Through Teaching, I Learned About Leadership

In one of my teaching session, we were exploring the topic of Leadership. Since it's a free flow conversation, I only prepared the 5 pillars of leadership that becomes our anchor for the discussion. The thing is, prior this I had a misconception of what Leadership actually means and manifest. And only because I choose this topic and explored about it, I learned about a good leadership and what a good leader looks like.

When I brought this topic, people think leadership is often being someone who is entrusted with a major task. They are on top of the chain of their organization and make all the critical decision. While it is true to some extend, there is something missing from that perception. Even for myself, that was how leadership looks like and imprinted as a definition in my life.

The thing is, we can be a leader even at a microscopic scale. For instance, as the leader of a household, a small organization, and even between family. So, it's always important skills to have in life because no matter where we go, we can become a leader. What remains is that whether we become an effective leader or an ineffective leader.

From the session, I reflected on every endeavors that I did as a leader. There were times when I become an ineffective leader because I was still putting my needs above the others. A good leader should also take input from its follower/members then make a sound decision based on it. Certainly, we can't please everybody but by not putting our own needs above everyone else is a step ahead to become a good leader.

When we become an effective leader especially in an organization, it is easy for the members to work effectively and get a good clarity of their work. This is one of the thing I also reflected a lot in order for me to become a good leader. I can't only think about the comfort and convenience of myself but also others who work for me.

This is why I enjoy my evening these days because most of the time through teaching I also learn something new and reflect on myself. Just like I was able to learn about Leadership and I could ask better questions to my other students once this topic comes up.

My current homework is making lists of everything I do in my life and see my positions. In some of my endeavors, I am merely a junior but in some parts, I am a leader. Sometimes I forget to switch the roles and that prevents me from becoming an effective leader.