time for relaxation.

3. Leaders should be enthusiastic and passionate in order to spread motivation in a positive direction.

4. Leaders should be flexible and open-minded in order to encourage new ideas.

5. Leaders need to be confident and comfortable in their beliefs and choices. They should not waver or question themselves, but should remain confident in their values and decisions.

6. Leaders should know when to strive for specific goals instead of broad goals in order to be more efficient. As Mel Gibson said in the movie "The Patriot", "aim small, miss small."

7. Leaders should always take time out of their days to help others. When asked for advice, leaders should be honest; people will value openness and honesty more than superficial compliments.

8. Leaders need to take initiative and accomplish goals in order to build trust in others. (However, a leader cannot be too overbearing).

9. Leaders should not be afraid to take risks, but should openly embrace challenges.

10. Leaders should know that mistakes will occur, and should therefore learn from mistakes rather than becoming  discouraged or afraid of them. As another unknown author once wrote "A mistake is a fact of life, it's the response to the mistake that counts."

11. Leaders should always put themselves and their desires second to those of the people around them in order to build better relationships and trust.

"To be a good leader, it is important to be self-aware"

 

Bridget C. of The Agnes Irwin School in Rosemont, Pennsylvania and Janine D. of The Archer School in Los Angeles, California:

 

1. A good leader needs to know when and how to be a good follower.

2. Aim to earn and keep your follower's trust, because you'll need it to be successful and to make a difference.

3. Keep it honest and respectful when giving feedback. Keep in mind that criticism is not always a bad thing, so be willing to actively listen to it.

4. There's a difference between directing and delegating. When leading a project or group, delegate things to the other members, and direct when it gets off course.

5. Keeping a balanced lifestyle will help avoid procrastination, which will make work-time more productive.

6. You are never alone: similar issues occur within schools and communities, no matter where you are from. If you are having trouble, branch out for help and ideas to those who can offer further insight.

7. A key to a good presentation is being able to read the audience. Adjust your own demeanor to keep them receptive and interested.

8. In order to create an effective and unique leadership environment, it is important to be tolerant and open to other member's ideas.

9. In order to manage your time and balance your activities, be able to identify what is urgent versus what is important.

10. To be a good leader, it is important to be self-aware of your emotions and personal obligations.