Online Activity: Leadership

           Leaders not only have vision and goals, but they also know what
           practical steps to take and how to motivate and encourage people
             to help make their vision and goals a reality. Some say that people
            are born leaders; others say that leadership must be developed.
             Perhaps a little of both are true. In each of us lies leadership
            abilities that can be cultivated. This project is designed to help
           us think about the qualities necessary to be a true leader.

Some of the greatest lessons ever learned come from looking back at

		Some of the greatest lessons ever learned come from looking back at events in our history. Some may wonder how events during the Civil War have any relevance to life today, but you might be amazed. Not only are the lessons relevant but also they can be tied directly to the world of work! In this activity you will look back at some historical events and find the "life lesson" in them. Your mentor will then help you make the connection between that lesson and the world of work. Here is one example from the Civil War to get you started!
			On May 17, 1863, during the Battle of Vicksburg, the Confederate troops burned the bridge over the Big Black River. The river was high and new bridges had to be built, so orders were given to build three new bridges. Each officer in charge had a different plan for completing this task. Lieutenant Haines built a raft bridge, General McPherson used cotton bales to build a pontoon, and General Ransom cut trees so that they would fall with the tops in the river. A bridge was made with these trees to support a roadway. Think about this: What lesson can be learned from this situation? Each man took the same set of orders and completed the task in a different way. Each one was successful. Life Lesson: There is more than one right way to get something done! Connection to the world of work: This is true in any work situation! Leaders who insist that things be done only one way may stifle the creativity of their people!
		Now think about these situations and determine what life lesson can be learned and what the connection is to the world of work! A. During the Spring of 1864, Ulysses S. Grant realized that continued direct assaults on his men would cause so many to die, that even a victory wouldn't justify such a loss of life. So he decided to modify his plan. What life lesson is evident here? How does it connect to the world of work? B. General Grant once remarked to one of his men when being questioned about whether or not he was making the right decision, "We must decide. If I am wrong we shall soon find out and can do the other thing. But not to decide wastes both time and money and may ruin everything." What life lesson is evident here? How does it connect to the world of work? C. At one point during the Civil War, General Hallack decided to disperse his troops, breaking up the army of 120,000 men into much smaller groups. When Grant discovered this, he was quite upset that his army had become so scattered. He felt that splitting them had really weakened his forces. What life lesson is evident here? How does it connect to the world of work?



		Some say that people are born leaders and others say that leadership must be developed. Think about what it takes to be a leader. What special characteristics or qualities do leaders have? What do leaders do? Obviously they lead, but how? Leaders motivate and encourage people. They also do much more. Think about and discuss the qualities of leadership and jot them down on a list! As a challenge, create an acrostic using the letters in the word LEADER. Follow the example below. L - Laugh - a good leader finds humor in some situations and keeps things light! E - A - D - E - R - Now, think of another word for "L" or finish the rest of the letters. Do this activity together so you can decide together what being a leader really means!



		Who do you consider a great leader? What qualities or characteristics does he/she possess that make them great? What have they accomplished? Share who you consider to be a great leader and why!



		How does one become a leader? What steps do you have to take in order to become a leader? Discuss some practical things you can do to be a leader. Make a list. Here is one to get you started! Always lead by example. Can you think of more?



		Tell about a time in your own life when you were a leader or took on a leadership role. What was the situation and what did you do to lead? Think about it and share your story with your mentor.