The Strong, Silent Type

We’re all unique, each with our own individual mission and meaning for life. While the majority of leaders are outspoken and charismatic, (i.e. Tony Campolo) there are plenty of people behind the scenes doing just as much. If the world was full of outgoing, talkative leaders then there wouldn’t be anyone to listen. If everyone decided that urban ministry was their call, then there wouldn’t be anyone to help in rural areas. There’s a reason why we’re all different and it’s so we can balance each other out, feed off of each other and learn from one another. With so many distinct calls and missions, the possibilities really are endless.

I find myself in the soft-spoken leader category. Writing has always been my passion, not speaking or pounding the pavement. I’m not much of an idle chit-chatter and prefer to get my message and meaning across simply and through the written word. A creative soul, I’m not too keen on strategic organizing and boring policies and procedures. When put to the task, I’ll take control of a group and allot assignments in a fair manner, but I prefer to be individual and will only follow the example of those who I really trust and admire. Unless there’s a grade involved of course, then your wish is my command! In a group setting, I like work to be done equally, with as much help and communication from each other as possible, but I also like to work on my own a lot of the time as well. I will take control if I don’t feel as if the group is getting things done efficiently, but I prefer to avoid confrontation and being in the spotlight.

As an undergrad journalism student, I was always worried about not having what it takes to be the hard-hitting, pushy and extremely driven reporter. I’m shy when it comes to approaching strangers and was diagnosed with social anxiety disorder a while back, which causes me to become very nervous when speaking in a group or trying to be assertive. When on a deadline or down to the wire, I will suck it up and force myself to do what it takes to get the job done, but I have always preferred being a listener to a speaker. I like using media outlets to get a message across, including print, web and film. The new generation of Internet known as Web 2.0 attracts a younger crowd of listeners through Myspace, Facebook, YouTube, etc. and is an effective way to lead and gather interest from new sources.

Therefore, I think a leader can lead in other ways than just by being the voice or face of an organization. Sometimes the real brains of an operation are behind the scenes. In the past, I haven’t had too many leadership opportunities. For several years, I was a camp counselor for various church day camps and I’ve been involved in all sorts of extracurricular activities and organizations but I always like to receive guidelines from someone else and then do my own thing. Through this class, I would like to obtain the following goals:

1. Learn how to speak up and make my opinions known.
2. Figure out what other leadership roles exist in the non-profit world.
3. Lead a project from start to finish.

I believe that we all have a leader inside of us but it takes a special opportunity for it to come out. Instead of being a leader or a follower, you can find a cause you truly believe in and become a trendsetter and an example.