If you do not feel that you can evidence your leadership skills, that the skills you have are undeveloped, or you find it daunting to take the lead in group work or team activities, perhaps try some of these following suggestions to help you build leadership qualities and attributes:
Join the gym and arrange team sports activities for you and your friends. The University of Derby has a gym on-site or you will find lots of other gyms in Derby too.
Get involved in some of the Union of Students Sport Clubs. Maybe even put yourself forward to captain a team when you feel confident to do so. If you cannot find any clubs or societies that interest you, consider starting up and leading your own.
Consider running for a Student Rep or Student ambassador position or volunteer to become a PAL leader
Sign up to do the Duke of Edinburgh award where you will progress through a Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award. The requirements for skills building, volunteering and physical activity will help you develop resilience and strong leadership skills.
If you are working, consider asking to job shadow a leader you admire, ask if they can spare you some time to talk through their approach to leadership and if they can offer you any advice. You could also put yourself forward to join working groups where you can have a ‘voice.’
In your university classes, consider if you feel confident to take the lead in group work and offer to take the lead in presentations.
Outside of university and time permitting, consider volunteering at charities or community groups where you may become more informed about issues locally, nationally, and even globally. Not sure where to start, take a look at this volunteering advice.
The unexpected leader : Discovering the leader within you. – eBook
Soft Skills eBook
Now What, Grad? Your Path to Success After College – eBook
Develop Your Leadership Skills: Fast, Effective Ways to Become a Leader People Want to Follow - 658.4092 ADA
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership Workbook: Follow Them and People Will Follow You - 658.4092 MAX
Coaching and Mentoring for Dummies - 658.3124 MAC
Compassionate Leadership: For Individual and Organisational Change - 658.4092 PAP / eBook
People Leadership - 658.4092 PEO
The Leadership Skills Handbook - 100 Essential skills you need to be a leader Jo Owen – eBook
Bibliography:
Cottrell, S. (2024) The study skills handbook. 6th edn. London: Bloomsbury Academic.
Covey, S. R. (2022) The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: 15th Anniversary Infographics Edition. La Vergne: Mango Media.
Deaver, C. & Clawson, I. (2024) Brave together lead by design, spark creativity, and shape the future with the power of co-creation. New York: McGraw Hill.
Duff, S. (ed.) (2015) People leadership. Oxford: Pearn Kandola Publishing.
Owen, J. (2024) The Leadership Skills Handbook : 100 Essential Skills You Need to Be a Leader. 6th edn. London, England: Kogan Page Limited.
Pantera, P. (2023) Super Basic Leadership: A Guide to Understanding and Developing Leadership Skills. La Vergne: Panterax Ltd.