The greatest leader is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things
According to Ronald Reagan, "The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things."
Describe an instance where you had to be a leader in your community. What did you learn about yourself, your leadership style, and your capacity to create change?
It was during the period when I was waiting to join into the university after finishing my secondary school studies when my village chief sermon all youths. He did that after realizing the extend in which the youth have gone astrain. They were involving in dangerous sexual activities without caring the consequences, using drugs and involving in criminal activities. This made my community to lose many youths since it was becoming so viral.
As a form of showing the respect, I attended the meeting which took place in village square. Area chief made a lot of complain about how will live our lives as youths, he was talking with pains, tears flowed down his cheeks. I was really touched with his words that I had to put shyness aside and just stand and find myself walking toward where he was. Honestly, I never knew what was really happen to myself during that moment. I left everyone mouth open.
I approached the Chief and request him to give me a chance and let me say something. Since he was also astonished as others, he just handed over the microphone to me. I hold it carefully and looked directly to the audience eyes and just say "why". Without knowing my whole face was so wet tears. I continued my speech with motivation and safe practices in life that can be essential to youths' life. I told them that life is a choice. It only us who can decide for ourselves on which road we should choose.
I was surprise on how the environment was so quiet that I could not hear even a mammal of anyone. I looked behind me where the chief was only to realize he was already positioned himself in the nearby chair with a facial impression of being touched. Since I was not expecting any of this, that is when I realize that I was the speaker and people were listening to me. I just conclude by saying thank you and put down the microphone in the table.
I walked slowly to where to find myself a chair. Just after seating down, youth started to come towards me and I was wondering what is wrong with them. Some of them even the one who were older than me swallow their pride and seek for advice and counseling from me. Since there is no way I would have resisted, I counselled them one by one without tiresome and ensure that they will do the right thing for better future of the society. The chief approached me privately and ask me who are you? Who send you? Ofcource I was not in a position to answer that since he knew even who my parents are.
This scenario made me to discover the leadership that has been existing in me without knowing. I my ability to help out only for the concern I have about others. I found out how influential I can be, even the chief himself swallow his pride and listen careful on the potential I have with me. I also realize that I have demonstrate Charismatic leadership style by encouraging, mentoring, provide them with advices for their well being.
From the attention I got, I realize if people were listening to me I can create great positive towards lives of many on the way of living a healthy lives without any fear. This will then influence the growth of my community.
Finally this scenario is just an instance but what I know I must grow as leader to be an outstanding in my abilities in my leadership activities.