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leadership

  skills: They're not just for "leaders" anymore. Whether you wish to get into College, head up your high school prom committee meeting, interview for that dream Job, or make new friends (yes, even for something like that), it's often all about how you lead.

But what happens if you're not born with that natural "leader of the pack" knack? For the majority of us, finding a leadership gene is a difficult challenge, let alone learning how to encourage others to follow suit. That's why CollegeBound is leading the way with this easy-to-get list:

1. Be a Team Player. The biggies, say leaders: Learn to communicate and focus on the group. Effective leadership isn't about simply taking charge and expressing your ideas, but also listening to others and working as a team. Chad Proudfoot, graduate assistant to the president of West Virginia University, David C. Hardesty (Morgantown, WV), supports the group effort theory. "The members are what make up an organization," he explains. "If your leadership is focused on their best interests, then the rest can easily fall into place because you will have their respect and support."

Take it from Jaqueline Hackett, a youth advisor for the Students Against Destructive Decisions' Student Leadership Council (SADD SLC) and a sophomore at George Washington University (Washington, D.C.): A leader is one who creates a level playing field and encourages communication among the group. "Sometimes he or she has the best idea of strategy for attacking a problem or working on a goal, but chances are others in the group have great ideas, too." That's when a leader should step back and let the team shine. "By allowing [the group] to voice their ideas and be heard, they will realize how important they really are to your organization."

2. Stand Out. Make a name for yourself. One of the best ways to become a leader is to make people notice you and your talents. That doesn't mean being the class prankster, but rather standing out by doing something as simple as showing good manners and taking an active interest in things. According to Adam D'Antonio, a public relations major from C.W. Post Campus, Long Island University (Brookeville, NY), "One of the best ways to set yourself apart from the rest of the class is to sit in the front row and participate." It worked for him �- he was the school's valedictorian when he graduated in 2004.

3. Pursue Passion. Being a leader is not an easy task. Your brain goes blank, you get tongue-tied, the hot flashes you thought only your mother was having take hold, and there's a good possibility you'll faint. A good solution to these leadership landslides is to find something about which you are passionate. You'll be surprised at how much easier it is to be independent and assertive when you really know and love what you're involved with. That from Timi LaTondress, a senior at Meade County High School (Guston, KY). "If you have a passion to help terminally ill kids, then volunteer at a local hospital," she suggests. "As you become more involved, you will automatically gain valuable skills and move up the leadership ladder."

4. Get Motivated. The one person you can always count on is yourself, reminds Jenna Yockim, a SADD SLC member and freshman at St. Paul University (Minneapolis, MN). "If you are the key motivation in your life, you can choose whether it's negative or positive," says Jenna. You're your own constant, always around to keep cheering yourself on, and picking yourself up when you fall. By choosing to be self-motivated, Jenna says, "you'll not only be reliable, you'll also become an independent person, which is essential in becoming a successful leader."

5. Be Active. Getting out there and participating in activities is a great way to learn and attain leadership status. Join a club, organize a fundraiser, make a goal to introduce yourself to one new person a week -- anything to keep yourself active and involved will ultimately help you to learn leadership skills. In his book, Ahead of the Pack: Balancing Your Way to Personal Success in College (Thomas Delmar Learning, 2006), author Josh Richardson discusses how becoming involved in his college's Greek scene helped him further his skills as a leader, even in other areas of life. "There are so many opportunities for leadership roles in the Greek community, and there is a definite push to build leadership." According to Richardson, it all helps later on in life when applying for a job or to get into grad school.

6. Stick With It and Make Some Changes. Being a leader can be a lot of pressure at times, and you may feel like there's nothing more you can do but give up. Don't even think about it! Stick with it, and don't be afraid to change things up a bit. Bryant Laiche, a freshman at Baton Rouge community college (St. Francisville, LA), explains how change can be a good thing. "If you are involved in a project or program that you know is good, but just needs a little adjusting, make the necessary adjustments," says the SADD SLC executive committee member. "The changes you make may be the very ones that allow the idea to work."

7. Take Initiative. Don't sit back and enjoy the ride while other people drive. Grab the wheel and steer in a direction all your own. "At work and in social organizations, step up and take initiative on projects or other tasks," says Adam. Nobody will ever know what you're capable of if you don't show them. "Find opportunities to showcase your talents and put your skills to use," he adds.

8. Talk the Talk and Walk the Walk. "Leading by example is one of the most effective skills to learn while developing leadership qualities," insists Jessica Billings, a freshman at St. Mary's College (Notre Dame, IN). As a leader, you are a role model. If you say one thing and do another, your credibility will diminish. And Jessica knows -- she was elected SADD Student of the Year for 2005-2006. "It's important to understand that true leadership does not stop at the end of a meeting -- it extends to the way you conduct yourself in your personal life as well."

9. Organize, Organize, Organize. You can never be too organized. Not only does personal organization set an example, it also leads to group organization. (The key word there: "leads.") If you have great ideas, an outgoing personality, and you participate in class, but you have no clue where your homework assignment book went, you probably won't get much accomplished. Being organized is a skill and it takes work, but in the end it allows you to lead effectively. "A disorganized [student] exhibits a range of behavior that inhibits his [or her] performance in school," explains Donna Goldberg in The Organized Student (Fireside, 2005). By the same token, an organized student will be able to work efficiently and effectively - qualities that make a great leader.

10. Be Understanding. Not only does this mean be compassionate, but its literal meaning holds true, too. It's important to have a good understanding of what it is you're doing. Truly knowing yourself, your team, and your goals, and harnessing your power will place you a leap ahead of other leaders. According to Ann Vanino, author of Leadership on Trial: Lessons from The Apprentice (Circlix Publishing, 2005), the best leaders are those who understand power and people. "A leader must choreograph the building of an effective team and the mapping of a winning strategy," she says.

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