Scholarship / Having passion for what you are doing is the keystone for a competent leader. Chevening [5]

Chevening Essay about Leadership

Who is a leader? Are there any absolute qualities to be a leader?! Is it limited to certain sector? The answers are left open to the following quote: "if your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader, (John Quincy Adams)".Leadership is the seed of a tree of qualities that we should persist to grow and look after.

Having passion for what you are doing is the keystone for a competent leader. Ever since I started my job as a teacher I have started my passion for Teaching, that was always there, hidden, but get polished with the help and motivation of my professors and Trainers . At the early beginning of my career path I was about to quit, just for a partly unsuccessful trial, yet then with the support of my trainer, I managed to do it perfectly. Leaders do really make leaders!

Following my Trainer (Leader) steps, this enables me to inspire lots of my students either deliberately or unconsciously on both personal and professional levels. The leader has to be collaborative and has a strong streak of emotional intelligence with his/her interpersonal circle. One time, I had a confused student whose dreams and ambitions were big but hindered by lack of knowledge, unaware which doors to knock! I was able to give a hand for her. Afterwards, she got enrolled in a course that qualified her to achieve her dream to be a teacher. Leaders pave ways for others.

In addition, nothing is of equal worth than finding out that you left an impact in somebody's life. Being a leader means to have an everlasting impression. One day I came across one of my students, who I didn't recognize at the beginning, who was really grateful for me for being his role model to follow. However, I did nothing more than my job, but it was a reason that he loved teaching and made him start this path.

It is worth to note also that a leader in whatever position he/she is can have an influential role as part of a team. Sometimes a leader might not be the head of a certain position but the mastermind though. Having the opportunity to be an Arabic TA overseas fortifies this sense of team work. We collaborated together for the best accomplishment for the program.

Besides to the qualities mentioned, the Leader should have the sense of persistence and insightful. In life we encounter obstacles that might hinder our way of success, yet a proficient leader can sail in the wind. Along my professional experience, I have had to face some struggles, yet managed to work them out. The leader should remain positive and optimistic regardless of any downs that might come up along the road.

In short, everyone can be a leader in his field and position. To be a leader is to be able to support, motivate, inspire and empower.