Prepare to Lead Online – Lesson

Click here for the lesson guide
Did you know? One of the most overlooked attributes that influence an employer’s hiring decision is whether the job candidate has held a leadership position. In fact, when employers have to decide between two job candidates with equal qualifications, they look at each person’s leadership experiences as a determining factor, according to this 2007 National Association of Colleges and Employers Report, page 6. * On your guide, write down two other attributes employers consider when deciding between two candidates.

Define Leadership

The role of a leader is not to give orders or single handedly make decisions. Leadership today is about connecting with people to accomplish a goal. It is about inspiring and motivating others. It is more about the strength of your character than the position you hold. Watch this two-minute video clip on Leadership Quotes and on your guide, identify the statements that help you define leadership.

Gather Evidence of Leadership

• This leadership motivation assessment will help you get a better idea about your desire to lead. Take the quick quiz and enter your score on your lesson guide.
• You probably have more leadership attributes and experiences than you realize. Have you coached a team, tutored a student, volunteered for a candidate you believed in? Many activities qualify as leadership experiences. If an employer asked you to explain a time when you took on a leadership role, what would you say? Enter your short response on your guide.
• This Wheaton College site offers you examples and suggestions on how and where to enter leadership activities to your resume.

Keep Building Leadership Experiences

• In the book, 10 Things Employers Want You to Learn in College, author Bill Coplin focuses on the skill of influencing people. He writes about leadership and how to get leadership experiences in different courses and via non-course activities. Check out some of his recommendations here.
• Volunteer opportunities are great way to build leadership experiences. If you choose a cause you care about, you will have opportunities to lead. At this Volunteer Match site you simply enter your zip code and you will be amazed at what awaits you.
• There are many campus clubs and student associations looking for energetic leaders. Cal State Fullerton spells out many leadership opportunities that are also available on your campus…scroll down to Leadership Skills. List your next step on your lesson guide.

The leader of the past knew how to tell; the leader of the future knows how to ask. Peter Drucker