Greener Pastures
jigual@theguidon.com

What separates leaders from the rest of the pack are three distinct things—the ability to perform, the commitment for the organization and love for that said organization. The mark of a good leader is not only the new ideas he implements or the greater heights he brings his organization to; rather it is about the lasting legacy he creates for the organization. To the incoming leaders, do not only continue a tradition of excellence but also create a lasting legacy not necessarily only in the organization, but perhaps even with the lives of other people.

The first is to build the character of your members. While successful projects may be an indicator of a successful year or perhaps even proper leadership, the question is if your members actually learned something important. Create an environment conducive to learning such that it is there to build the character. It is important for leaders to be mentors. It is important to understand that in success and in failure, we build not only our own character but more importantly, those of our members. Be an example for others and be one that inspires.

Second is to always serve. Cliché as it may sound, great power equates to greater responsibility. A person in power is blessed with a daunting responsibility of serving those next to him. We are not in this position to command people; rather we are here to inspire. It is important to be of service to others because we are in positions of leadership because of them. It is then our responsibility not to let them down. In service, we create a culture for others. In service, we think of things beyond ourselves. We reaffirm their belief in us, and likewise create something amazing for the organization. In service, we lead.

And finally, use the organization programs of Ateneo as a stepping-stone for nation-building. We are here not to build resumes; if the goal is to have that word “President” on your resume, you might as well quit right now. Your term as any leader for the organization serves as a stepping-stone to a bigger and better world out there. If we are able to create a culture of responsibility, service and growth as young people, who’s to say that we can’t in the real world?

These are challenges for not only the incoming organization leaders of the Ateneo, but also to those aspiring to lead organizations—to not only serve selflessly, to think of others first before oneself in the pursuit of service. Service comes not in the pursuit of a reward, but rather, the reward is the by-product of selfless and dedicated service to an organization or institution.

To the incoming leaders of the different organizations, this is our time.  Go beyond the project proposals and successful projects. Go beyond the A’s in the YES report and pleasing those in OSA and OAS.  Go beyond a successful year on paper and aim for a successful organization for the next few years. Daunting? Yes. Possible? Definitely.