Qualities Of Effective Leaders

Being an RA is a great opportunity to develop your leadership skills. Check out the following list and evaluate where you are and what you want to work on as you look forward to the school year ahead. 

The Student Activities Leadership Institute at Seminole Community College in Sanford, Florida, came up with the following character traits of an effective leader. How do you measure up? 

Knowledgeable about leadership 
Delegates 
Knowledge of own strengths and weaknesses 
Strong writing ability 
Confident 
Ability to speak in public
Communicates effectively 
Patience 
Passionate 
Perseverance 
Self-motivated 
Able to say no 
Experienced 
Able to teach 
Able to use different styles of leadership 
Optimistic 
Knows their purpose in life 
Adaptable 
Visionary 
Assertiveness 
Able to inspire others 
Organized 
Respects self 
Flexible 
Respect others 
Great listener 
Trust others 
Creative 
Friendly 
Decisive 
Fun to be around 
Self-aware 
Compassionate towards others 
Dedicated 
Forgiving 
Mediate conflict 
Resourceful 
Persuasive 
Proactive 
Diplomatic 
Energetic 
Productive 
Inquisitive 
Detailed 
Willing to change 
Creates irreversible change in self and others 
Willing to take risks 
Efficient 
Willing to be uncomfortable 
Able to plan and set goals 
Assess pass successes and failures 
Builds consensus 
Overcome setbacks 
Work as part of a team 
Stand for personal values and beliefs 
Collaborate 
Competent 
Praise others for work well done
Responsible 
Ability to give and receive feedback 
Willing to trust feelings -- intuition 
Personable 
Accepting 
Sense of humor 
Willing to participate 

As student leaders on your campuses, use this list to maximize your strengths and build up your weaknesses over the coming semesters. Some of the qualities listed above may have come naturally to you, but other qualities may still continue be a struggle for you; that's okay. The key is awareness. The first step in fixing a problem is identifying the problem.

Thanks to Professor Joe Martin, President of RealWorld University http://www.rwuniversity.com for providing this article.  RealWorld University is a great resource for both you and your residents for issues concerning college and life survival. Check it out!