Take the Lead

you know all these leadership conventions and camps that we have... i wonder whether it really works, whether it really develops leadership.

some of these conventions are chalk full of talks by 'inspirational' speakers, trying to make the participants feel that they have to do something. i suppose there is indeed a need for some ways to convince these young potential 'leaders' that they need to do something for the good of society, change the world for the better, creating a brighter tomorrow, etc etc. but leadership is beyond just plenary sessions, discussions and making your point heard.

leadership is about... manifesting the traits in Kipling's "If". it is about inspiring others to manifest those traits. it is about having the abilities and characteristics to make real a vision of a better, brighter future regardless of whatever shit life throws at one. it is about having the common touch and humility. how many of our young 'leaders' have the sort of common touch and humility though?

therefore, if anything, any leadership camp/conference/etc ought to build character, resilience and fortitude through 'tough love'. subject the participants to emotional, physical and mental stress to the point that their spirits are about to break. but you don't let them break. you hold them at the brink and keep them there, slowly pushing their breaking point back, bit by bit. until at the end of it, they come out stronger.

it would be difficult though. i wonder whether any schools dare to do something like that.