Leadership

by: Shannon Hames

Last week, Dr. Reichert addressed the students in the Honors program about participation.  One of the points that she addressed was about how the larger the group is, the more people think that others will step up and volunteer for things so they don't.  In choosing not to be involved, they are robbing themselves of the experience and others of the gifts and talents that they would otherwise bring to the table.

One of the opportunities that was presented to the students was to participate in an upcoming Leadership conference.  There are opportunities for speakers, art, media, and a variety of other volunteer positions.  I wondered how many of the students in attendance felt as though they had enough experience in leadership to offer their skills and talents to the conference.

To be sure, if you have failed at something and learned from it, you are qualified.  I was recently reading this article by Lawrence G. Weinzimmer, co-author of The Wisdom of Failure: How to Learn the Tough Leadership Lessons Without Paying The Price.  

Weinzimmer asserts that "many of us don’t pursue the trial because we are fearful of making error."  It made me connect the fear that some of the students not volunteering to do something because they are afraid to fail.  However, college is the place to make mistakes and learn from them.  Everything you learn here will benefit you as you move on in life.  

The author goes on to say "Making mistakes -- or failing -- are part of taking healthy risk. They provide us with new ways of thinking and give us new insights into how we can improve as leaders.

Real failure doesn’t come from making mistakes; it comes from avoiding errors at all possible costs, from fear to take risks, and from the inability to grow. Being mistake free does not lead to success."

To grow as a leader and as a person, put yourself out there and volunteer your time and talents.  When you see an opportunity to get involved, don't assume someone else will do it.  You be the one to say yes!