The Oxford English Dictionary defines leadership as ‘The action of leading a group or an organization.’ According to a recent study by King's College London, however, which looked at leadership in the Arts, it said: “Leaders need to be self aware, with the humility to admit their mistakes and be true to themselves. Leaders need to be flexible in dealing with change, able to handle uncertainty and alter course if things are not working.” The study also emphasized the need for leaders to be responsible and work in a more sustainable way.
( https://www.kcl.ac.uk/cultural/-/projects/changingculturesprojectpage Transforming leadership in the arts, museums and libraries.)
Here are a few leadership quotes from famous people:
“A leader is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow, not realizing that all along they are being directed from behind.” Nelson Mandela
“A good leader inspires people to have confidence in the leader, a great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves.” Eleanor Roosevelt
“The art of communication is the language of leadership.” James Humes
I particularly like the quote by former US presidential speech writer, James Humes and have decided this is something I will look to develop as part of my Arts Challenge.
1. What qualities do you think a good leader needs to have?
I think a leader needs to:
- be a good listener
- speak clearly
- work well as part of a team
- explain the task so everyone understands
- be a good communicator
- be positive
- be a good organiser
- collaboration
- skills required to complete the task
Next year I will start my GSCE’s, and everyone I have spoken to has said being organized is the most important thing you can do to help yourself from day 1. Currently I tend to go with the flow but would like to look at techniques to help me plan and organize my time and work more effectively. By choosing this activity it will give me an opportunity to practice speaking in public and try different ways of organizing my time and planning and leading an activity.
I will write a detailed plan and then follow it.
Health and Safefty Considerations
Things I have considered:
Noise / music:
I will play Christmas music in the background but fairly quietly. I will also ask teacher (Mr G) to be in the room with me so if things do get too noisy, I can ask for help to get people to be quieter.
Potentially hazardous material:
As an eco-activity I am using mainly natural things. Pinecones, ceramic pots and slices of wood with string. I did think about using holly but this would involve going out and cutting it and it can be quite spikey, so I have decided not to do this. I also considered making popcorn garlands but decided too much would get eaten and it could get very messy. As someone with multiple food allergies I also try to avoid using food in craft activities just to make doubly sure and keep the risk to an absolute minimum. Any paints and glue will be water based and fully washable.
Safe use of electrical equipment:
The only electrical equipment I will be using is for Christmas music. Participants will not be able to touch - I will ask a helper to set up.
Emergency exists:
All emergency exists are well signposted. The activity is taking place on the ground floor and if necessary, people could always climb out the window. I will include a safety fire brief at the start of my presentation.
Safety of children:
There will be a teacher on hand throughout the activity and there is a first aid room in the building with a matron on duty.
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