Three characteristics of an effective student leader
As a cancer survivor, who then competed on the hit reality TV show, Survivor just after having his leg amputated below the knee, Chad Crittenden has stepped up to many challenges in his life.
Since deciding to bare all and reveal to his tribe on Survivor, and the world, that he has a prosthetic leg, Chad gained a clear understanding of interpersonal communication, specifically, how people relate to each other. Although the TV reality show Survivor is contrived in the sense of a game show, there are real life lessons to be learned—lessons about leadership and interpersonal dynamics.
“I was very much interested in learning how others perceived my challenge, and at the same time, I reached out in an attempt to gain a better understanding of my tribe mates around me. As leaders emerged, I found that they too displayed this ability to relate to others—to be able to see things from others’ perspectives. This ability, I believe, is the first step in allowing us to trust one another,” said Chad.
Through his many life experiences, Chad has discovered three crucial personality characteristics that make for a highly effective leader.
INITIATIVE
Taking the initiative and stepping up will earn respect and draw those around you to follow your lead. It will also encourage others to have the confidence to contribute to the whole.
COMPASSION
Having compassion will build trust from those around you. If your team members are helping lend to the decision process, having the ability to relate to their perspective is crucial.
UNDERSTANDING
As a leader, the gift of understanding can pave the way for meaningful interpersonal relationships within a group. It may seem superfluous, but listening to the issues of others around you and actually involving yourself in these issues will serve as an inclusion tool as opposed to one that alienates.
Remember these three attributes, that can serve to inspire and motivate, as you step into a position of leadership.
“I have found these personality traits work as a teacher as well. While they can appeal to anyone, they are especially effective and are indeed tools that an aspiring leader can use in the real world, in college and beyond,” said Chad.
Chad has keynotes that are inspiring for first year experience, disability and character development programming. Visit campuspeak.com/crittenden to learn more about Chad, his available keynotes and to watch his video.
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