What does it mean to be a L.E.A.D.E.R.?

Leads with integrity

Encourages others to do their best

Always puts other people’s needs above their own

Desires to serve others

Easily approachable

Reliable in every situation

L. Leads with integrity. A good leader is someone who always leads with integrity. Integrity is being honest and doing the right thing, even if your decision isn’t popular. Sometimes we feel the desire to do what makes us look ‘cool’ even if we know it’s wrong. Is that an example to set? It is not always going to be easy to do the right thing, but it will be worth it in the end.

“Integrity is choosing courage over comfort; choosing what is right over what is fun, fast, or easy; and choosing to practice our values rather than simply professing them.”    -Brené Brown

E. Encourages others to do their best. Sometimes people get stuck in a rut and just go through the motions on a daily basis. As a leader, you should remind them that they can do great things, but first they must give their best effort.

“When you encourage others, you in the process are encouraged because you're making a commitment and difference in that person's life. Encouragement really does make a difference.”   -Zig Ziglar

A. Always puts other people’s needs above their own. It’s not always easy, but the people you are leading need to know that you are willing to put their needs above your own. Being a leader is about sacrificing for the greater good.

“A hero is someone who is willing to help others in his or her best capacity.”    -Ricky Martin

D. Desire to serve others. Service should drive you as a leader. Good leaders are the ones who always go out of their way to help other people without having to be asked. It could be as simple as smiling at someone as you pass them in the hallway or having a conversation with someone if they are having a bad day.

“The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.”    -Albert Schweitzer

E. Easily approachable. As a leader, you want people to be comfortable talking to you about things. For example, if there was a problem that needed to be addressed, you would want to know, right? If people are comfortable around you, they will approach you and talk to you about the situation.

“I suppose at one time leadership meant muscles; today it means getting along with others.”    -Mahatma Gandhi

R. Reliable in every situation. Sometimes we encounter situations that make us feel uncomfortable or are difficult, but we can’t just quit. We must persevere through the hard situations in order to show that we are reliable and we will always be there for the people that need us.

“Creativity isn’t worth a thing if it isn’t served with an equal amount of reliability.”    -Anton Peck

Being active in the FFA organization provides students with many opportunities to develop their leadership skills. State Conference for Chapter Leaders, Washington Leadership Conference, Leader Lab, State Convention, and even National Convention are just a few places that offer opportunities to grow as a person and as a leader. If you attend any of these events, you will notice that the facilitator of the session or workshop is probably a very effective leader. Do you think they just woke up one morning and said, “I think I’m going to be a leader today.” No. Becoming a leader is a process and it takes time. There is going to be failure, and if you are like me, lots of it. It’s not a bad thing; it is how you grow.

When I became a district officer, I was definitely outside of my comfort zone and I wasn’t sure what to expect, until one of my advisors said to me, “Just set a good example and get to know the members, create relationships with them.” He sure knew what he was talking about. The changes may come slowly and you might not even realize it until one day, your advisor looks at you and tells you he’s proud of the leader you have become.

Anyone can become a leader. There’s no title or officer position that declares you a leader; being a leader is a choice. You choose to do the right thing, you choose to be encouraging and to put others before yourself but first, you must choose to believe in yourself. And when you do, you can have a positive impact on the lives of others. For me, my leadership journey began the day I stepped into that black pencil skirt and zipped up that blue corduroy jacket, and for that, I will be forever thankful.


Your NCD Treasurer,

Taylor Mall