Every student is a leader. Most do not realize this because they spend very little time identifying the qualities that go into leadership. It is not a characteristic only some people have. Rather, leadership is intrinsic and everyone has the capacity to lead.

Intrinsic motivation is the true measure of a leader. There is a big difference between someone who takes a role of leadership, and a leader. Most people associate leadership with a title rather than with specific characteristics and actions. Many students are called leaders, e.g. the student body president and various student government leaders. Do they really fit the criteria?

1. A good leader leads by example and:
o Is willing to take risks;
o Has an idea of where he/she wants to go;
o Takes responsibility for own actions;
o Is willing to resolve conflicts;
o Is a good listener;
o Is a person of integrity;
o Has a sense of service to something greater than themselves;
o Teaches others how to fish;
o Understands how to apply book knowledge;
o Has the ability to communicate something complex in a simple way;
o Has a sense of empathy coupled with a strong desire to do things honestly and respectfully;
o Has the ability to share ideas and experiences;
o Has a sense of self-appreciation and can celebrate personal victories no matter how small or large;
o Is humble without being subservient;
o Has faith in him- or herself while acknowledging a greater power outside the self;
o Has a positive mental attitude;
o Is a person who sees an opportunity when others do not or can not;
o Is someone who can make rational decisions rather than emotional ones;
o Is a free thinker;
o Is understanding of boundaries;
o Honors family, culture and tradition;
o Can see another persons perspective;
o Seeks mutual understanding without insisting on agreement;
o Can say no in difficult situations;
o Is honest in most, if not all, transactions