Page 25 - Irene Farm Villages 2021

Today’s Child

A lETTER TO HIGH SCHOOl STudENTS

BY MICHELLE L. RAYMOND

Why do adults ask kids what they want to do when they grow up? To get ideas!

hat you choose in terms of KNOW THYSELF LEADERSHIP
your school subjects, the The pressure and requirements for Leadership is a big theme in school,
Wuniversity or college you choosing a career path during your particularly as you draw closer to
will attend, and your career will not high school years are enormous and – Matric and titles become prioritised:
define the rest of your life. And if you quite frankly – absurd. Unless you have Head Boy, Head Girl, Prefect, Student
think it does, then perhaps you need been mentored and groomed for the Representative Council, etc.
some guidance because who you are as road ahead, choices are often made There is so much information about
a person, how you choose to respond from limited exposure to the world and what leadership is, and yet it is still
to situations in life, and how you treat only partial knowledge – knowledge of misunderstood. To understand what
others is far more important than any self, that is. Do you (as a 16 or 18-year- leadership actually is, it is sometimes
job title or profession. old) know who you are, or where your necessary to first know what it is not.
I can count on one hand the number strengths lie and how to use them to • Becoming a leader is not a popularity
of people I know that after school knew your advantage? Do you know your contest.
what they wanted to do and are still areas of development and your gifts? • Leaders are not in charge of others
doing it – and are happy. Are you aware of the opportunities that – those are managers. You can be a
Instead of stressing about having a lay before you? manager without leadership skills
10-year plan, or having no plan, shift Many adults are unaware of and be a leader without being a
your thinking towards something that these things, yet, some are running manager.
can serve you better now and in the companies whose staff are at the mercy • Leaders are not appointed.
future. of their blind spots. • Leaders do not control others.
Here are four things to consider as you Self-awareness is the secret ingredient • Leadership is a learnt skill. Some
move into the next season of your life. to knowing what your purpose is. people are natural leaders, where

The Villager • Issue 11 2021 • 23