Leadership is everywhere at Wabash. Every team, group, house, and staff are filled with leaders, more than you can even imagine. The reason leaders are everywhere because the true meaning of being a leader is different to everyone. Leaders impact others with their words, actions, mood, and morals. We saw this just in our CIBE group, as well as within the people we met and heard from. Leaders have strength and courage, that most can’t succeed without. The CIBE helped us improve business and personal skills, that quickly brought out what makes some of the group leaders, and what people look for in leaders.
Cole Williams (Wabash ’27) was the first member of the group that highlighted everyone looks for certain aspects of a person to be a leader. When asked about what he looks for in a leader, Cole said “A leader seeks unique relationships.” He related this to his football coach, and how he brought out the best in everyone, by finding connections he shared with others. Cole also said this makes him look to relate to those around him, proving that leaders really do make impacts.
The biggest thing I picked up during this month with CIBE is that you can’t choose to be a leader. Faking as someone you’re not will only make things worse, and it won’t get people to back you. Rather than changing, embrace the skills you do have. If you are quiet, lead by example. Make everyone respect the fact that you will be the hardest worker in whatever situation. If you’re loud, then motivate, cheer on, and pick up the people that are down. Everyone is different, we all know that, but leaders succeed. Bring out the best in yourself and people around you and make damn sure you’re not a sheep in a herd. Wabash is a hallway of potential, and although each door takes people down different paths, the strength and power of leaders are everywhere. Look for leaders, because more than any other place, Wabash leaders want to help. Don’t be afraid to help others, by being the best version of yourself for everyone to see.
