Leadership Quote
"The ear of the leader must ring with the voices
of the people."
~ Woodrow Wilson
Leadership Lesson
Taking on the Tough Questions
Today is election day in the U.S. and many politicians across the country have taken on
some tough questions the past few weeks, months, even years. Few people enjoy
getting a TOUGH question, but public leaders can be sure that they will continue to
come and are encouraged to answer all questions with honesty and integrity.
The same is true for campus leaders. Part of being a student leader, and making a
positive impression, is knowing how to tackle the tough questions that often come your
way.
You are someone students will see as a resource and expert on campus. They’ll be
interested in your opinions and perceptions. In an effort to successfully juggle your role
as a peer and a student leader, consider the following:
• You’re “not just a student with an opinion.” When you speak, you represent your
group or organization as well as your institution.
• Consider a question from different perspectives. We all have our own frame of
reference that we live in. Be aware that everyone comes from a different experience and
be willing to think out of your comfort zone.
• Be sure you understand the question being asked, prior to responding. In an
attempt to be helpful sometimes we rush to answer a question before it is completely
asked or we start thinking of the answer while they are still asking the question. This
may mean we mishear the question and think they have asked something entirely
different. It may not be the complex or tough question you heard, but a simple one that
is easy to answer.
• Don’t just tell people what you think you are expected to say. Students won’t trust
you if they feel you’re just feeding them “the old public relations line.” Talk with your
advisor about ways to walk this line effectively.
• Honest answers and positive impressions of your group or organization do not
have to be mutually exclusive. In other words, you can highlight the positive aspects
while also giving students honest responses.
This week consider this reflection...
If your advisor was in the room, would you answer the following questions differently
than if you were alone with a group? It can be tempting to accentuate a story for effect
but what message does that entertaining version convey?
• What do members of your group do for fun?
• What will I get out of being part of this group?
• What is the craziest thing the group has ever done?
• What reputation does your group have on campus?
• Tell me what it is really like to be a member