Please read the information below as written, researched and provided by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner in The Student Leadership Challenge. Please respond to this journal by responding to the question/s below the passage.
"The most important personal quality people look for and admire in a leader is personal credibility. Credibility is the foundation of leadership. If people don’t believe in the messenger, they won’t believe the message. Titles may be granted but leadership is earned. Student leaders Model the Way by finding their voice and affirming shared values. As captain of his volleyball team, Mark Almassy talked about the critical importance of leading by example: “I always showed up early to practice and oftentimes stayed late. There was nothing I wasn’t willing to do. I was not too good to mop the floor or too cool to shout words of encouragement to a freshman. I knew that my actions spoke louder than my words, so I made sure to show people what to do rather than tell them what to do.” Leaders are supposed to stand up for their beliefs, so they’d better have beliefs to stand up for. Leaders must be clear about their guiding principles. They must find their own voices, and then they must clearly and authentically give voice to their values. Yet leaders can’t simply impose their values on others and expect commitment. They have to engage others in common aspirations. Modeling the Way begins with the clarification of personal values and involves building and affirming shared values that all can embrace. Eloquent speeches about common values are not nearly enough. Exemplary leaders know that it’s their behavior that earns them respect. The real test is whether they do what they say—whether their words and deeds are consistent. Leaders set an example and build commitment through simple, daily acts that create progress and build momentum. The personal-best leadership case studies we examined were distinguished by the fact that all of them required relentless effort, steadfastness, competence, and attention to detail. It wasn’t the grand gesture that had the most lasting impact. Instead it was the power of spending time with someone, of working side-by-side with colleagues, of telling stories that made values come alive, of being highly visible during times of uncertainty, of handling critical incidents with grace and discipline, and of asking questions to get people to focus on values and priorities." What are you doing in your life right now to communicate you "Model the Way" as mentioned in the passage above? Please provide examples. Have you found your voice as a student leader? If so, what is your voice and how are you utilizing it? If not, what must happen for you to find your voice? Source: The Student Leadership Challenge by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner
73 Comments
Brett Wilson
9/7/2016 04:46:39 pm
I don't think I found my voice I think I really need to improve or listen to my family well I do. I think I'm just too afraid to share my voice like cheering on other people like if I really wanted to I would. I think I'm also not good at other things like what other people could do that would look easy.
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Marcos Salazar
9/7/2016 07:08:06 pm
Being afraid would just be something to push us forward, a motivational speaker. Even if it is not easy, nothing ever was; there has to be tragedies in order to have a happy endings.
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Jesse Meraz
9/7/2016 07:45:52 pm
I believe that family is an excellent way to find your voice especially as a leader. No one will ever know you as well as your family does, from them we can learn many things about ourselves that we haven't taken the time to notice on our own.
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Sincere Mosley
9/7/2016 08:09:30 pm
You can learn a lot from your family especially your elders they've been through it all. All you have to do is listen
Sincere Mosley
9/7/2016 08:11:14 pm
I'm great with picking up my team and stuff but it's speaking to random people is where I lose my voice
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Heather Hinkley
9/7/2016 09:20:02 pm
Sincere, I am the same way. I can talk to my teammates and friends all day, but if I am standing in front of people I don't know very well I lose my voice too!
Madison Stephens
9/7/2016 10:53:38 pm
You shouldn't be afraid. Be confident in yourself.
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Tanner Holt
9/8/2016 08:05:43 am
Listening is very important in life. If you want to know more you should listen more, and you elders are a good start because they have been through so much in life most of the things you will do they have already done at some point in their life.
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Marcos Salazar
9/7/2016 07:04:57 pm
I feel like as an older brother, I think I found a bit of my voice to encourage my younger siblings to stay on track in have great career, better than whatever I can accomplish. I feel like I found my voice to try to help others but not as a leader. Saying "If they say you are fat, then I am huge!" But to have a voice of a leader, you need time and effort to accomplish such thing.
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Brett Wilson
9/7/2016 07:13:13 pm
Being responsible is great since I'm the oldest in my family. I want to encourage my brother and sister to accomplish something great as well and have a great career.
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Jesse Meraz
9/7/2016 07:49:18 pm
Siblings are great to help you stay on track. Speaking from experience, my older siblings have helped me stay on track when I tended to steer the wrong direction. Siblings can help you discover yourself as well as help you discover your voice and how you can use it.
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Zoey Hall
9/7/2016 09:31:19 pm
Marcoa, I am also an older sibling so I understand. I try my best to lead them to be better than they are striving to be and show them the way to go.
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Cade Rowland
9/7/2016 11:05:21 pm
I understand where you're coming from with being a big brother for siblings to look up to. Even though not a leader, helping others is very important as well.
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Maria Rodriguez
9/7/2016 11:13:05 pm
Hey Marcos I think it's so awesome for you to be a responsible older brother and always making an effort to set a great example for your sister. Maybe in the future you will be a leader for other children, by encouraging them to make good choices.
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Zach
9/7/2016 11:38:40 pm
It's great that you try to mentor your younger siblings. My older brother taught me a lot and it helped me stay out of a lot of trouble abd get away from some of the purple that I would always get into trouble with.
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Jesse Meraz
9/7/2016 07:42:56 pm
I'm communicating that I am "Modeling the Way" as mentioned in the passage above, through my words but more importantly through my actions. I follow through with my commitments that I have made as far as school goes at the moment. An example is last week my physics teacher told us to turn in an assignment but the day came and he extended the due date. I kept my commitment to turning in assignments on time through my words but also through my actions because I ended up turning it in the day it was originally due. I believe I have found my voice as a student leader. I believe I can speak on the behalf of my classmates if the situation arose. My voice can be convincing, assuring, and meaningful. I'm utilizing it to establish relationships with others. I intend to establish a great sense of credibility with those that are meaningful in my life, not only through my words but also through my actions.
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Alejandra Leon
9/8/2016 08:19:37 am
Once you commit to something you should always follow through. That's what many people our age don't fully understand yet. It's great that you keep up with original due dates and always stay on top of things.
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Faith Lucas
9/8/2016 12:41:29 pm
It's very hard to stay on top of things, so I think that it's really great that you have made a commitment to get everything done on time.
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Sincere Mosley
9/7/2016 08:07:16 pm
As far as the "Modeling the way" I speak through my actions I haven't exactly quite found my voice yet but I do try to use my position to get my point across. I try to make sure everything goes smoothly and if I can prevent something I try to do that. Some things I can do to get my voice would be listen to others and not just jumping to things
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Zoey Hall
9/7/2016 09:30:01 pm
Sincere, you may not have found your voice yet but you are a football player. You have to realize playing for the high school you are considered a leader/ You have to be a leader to younger players coming up.
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Maria Rodriguez
9/7/2016 11:08:59 pm
Sincere, don't worry! You will eventually find your voice and I agree with you by trying to make things go smoothly, it's always best if everything goes well.
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Tristen vansant
9/7/2016 08:58:45 pm
I am in marching band leadership and I have the responsibility on telling a lot of people what they need to do and when they need to do it. I lead by example and anytime I tell someone to run a lap for misbehaving I run it with them. I hope that when I'm gone someone will take my place who can do the things I do.
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Heather Hinkley
9/7/2016 09:22:33 pm
Tristen, that's awesome that you are in leadership for band. I also think it is really amazing that if you tell someone to run you also run with them; that is a really great leader.
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Dylan Osborne
9/7/2016 10:00:30 pm
Tristen, it is very interesting to hear that you are a leader in band. I always knew you would be in that position eventually due to the fact that you're sister was popular around school. Keep up the good work and accomplish the goals you've set for yourself.
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Madison Stephens
9/7/2016 10:49:18 pm
Hey Tristen, being in leadership is super fun. I hope someone great takes my spot as well.
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Cade Rowland
9/7/2016 11:03:00 pm
That's pretty amazing that you're one of the leaders in our great band and run with the misbehaving people as well. I'm sure there will be someone like you leading the new freshmen!
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Giselle Gonzalez
9/7/2016 11:50:45 pm
Tristan, I think it's awesome that you're a leader in our schools marching band. I also think that you running with your group whenever they misbehave is pretty admirable.
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Tanner Holt
9/8/2016 08:03:13 am
It's great that you are in leadership in band. And I'm glad that you aren't one of those mean ones who gives 20 laps. Also I hope someone like you comes and tales your spot.
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Heather Hinkley
9/7/2016 09:18:40 pm
I think the way I "Model the Way" is by actions. I follow through with what I say I will do whether or not I want to when it comes around. I don't think I have completely found my voice. There are times when I am confident in what I am saying such as when I am talking to my small group in youth group. But there are other times that I'm not very confident at all such as meeting new people and standing in front of a lot of people. I think what needs to happen for me to completely find my voice is to just step out and meet new people and get over that fear of public speaking.
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Dylan Osborne
9/7/2016 09:56:55 pm
Heather, we share some of the similar qualities in the way we "Model the Way". I as well talk to my youth group and it's not hard to talk them I was a natural speaker, but I know you can be confident in your speaking ability.
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Zoey Hall
9/7/2016 09:28:20 pm
The way I believe I am a leader to other students is in cheer. As a senior on with three years experience on varsity a lot of younger girls look up to me with questions. Although I did not get captain I still consider myself a leader to other girls. To be a cheerleader you have to be a leader of the school also. You represent the high school so you must be a leader everywhere you go.
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Marcos Salazar
9/7/2016 10:00:58 pm
Time is another great way to become a leader in areas. Also, representing a place is a great way to have a voice of a leader.
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Giselle Gonzalez
9/7/2016 11:47:26 pm
You're right being a cheerleader definetly puts you in a leadership position. I hope that you continue to be a good example and leader to the other cheerleaders.
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Dylan Osborne
9/7/2016 09:54:06 pm
I'm communicating that I am "Modeling the Way" as mentioned in the passage above by, showing people my true feelings and being honest with them. I am a youth group leader in the church that I attend, and since I am a senior I am a role model to the younger kids around me. So it's important for me to model the way you should act and present yourself in front of other people. I have friends who say I would speak up to say that something isn't right or something should not be done. I trust my judgement through my peers to help me judge as well.
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Marcos Salazar
9/7/2016 10:00:01 pm
Time is another great way to become a leader. Also, representing a place is a great way to have a voice of a leader.
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Madison Stephens
9/7/2016 10:42:52 pm
I am captain of the color guard and really focus on making them better and more confident about themselves. I feel like I've found my voice as a leader or else I wouldn't have made leadership. I'm a roll model to my guard members and id do anything for them.
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Cade Rowland
9/7/2016 11:01:14 pm
I feel that I "modeling the way" because I follow through on the things I say and actions. I try to lead on the field as much as I can for the freshmen and younger players in soccer. As a senior I have to be a good role model for all the other grades at school and be someone they look up to for working hard, getting the job done, and having fun in responsible ways.
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Alec Hou
9/8/2016 12:44:08 am
Cade, I feel like since you're a senior and older, you should be leading on the soccer field because you have more experience. It's great to be a role model for the younger students!
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Danny MIlls
9/9/2016 09:22:11 am
It's good that you set yourself to high standers as far as trying to be a role model for the rest of the school, us as the upper classmates its out duty to step up and show the new comers how they should act and treat the school.
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Maria Rodriguez
9/7/2016 11:03:25 pm
I think the term "modeling the way" is focused mainly on our actions, and the desicions we make throughout the years and how other people learn from them. In my case I've always wanted to set a good example for my niece, she is twelve years old and looks up to me. By setting a good example I mean behaving well and making an effort to be a good student as well as a responsible person. Since I am a senior, I also believe I am a leader to younger kids and will always try to make an effort for them to be better at what they do.
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Zach
9/7/2016 11:46:51 pm
That's good that you try to set an example fir your niece. I try to do the sand thing with my younger brothers. Hope she grows up to be someone important and I hope that she says it's cause if you
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Zach Condo
9/7/2016 11:44:46 pm
Unlike most people that have commented. I'm not the leader of any kind of group. But I do try to be a model to some of my younger friends abd my younger brothers. Because I dint want them to end up like I did. when my little brothers get into trouble I don't yell at them I sit down and talk to them so that they truly know what they did wrong and I show then how they can make that wrong right again. Abd that's pretty much all I can think of to be honest.
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Alec Hou
9/8/2016 12:43:23 am
Zach, I agree I'm also not a leader of any kind of group because I usually just follow the people that do what is right honestly. However, all of us try to be a model sometimes and help the youth.
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Justin Morrison
9/8/2016 07:11:02 am
I agree Zach, I'm no leader but trying to set examples for my younger siblings or peers is really one of the best ways to become a leader
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Eric Richard
9/8/2016 07:49:51 am
My older brother showed me the way but now it's time for me to help my younger brother. I did the best i can to make sure he's on the right path. It's all up to him to walk it or better yet find he's own
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Giselle Gonzalez
9/7/2016 11:45:49 pm
I try to communicate "My Mind of Way" through my words and my actions with others. I always try to encourage my close friends and remind them that they can achieve anything if they put their minds to it. As time has passed and as I've grown and matured I believe I've found my inner voice. This is because I try to use my voice whenever something that i don't believe is right, is happening.
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Eric Richard
9/8/2016 07:53:18 am
I do the same to my friends i always say limitation is what you think it's not who you are. Every time i talked to them they give me some insight as well but sometimes to be a true leader you have to speak and listen.
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Alejandra Leon
9/8/2016 08:12:12 am
It's amazing that you found your inner voice already. Keep on encouraging others! You never know when people need it.
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Makayla Besherse
9/10/2016 11:57:38 am
High school has definitely helped me find my inner voice as well. It's always good to vocalize your opinions so your opinions don't turn into something that's not really true to you. Being true to yourself is a really important part of being a leader.
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Alec Hou
9/8/2016 12:42:17 am
In my life right now, I'm "modeling the way" by setting an example for younger students who are new to the high school. For example, I feel like I am very disciplined and respectful to others. I follow the rules and stay on task. I don't think I have found my voice as a student leader and think I should be more vocal and communicate with people to find my voice.
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Justin Morrison
9/8/2016 07:09:41 am
Setting an example for your fellow peers is probably one of the best ways to get started on building your voice.
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Justin Morrison
9/8/2016 07:08:38 am
My voice has got to be when it comes to my electives, but normal classes or random people is where my voice is just gone. I definitely haven't found my voice as a leader yet, but I'm working my way to get there and I'm gettin closer and closer everyday
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Cole Mabry
9/8/2016 07:12:48 am
I haven't yet found my voice but in football when someone messes up a route or doesn't know it I correct them or if the don't know the call on defense. I believe that in order to strengthen my leadership I need to watch my family and some of these motivators so I can get an idea of what needs to be said and not said.
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Roxanne Lane
9/8/2016 09:59:00 am
I think you will find your voice soon enough!! Don't overthink it!
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Eric Richard
9/8/2016 07:45:33 am
I've found my voice but right now some people won't understand depending on the level of awareness. Only those who are willing to hear my voice will understand, So for now i'll wait.
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Kaitlyn
9/8/2016 09:09:08 am
I like this. It's cool how you know your self but are willing to wait till people understand you.
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Tanner Holt
9/8/2016 08:01:37 am
I think that I have come out of my shell over the past couple of years. I didn't used to speak to a lot of of people but the I realized that I wouldn't go very far if I didn't talk. I think I have found my voice. When something needs to be said I'll say it.
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Josh schnitker
9/8/2016 09:06:40 am
Tanner I had a similar problem but I too have started to come out of my shell
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Kaitlyn
9/8/2016 09:06:53 am
I understand that. Ive always been a quiet person.
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Alejandra Leon
9/8/2016 08:08:39 am
I'm an older sister and an aunt. Every day I try to make sure I set a good example for my little sister by trying hard in everything I do, but realizing when I need help and not be afraid to ask for it. When my older sister comes over with my beautiful niece I always make sure to respect my mother 10x more than I already do. This is because I want my niece to grow up having a strong relationship with her mother as my sisters and I had with ours. I don't think I'm a student leader yet, because I believe I'm a good student, but I know I could do so much better.
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Roxanne Lane
9/8/2016 09:57:06 am
I think it is awesome that you aim to be such a good role model for your siblings and niece!! It is very important that children to learn to respect their elder, especially at this point in society.
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Kaitlyn
9/8/2016 09:05:09 am
I have not found my voice. Let alone understand what you mean by "have you found your voice". It confuses me. When I think of voice I think of my silence. I prefer to be silent, unseen. I hate talking so I prefer to keep quiet.
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Lindsay Goff
9/8/2016 09:49:32 am
Sometimes, it's the words we don't say that can be the most important. As long as you're satisfied with such a quiet "voice", I say keep it that way.
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Josh schnitker
9/8/2016 09:06:53 am
The way I model the way is by being a leader of the football team. My voice of a student leader isn't really a voice. I lead more by example than by commanding
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Lindsay Goff
9/8/2016 09:48:12 am
I try to be a leader to my friends so that they know they can always come to me for help. I think i's important for kids to know someone is out there who cares, watching their back. If I can end the day knowing that I helped on person, I feel satisfied in the voice those I care about can hear.
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Danny mills
9/9/2016 09:20:07 am
It's true that it's important for people to be able to look up to someone, and you're the best person to go to when someone needs help so i understand what you mean by this.
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Makayla Besherse
9/10/2016 11:54:39 am
I believe it is always important to be a good friend and let them know you are there for them. Even to people you aren't really friends with.
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Roxanne Lane
9/8/2016 09:53:39 am
As one of the captains in Varsity cheer, my goal is to lead as an example. Everyday in practice I aim to be as positive and helpful as possible. Everhthing that I do is a representation of what kind of person/leader I am. So I really put a lot of effort in being the best leader I can be, as well as pushing everyone to be the best they can be. I do believe I have found my voice as a leader, but hope to keep improving it also.
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Faith Lucas
9/8/2016 11:50:41 am
I think that once I am comfortable with a group of people or a class, it's a lot easier for me to voice my opinions, or try to correct somebody when they're wrong. After the first few weeks of school I start to get comfortable with my surroundings, and it becomes a lot easier for me to be more open. Although I am comfortable with voicing my opinions, I wouldn't exactly call myself a "leader". I could improve by opening up even more and participating in more class discussions.
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Anazzsa williams
9/8/2016 09:10:06 pm
I have more of a voice when im on the softball field. Im always cheering and pumping up my teamates. I find it easier to have a voice when familiar with the people thats around you.
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DAnny mills
9/9/2016 09:19:05 am
Honestly? I'm content with not being a leader. I like team work where we all have equal parts of responsibility. No one is in charge. I do, however, have a good skill for leading its just not what i like to do.
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Makayla Besherse
9/10/2016 11:52:28 am
At this point in my life I don't believe I can "Model the way" for anyone but myself. I'm still learning new things about myself every day so I don't think it would be right to try to lead other people when I don't even know where I am going yet.I can easily encourage other people but, I don't think I could effectively lead someone right now.
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Oscar Garica
9/12/2016 08:12:52 am
I didn't used to speak to a lot of of people but the I realized that I wouldn't go very far if I didn't talk. I think I have found my voice. Although I am comfortable with voicing, I wouldn't call myself a "leader".
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