ASUSU VIEW: What is real leadership?

The realm of leadership is kind of a weird part of our world. I do not feel comfortable saying, “I’m a leader.” Am I a leader? Is that something I decide? Are there milestones, merit badges, or some indicator of leadership? Who hands out the card saying, “Congratulations! You made it. You are a leader.”?
   
What is leadership? Most people would define leadership as influence. Influence is hallmark of leaders. However, it is not enough to be just be influential, you must also be authentic. Authentic leadership is the premium-grade fuel of leadership. Any high-performance machine needs the higher octane, or it will choke. What does it take to be an authentic leader? When you look up the definition of authenticity there are two meanings in use: of the same origin as claimed; genuine, and conforming to reality and therefore worthy of trust, reliance, or belief.
   
These ingredients are vital for our leaders. A third definition shows up when you search it, but it’s obsolete – having authority. Leadership isn’t the position you hold.
   
Under traditional leadership ideas, there are a few bosses who tell others, followers, what to do. This limits the number of leadership opportunities. Leadership is a service. Servant leadership requires character. It is through genuine action that builds trust that we are able to become better leaders.
   
There aren’t “congratulations” cards for leaders because leaders are never sedentary. Leadership is integral to a successful community. Our organizations have leadership roles to fill. Every day as our organizations, families and communities grow, leaders seize opportunities to learn.
   
College is perhaps one of the best opportunities for us to lay a foundation for authentic leadership and a lifetime of service. Aside from the ASUSU positions, you can serve on college councils, the Val R. Christensen Service Center, the HURD Council or in more than a hundred clubs. Outside of ASUSU, you can be involved in undergraduate research, A-Team, the Statesman, Greek life or intramural sports.
Leadership isn’t a closed system on the third floor of the TSC. It’s individual efforts campus-wide. Congratulations: You made it. You’re a leader.

– Jordan Carl Hunt is a senior majoring in Liberal Arts and the ASUSU Academic Senate President.