BEING A LEADER

Kristine Joy Gozun Cruz

"I am a leader." what a fancy thing to say. There are a lot of aspiring people but only few are being chosen to lead. Hoping to be in a high position, receiving a lot of respect, being a prominent individual, high paying salary, ability to make people follow certain rules and regulations, the feeling of superiority, are just some of the ideas of people who aspire to be leaders. However, being one is not just about that.

Being a leader is never an easy task. Those who already experienced to be one might think it's a burden given the responsibilities and accountabilities that it involves. Some might even regret the fact that they were chosen to do that very difficult task. Others might already felt tired of the situations that they need to face over and over again.

Indeed, being a leader requires a lot of things. It's not just about pursuing and fulfilling Post Graduate Studies or attending various training and seminars. Well, of course, it's a great factor if you will be able to apply all the significant things you learned from those for the betterment of your institution. But then, it will still not be enough. You have to possess the necessary characteristics of a good leader has responsibility, has courage, has the ability in good decision-making, has great communication skills, has empathy, has the ability to delegate, has respect to others, and has gratefulness.

Moreover, the most fundamental key is to realize the value of what you are doing, the purpose of your actions. Don't just do things because you have to. Do things because you want to. Finish your Masters or Doctorate Degree not because someone told you to but because you want to gain more knowledge and skills. Attend all the training and seminars you can possibly participate to not because someone asked you to but because you want to become a better version of yourself. Become a leader, not because of the title or position but because you know you can be a good or great leader who can inspire your people. Lead not because you are tasked to but because you want to uplift and help other people to improve as well.

You are not given a difficult task when you become a leader. Rather, you are given a great opportunity to change the lives of the people around you and to make a difference. Appreciate the opportunity and be grateful for it. Positivity shall start within you and it will eventually radiate to those around you.

--oOo-

The author is Teacher III at Rodolfo V Feliciano Memorial High School