Me, A Leader? How do I Leak?

(Relax, we know this one isn't a list of 12. But exceptions can be fun, right? Read on and enjoy!)

Perhaps you don't see yourself as a leader or perhaps it comes naturally. Either way, I want to encourage you to stretch yourself during your college years. This is a great time to learn. It is also a time to explore different opportunities to help you formulate your values and grow in all areas of your life.

Think about those people you like to follow. What traits do they possess? What do they value? How do they make you feel? What makes them a good leader?

Here are some traits that I have observed over the years from good leaders:

1. Good leaders listen. Good leaders know how to listen. In order to make wise decisions and decisions that are good for the whole team, a leader will listen. A leader will listen to what is said and what is not said. A leader will listen to employees, customers, stake holders and the community. Learn to be a good listener.

2. Good leaders ask powerful questions. Asking the right questions and in the right way gets leaders the answers they need to make good decisions. For example, when faced with a critical decision a good leader will not only listen to the issue or problem, but will ask questions such as, "What are all our options? What makes this option better? How do we salvage the situation? Who all can help us? What are our barriers? If we choose this option, in a year what will we have?"  Learn to ask powerful questions.

3. Good leaders don't cast blame in public. A good leader will not cast blame on their team members. This leader will protect the team and take the blame themselves. They will listen, ask questions and always set high expectations for themselves and their team members. They will look for opportunities for growth and help their team members to learn from their mistakes. Learn to not cast blame.

4. Good leaders are builders. Good leaders build up their team. They look for opportunities to stretch each member. They build on the strengths of each member. They are always looking for opportunities to help them grow as individuals and to improve in their job or role in the company. When it is not about yourself, but the good of each member on your team, you are a good leader. Learn to build others up.

There are many qualities of good leaders, but I hope I have gotten you thinking. You can be a leader. Or think of it this way, a leader leaks. Change the "d" in lead to a "k." LEAK! How do you leak? What do you want to leak?

I want to LEAK good things and be a good leader.

Becky L. Biser, UBC Adult & Friend to College Students; Director of Leadership Development,

Tarrant Baptist Association