Quelling Your Doubts About Becoming a Leader

One of the things we are consistently thankful for is the earnest effort that UMHB students display each day. Some students choose to attend UMHB to be a leader. Many are naturally gifted in leadership. Other college students grow into leaders in their chosen major when they compete as student-athletes, participate in our fine arts programs, or join the staff of our dorms or apartments as residence assistants. Some students may feel the calling to lead others by example and seek opportunities to help others grow and succeed.

One thing I've learned in my life is that we manage our responsibilities, but we lead people. While in a Bible study recently, I watched a video clip by Tony Dungy about being effective. Coach Dungy has been a successful coach, public speaker, advocate for those less fortunate, and an impressive man of God. His faith and walk are a testament to what he holds dear: a relationship with his Lord and Savior.

Through his giftedness, he has impacted the lives of thousands of people. In many respects, people categorize his leadership as effective. He was an effective and winning coach. He is an effective witness to others for his love for the Lord. He is effective in his daily example to be of service to others when given a chance.

Coach Dungy once said: "If you want to make a difference in the lives of the people you lead, you must be willing to walk alongside them, to lift and encourage them, to share moments of understanding with them, and to spend time with them, not just shout down at them from on high." From the Old Testament, Proverbs 12:25, we read this: "Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up." As a leader, co-worker, son/daughter, friend, spouse, or sibling, you can always work to build others up; we all know that our society is negative enough without the added struggles of those we love and care for. The power of a kind word can make all the difference in someone's life.

As you consider UMHB as your college of choice, you may have doubts about whether you consider yourself a leader. I believe one of the best forms of leadership is by example. Even if you do not have a "title" that refers to a leadership position, working to exemplify the leadership traits of Christ is a worthy calling. Christ's example of leadership was a sacrificing, loving, enduring effort to help those around Him live better lives, to see the value in service and to live a life of better decisions and principles.

Ultimately and most importantly, his life focused on pointing others to our Heavenly Father, God. One of my favorite verses of the Old Testament comes from the Book of Psalms and basically encourages us to lead/shepherd others with an upright heart and a skillful hand. I love many things about working at UMHB, and one of them is the ability to see the character traits in our students across campus. The list to the left is just a reminder of attributes I see all the time. I admire those traits in others and hope to exemplify them in my own life as well.

I am confident that God has gifted all of us with abilities to reach others and point them to our Heavenly Father. Jesus was the son of a carpenter from humble beginnings. Opportunities to lead may seem small to you but could be an enormous blessing to the recipient. Never shy away from a chance to help, influence, or display the love of Christ to others. As Coach Dungy states in his quote, to make a difference you have to be willing.

The University of Mary-Hardin Baylor is THE place where you can grow as a leader! Strive to make a difference and be willing to grow; UMHB will help you!