Last week my son and I made a trek to the University of Arkansas. This is his junior year in high school, so it is time to begin considering where he will attend college. Being the second child, I have done this once before.
Campus visits are often the first step in the investigative process of choosing a college. We had three separate women student leaders who guided us through different aspects of the campus . . . Ali, Aubrey, and Andi. All three did an outstanding job. They gave us all of the relevant information information we needed to better understand the value of an Arkansas education. Each one enhanced the visit in their own way.
Why were they able to do this? I think there are three primary reasons why these student women made our campus visit a quality one.
1. Belief. Each of these women had gone through a similar process when they were juniors in high school. They had made a choice to attend this institution of higher learning. They believed that it had been the best choice for them. Now they were giving others an opportunity to see what they saw. They believed in what they were promoting. Someone within the administration had also demonstrated belief in each of them to entrust them with this ambassador responsibility.
Their belief was contagious.
2. Ownership. All three women are students at the university. They are experiencing what they are talking about. The university certainly could have hired alumni to give tours and talk about the merits of Razorback land. But it would not be the same. These leaders are living the U of A life right now. Their voice resonates. When they talk about the latest dorm food, outdoor concert, or best business class . . . they are in the moment. This is their reality. A twenty year old describing college life to a seventeen year connects, because they own it. They are vested. Passing on their experience also serves to validate their own experience. Each of these young women owned the vision of Arkansas and were great ambassadors for the school.
Their ownership made them credible.
3. Empowerment. Obviously, each of these three women had been trained. There was likely a selection process and a developmental season for them to be fully equipped to function effectively in representing the university. They had also been given a voice and a platform. No one was acting as a superior to them while on tour. They were entrusted with the task of leading our band of 10-15 people alone. They had the power of choice within a range of options to determine how and where the tour went. They were also empowered to engage and answer questions that arose from the prospective students and their parents. They were fully empowered to represent the university for their unique contribution. They served the needs of these high school juniors and their parents.
Their empowerment allowed them to serve well.
Emerging leaders need the same three elements if they are to rise to a higher level of leadership.
Belief is foundational to commitment. Belief arises from being selected, trained and encouraged. Belief flows from experience and being believed in. Belief leads to ownership.
Ownership is a result of being allowed to speak into something. It comes from being given decision making ability. Ownership is accompanied with resources. Ownership rises when you allow a young leader to fly solo. Ownership leads to empowerment.
Empowerment is the culmination of leadership development. Empowerment is accompanied by authority. You can truly empower a young leader when you are confident they will represent you and the organization well. Empowerment is about trust.
I don’t know what my son will decide regarding his college experience. But this campus visit paid dividends and left him with a very good impression . . . thanks to the servant leadership of these three women at the University of Arkansas.
Are you investing well in the next generation of leaders? These three elements will help you get there.
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