Everyone has the potential to become a leader, and it requires much more than just leading people around. The title of leadership goes to those willing to take full responsibility of their choices. They’ll take caution when making crucial decisions, and keeping every member in line. The leader’s responsible in furthering progress on a major goal. Anyone has the capabilities of becoming a great leader, however some require determination to take such a tenuous position. It can be anyone, it can even be you!

Leadership Conference

At the ATC building of Gulf Coast State College, there’s an event known as the Leadership Conference, hosted annually at the third floor. The sole purpose is giving students the tools to build themselves into a better leader. Every year the GCSC Student Government Association invites a special keynote speaker to share their experiences on improving leadership skills.

This year we have a man named Del Suggs, who has spent his career as an entertainer; writing music and books, teaching as an academic professor, and harnesses a combination of skills and experience for Leadership Development. Del was the highest-rated speaker in the “Campus Activities” magazine Artist Report Cards, and was voted “Best Campus Speaker.”

I’ve taken my time visiting the Leadership Conference and I’ve learned an exceptional amount on improving my leadership skills. There’s an abundance that any student can learn from the speakers here, some like Wes Keen, Guy Garret, and many others, especially Del Suggs. As long as you’re willing to learn professional leadership skills and build confidence and motivation, you must wake up early because the conference starts between 8:30 A.M. to 9 A.M. If you’re able to come at that time and not feel terrible, then you’re off to a great start. The event will provide breakfast and lunch so no student will go hungry during each session.

Participating the conference also brings the community together as everyone has the chance to meet new people and perhaps new friends. There will always be interactivity, getting students together to commune one another to either solve puzzles or develop a mutual bond. The entirety of the Leadership Conference is from 8:30 A.M. to 3:30 P.M., but believe me, it’s worth your time.

Breakout Sessions

The conference will have three Breakout Sessions with three of their own Keynote Sessions. It’s a hard choice because you’re limited to one keynote session for each Breakout Session, and once you choose a particular keynote session, you can’t visit the other two keynote sessions. For example; for the first Breakout Session, I have the choice between LEADing Civic Engagement, Intro to Public Speaking, and Avoiding Burnout. I didn’t have time to read what each keynote session will benefit me, however I was interested in the Avoiding Burnout session. So I chose that session and I’ve learned a plethora of methods on avoiding future burnout.

On the second Breakout Session, it has Time Management, Team Building, and Truly Leading. I chose Time Management because I’ve been struggling to balance my college homework. I want to plan my time on my work and projects, so I was given a schedule for better coordination. There isn’t much to the session, but it’s nice to learn a few things. After that there’s an hour-long lunch break on the 3rd floor. It may sound long, but once you have a plate full of food, time is much shorter.

The third Breakout Session has The Power of your Personal Narrative, which leans more to Psychology. Another keynote session is the Seminole-Commodore Alliance – Advancing Student Leadership through Student Affairs Collaboration, which involves college/university sports. Lastly, it’s the Secrets of Recruitment, which involves learning how organizations have active members and how it prevents itself from losing its following. Out of the three, I chose Power of Your Personal Narrative.

Power of Your Personal Narrative is about discovering one’s unique character strengths, personality traits, and and life experiences. The session also explores psychological and educational techniques designed to maximize positive impact on those around you. It consists of the benefits of living and sharing your “Authentic Self,” such as Peace, Freedom, and Positive Changes.

Closing Session

After all three major Breakout Sessions, we all came together at the top floor to listen to Del’s presentation on How to Do Anything. The presentation gave us three bullet points: Practical Matters, Metaphysical Matters, and Life Lessons.

Practical Matters explains much on setting a goal; always be specific, be concrete, not abstract, and make it qualifiable. You must break it down into steps, prepare for each step, and take action.

Metaphysical Matters explains that you must be ready at the right time and be positive. Avoid self-sabotage and listen within.

Life Lessons tell how to live a much richer life, which is showing courtesy and respect to others. Cultivate friends and show sincere appreciation. Make a lot of mistakes to learn and grow from. Practice forgiveness and always choose to be happy.

Personal Thoughts and Recommendation

Personally, I’m glad I’ve taken my time to learn and experience the qualit

ies of being a successful leader. It’s a great and fun activity fit for every student willing to become future leaders for future organizations. Sure it takes time, but once you pay attention to the lessons they teach you, then you’ll be more than ready to lead your own group.

In the end, I highly recommend it to anyone with a strong desire to learn the basics of becoming a successful leader in their own right. It’s interactive, and informative for everyone.

If that doesn’t convince you enough, they promise a free t-shirt, a certificate, and a discount card for specific stores at the end of the conference. Don’t miss out on these goodies!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michael Lopez

Student Author - Spring 2018