Deputy Principal

As you will read in this edition, this week 24 students from Mount Alvernia College attended the Halogen National Young Leaders Conference. This Conference was an opportunity for young people to be in the same room with some of their heroes and role models, and hear from these people insights into their leadership journey.

Interestingly, and no doubt something our young people learnt this week, leaders aren’t always the people we expect. They aren’t always in a traditional leadership role or wear a leadership badge. They don’t always get to make the final decision. They often don’t even know themselves that they are good at leading.

This week I have reflected on what leadership means to me and what makes a good leader. This is in the lead up to changes we are making to our student leadership structure for next year, and in the coming weeks I will be inviting students to participate in workshops that explore these very qualities of a “good leader”.

To me, good leaders are …

Courageous. Courageous leaders aren’t afraid to step up, speak out, have the less popular view, have an opinion, take (calculated) risks and perhaps break a few frontiers along the way. They also have the courage to challenge others and to hold others accountable for their actions.

Prudent. Prudent leaders are careful as well as courageous. They think things through, and are intentional, purposeful and deliberate in their actions and their communication. They also take great care with people’s feelings. Prudence can potentially be seen as a negative word but in reality a leader who is careful can be very impacting.

Communicative. Communicative leaders are tactful and considered in the way they communicate with others. They think things through and don’t press send prematurely. Being communicative is also about being clear and articulate.

Decision-Makers. Decision-makers weigh up the options and read the room. Decisions don’t have to be made quickly, and good leaders know this.

Confident. When a confident leader speaks, others listen as well as truly hear their message. They have faith in the leader and are compelled to support the leader.

Empathetic. Empathetic leaders care about the feelings of the people involved, care about the decisions being made and care about the outcome. Walking a mile in someone’s shoes is a good way for understanding a person’s motivations and for making a decision that is for the greatest good.

Humble. Humble leaders don’t need to shout from the roof tops about how good they are or what good things they are doing. In fact, leaders should go about their work quietly and unobtrusively but this doesn’t mean that the ripple effect of their actions aren’t felt.

Creative. Leadership requires some creativity and innovation, in terms of ideas, actions and solutions. Not one size fits all – a good leader knows this and looks outside the square.

Transparent. Transparent leaders are open about their actions. When people have all of the information, they can make informed decisions and they are able to voice an authentic opinion.

Passionate. Passionate leaders truly believe in what they are doing and saying, and this passion is contagious to those they are leading.

Kathryn Dendy

Deputy Principal Student Development and Wellbeing