One of the most infamous questions seen on an application, whether it be for a job or college, is: "What leadership qualities do you possess and how have you applied them?" Now, for most people, this question is easy to answer if you're president of your company, captain of your football team or even valedictorian of your grade. For others, however, this question may not come as simply. This isn't because they don't necessarily have leadership characteristics, it may just be because they don't want to assume any leadership position. And quite frankly, that's okay!
Just from looking through social media, anyone can see that there is already an abundance of people who are or wish to be leaders. They either have top grades and get into top universities, or build a business from their home computers and become extremely successful. This is not to shame any of those people or even to disrespect what they've accomplished. They have my utmost respect for their hard work and courage in all they've sacrificed and attained to get to where they are now.
But now what about the underdogs? Or those who wish to stay out of the limelight and still live a happy life with what they've got and how they've gotten it? Some students are strong at creating poems or solving intricate math problems, and they enjoy it! However, they do not wish to take on certain responsibilities and therefore are sometimes ignored, especially for positions which will give them experience in their field. Some aren't accepted just because of their "lack of leadership." This creates a huge pressure on those that don't have a knack for guiding others or wanting to be in a position where they make all the rules and enforce them. So why do we keep doing this to some of our youth and future generations?
We need to let them continue to do what they do best and not force them to become a leader if they don't wish to. Like Susan Cain said best, "We need more leaders who are called to service rather than status." This is especially true in a college atmosphere, where you need followers in order to even have a well functioning student body. We need it just as much in a country like the US; our government would not be functioning if it weren't for its citizens who follow and give their opinions.
It's never a bad thing to be a leader, but if you feel the pressure and anxiety that comes with being one, you shouldn't feel expected to. There are many other people that can take this position and make a lot more change. Also, a person should be extremely passionate in leading and teaching what they believe is right, not just leading a false theory to attain credibility.
Therefore, we need to look for our most creative and curious people to follow our leaders. For not only will leaders make a way for improvement, but followers as well, who have just as much power to make change in small ways.
