When I was in sixth grade, I decided to run for a position in student government. I had never had the chance to be a leader before, but my friends decided to get involved, so I followed suit. My dad immediately jumped on the opportunity to help me run as school treasurer.
For several weeks, my dad coached me as I talked to my peers about what they wanted to see happen while they were in sixth grade. I came up with slogans, and my dad helped me print out customized stickers with my name and picture. I got caught up in the fun of campaigning.
What I didn’t realize was the hard work it took to be a leader. I thought it would be a simple process. I didn’t realize how important it was to listen to what all of my peers were saying. I didn’t realize that I needed to follow up on promises and make important decisions.
My dad used the opportunity to teach me what it meant to be a leader. He taught me that in order to lead people, I had to be level-headed and take the time to talk out important issues. I learned how to listen to the people I was going to represent and be their voice to those in a position higher than me. I didn’t win the election, but the lessons I learned those few weeks still stick with me.
True. Often we underestimate the role leaders play in decision making. It is hard than it looks to many. Glad to learn that you took positive lessons from the not-so positive election results.