Leadership Development: Universities' Role In Shaping Future Leaders

Developing leadership skills is an important aspect of university life, and universities offer a variety of ways to help students cultivate these skills. While some students may naturally possess leadership qualities, others can develop them through practice and guidance. Universities often provide extracurricular activities, clubs, sports teams, and community service projects that allow students to step up and take on leadership roles. Additionally, group projects, presentations, and part-time jobs offer opportunities for students to enhance their leadership abilities. Universities also emphasise the importance of effective communication, active listening, and teamwork in building leadership skills.

Leading group projects

Embrace the Process Over the Product:

Recognise that the journey is where the learning happens, and orient both instructors and students towards this mindset. Emphasise the process over the final product to encourage collaboration and reduce negative behaviours such as unequal contributions.

Be Transparent:

Encourage students to express their feelings about group projects. Acknowledge the challenges and emphasise the importance of effort and care in making the experience a positive one. Share your own experiences of successful collaboration in the past, such as in sports teams or theatre groups, to show that they can succeed in a group.

Design Projects for Collaboration:

Ensure that the project is designed to benefit from a group effort and division of labour. It should be something that cannot be done by an individual alone and requires collaborative deliberation and problem-solving. This ensures that everyone has a stake in the project and that the group can leverage the "wisdom of crowds".

Provide Instruction on Group Work:

Cover topics such as leadership styles, group communication, collaborative problem-solving, ethics, team-building, scheduling, and more. These skills are essential for effective group work, and providing guidance will help students navigate the complexities of working together.

Allow Student Autonomy in Group Formation:

Give students some control over forming groups. This can be done through a combination of instructor judgment and student input. For example, students can provide personal statements and schedules, and then express their preferences for who they want to work with. This increases the chance of group harmony and maximises performance.

Encourage Group Autonomy:

While providing structure and check-ins, give groups latitude to develop coordination and individual agency. Ask them to establish shared expectations, such as response times to emails or texts, attitudes towards punctuality, and guidelines for meetings and filling in absent members.

Check-In and Assess Progress Regularly:

Instructors should regularly interact with groups to assess their progress and identify any problems. This can be done both formally and informally. Informal check-ins can be as simple as observing the group's dynamics during class. Formal check-ins can involve sitting with each group to discuss accomplishments and challenges since the last meeting.

Reflect and Learn from the Experience:

At the end of the project, encourage students to reflect on the group process through individual analysis papers. Ask them about their successes and what they would do differently. This promotes metacognitive learning and allows students to demonstrate their ability to learn from the experience, even if the final product wasn't perfect.

Starting a club or becoming president of an existing one

Starting a Club:

• Define the Purpose of Your Club: First, decide on the focus of your club. What are you passionate about, and how can it be turned into a club? Outline the club's mission statement, scope, and objectives. For example, if you're passionate about environmental sustainability, your club could focus on initiatives to make the campus more eco-friendly.
• Recruit Members and Officers: Talk to friends and peers to gauge their interest and recruit initial members. Schools usually require a minimum number of interested students, and you'll need members to fill officer positions like club president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer.
• Find a Staff Advisor: A staff advisor is required to oversee your organization, offer advice, and ensure the club aligns with its goals. This could be an instructor, administrator, or other staff member, preferably someone with expertise or interest in your club's area of focus.
• Complete a Registration Form: Register your club officially with the university. Many schools have online forms, while others may require a physical form. Include the names of your officers and advisor. Registration will often give you access to college resources like funding and rooms for meetings.
• Write a Constitution: Some universities require a constitution and bylaws when you register. This document details the club's mission, structure, and governing rules, while the bylaws cover specific procedures like membership and dues.
• Complete an Anti-Hazing Agreement: Hazing, which endangers the physical or mental health of new members, is prohibited. All officers, advisors, and members must sign an agreement stating the university's definition of hazing and the potential consequences.
• Attend Training: Club officers will likely need to attend formal training to learn about their roles and responsibilities. For example, the treasurer may learn about budgeting, while the secretary may gain knowledge about creating agendas and organizing information.
• Hold Your First Meeting: Make your first meeting an enjoyable experience that attendees will want to share with others. Most members join clubs to meet people, so consider starting with an icebreaker activity.

Becoming President of an Existing Club:

If you're interested in becoming president of an existing club, there are a few steps you can take:

• Get Involved: Join the club and actively participate in its activities. This will help you understand the club's dynamics and identify areas where you can contribute as a leader.
• Show Initiative: Take on additional responsibilities and tasks within the club. This could include organizing events, managing the club's finances, or leading a specific project. This will demonstrate your leadership skills and commitment to the club.
• Communicate Your Interest: Talk to the current club president and express your interest in taking on a leadership role. They may be able to mentor you or provide guidance on the election process.
• Develop a Platform: If the club holds elections, create a platform that outlines your vision for the club and any changes or improvements you aim to implement. Share your ideas with club members and seek their feedback.
• Campaign and Network: If applicable, create promotional materials, such as posters or social media posts, to raise awareness of your candidacy. Network with club members and seek their support. Highlight your strengths and explain why you would be an effective leader.

Whether you start your own club or become president of an existing one, these experiences will provide valuable opportunities to develop your leadership skills, work with a team, and make a positive impact during your time at university.

Part-time or on-campus jobs

Students can also gain leadership skills by working in the campus admissions office, where they can take on roles such as student bloggers, tour guides, or hosts. These roles demonstrate that the student is a responsible and respectable person on campus who can communicate well with others.

Additionally, students can seek part-time employment off-campus, such as in fast-food restaurants, which can help develop their people skills and give them a taste of working life. If they show willingness and dedication, they may even gain a promotion to a shift manager or team leader role, further developing their leadership skills.

Furthermore, students can develop leadership skills by asking a professor if they need assistance with research. This allows students to learn their craft and develop better communication skills, as well as giving them the opportunity to see what work in their field is like and make valuable connections with faculty members.

Overall, part-time or on-campus jobs offer students a great opportunity to develop leadership skills, gain valuable work experience, and earn some extra money during their time at university.

Volunteering

Develop a Personal Brand

Learn from New Environments

Working with charities and non-profit organizations can expose students to new environments and different ways of working. They may find themselves presented with limited resources, which can spark creative and innovative solutions. Volunteering also offers the chance to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios, enhancing their understanding and making their learning more meaningful.

Build Confidence and Passion

Through volunteering, students can discover their passions and develop a sense of purpose. By contributing to a cause they care about, they can build confidence in their abilities and gain a sense of accomplishment. This can be especially impactful when they see the tangible differences they are making in people's lives, motivating them to take on more challenges and step outside their comfort zone.

Reflect and Connect with Others

Make a Difference

Students can make a meaningful impact on their communities by volunteering. They can address social issues, support those in need, and create positive change. This not only benefits the recipients of their efforts but also empowers the students themselves, fostering a sense of agency and enhancing their leadership capabilities.

Universities can support student volunteers by integrating service-learning opportunities into their programs, promoting community service initiatives, and recognizing the contributions of student volunteers through incentives, awards, and academic credit. By encouraging and facilitating volunteering, universities can help students develop valuable leadership skills and prepare them for their future careers.

Joining a sports team

Social Benefits

University sports teams provide an excellent opportunity to make friends and meet new people with similar interests. This social aspect is one of the most obvious benefits of joining a sports team. Whether you continue with your favourite sport or try something new, you are likely to meet like-minded individuals and form lasting friendships.

Improved Mental Health

Playing sports is beneficial for both physical and mental health. Being part of a sports team can provide a much-needed escape from the pressures of academic deadlines and improve your overall mental well-being. Regular exercise and social interaction can help reduce stress levels, especially during intense study periods.

Leadership Opportunities

Within sports teams, leadership can be provided by formal athlete leaders, such as team captains, and informal athlete leaders who emerge through natural interactions with teammates. As a team captain, you will have the chance to influence and guide your teammates, make tactical decisions, and represent your team. This role will allow you to develop essential leadership qualities such as communication, motivation, and social skills.

Time Management

Balancing your academic studies with sports team commitments will enhance your time management skills. This ability to manage multiple responsibilities will be valuable for your future career and demonstrate to employers your capability to handle various tasks effectively.

Personal Development

Being part of a sports team fosters personal growth and the development of essential soft skills. You will learn to work collaboratively with others, improve your communication and problem-solving abilities, and enhance your motivation and commitment. These transferable skills will benefit you not only during your time at university but also in your future endeavours.

In conclusion, joining a sports team at university offers numerous advantages for personal development and leadership skill acquisition. It provides a platform to cultivate friendships, enhance mental and physical well-being, and develop leadership qualities through formal and informal roles. Additionally, it teaches valuable time management lessons and equips individuals with soft skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Frequently asked questions