Chevening 1- future leaders or influencers
Essay 2- Career Plan question
Constructive point of views
1-
Leadership may be defined as a position of power held by an individual in a group, which provides him with an opportunity to exercise interpersonal influence on the group members for mobilising and directing their efforts towards certain goals. The leader is at the centre of group's power structure, keeps the group together, infuses life into it, moves it towards its goals and maintains its momentum.
Many of us think how this leader can be, his traits and abilities in my point of view there are main points must be in a leader like honesty, a person who can communicate him/herself clearly, confident, positive even if the situation is bad, committed to the point that he/she have their hands in hands with their staff, humorous, creative, respectful and last but not least intuitive as sometimes a person can be in situations that are not found in text books.
People want to confidently go to work feeling that they are valued and that their leaders have their backs. They must become better listeners, opportunity enablers and exceptional coaches.
At work or in personal life a leader shows his ability to direct the ship to safety in times of storms. Personally I went through a great rough storm when I was just 21 lost both my parents only 5 months apart. Both pillars of the house are gone and suddenly I was responsible of 2 little sisters 19 and 15 years old. All of us were in education and all of us knew very little about this world as our parents were very protective. As a team we redirected our ship, I changed the course of my education to the faculty of commerce then I looked for work. Each of us had his work to do but as the eldest I had the big bite on my plate. I had to work, study, look out for them. Now both of them are up on their feet, graduated from good universities, working in their own private business and married.
An influencer is a person that inspires people, having above average impact is his key. Even though he is not in control but having a generous heart, the wisdom to give advice if needed makes people look up at him as a role model. In return people expect wisdom, calmness, gentle actions and a keen sense of observation.
Leadership and influence are like hats. To be one you should be capable of being the other. Situation decides which hat you should put on at the time.
2-
When I saw the question I had so many answers in my mind and in the same time I had none as this is a very tricky question. What I want is very complex. Egypt is a land of many treasures and by that I do not mean only the natural resources but also I mean the people. In Egypt we have alot of talented people and alot of crafts that are not properly marketed to the world.
My vision is to have all these people and crafts under one roof which can allow me to market all these products not only as souvenirs but also as day to day needed products. In order to achieve my goal I began to make extensive lists of all crafts made in Egypt in each governorate that allows me to see the crafting map keeping all the contacts needed for each craft which enables me to begin in my plan straight away after finishing my MSc.
Opening new markets will enhance the economy creating a buzz inside Egypt that will help crafts to develop and in the same time will allow other cultures out side Egypt to get curious about these talented people and wanting to know more about Egypt as a country. Elevating the living standard of people is a main goal. To allow them to innovate in their craft by securing their financial needs thus allowing more creativity as small things can bring important changes into people's lives.
My MSc will allow me to tackle all marketing problems related to these products allowing me to fully present each and every piece as it deserves to be presented in a glorified way. In 7 years time a well known establishment will be present in real life giving the chance to crafts men and women to be devoted to their crafts and arts.
As simple as these words are it is a very difficult dream to achieve but I firmly believe that when there is a will there is a way. One day you will hear about famous Egyptian rugs beautiful and exceptional as the famous Persian rugs.
Hi Aysha!
In my opinion, your first essay should be written focusing on leadership skills you have showed along your student or work life.
Although you have an overcoming life history, it seems to me a demonstration of strength, teamwork, adaptability, but not necessarily leadership.
If you have some activities which you acted in a leader role, from where you could extract some practical examples and feature them with your leadership traits, it could be more enriching.
Also, I don't see necessity of leadership definition. It would be better if you use those characteristics when describing actions you have taken to achieve goals when leading.
Related to your second essay, I would suggest you restructure it. I had a little difficulty through the reading to understand it.
I did like your closing paragraph, however I think that the other paragraphs could be written more clearly. I advise you outline your career goals, following by clear short term goals and clear long term goals, answering from where do you intend to begin your career, where do you intend to work, what will you do to prepare and achieve the goals of your career, etc.
Hope I have helped!
