It is an overwhelming question to answer who is a leader and what is leadership. There will never be one answer, considering individual differences and styles in leadership. However, in my own experience, I believe in the following qualities and supervisory responsibilities of a leader.

         1. A leader is the one with open heart to genuinely understand different situations, problems and occurrences. He can put his feet on other’s shoes to feel and experience the same way.

         2. A one who can effectively connect to people and never sets barriers to communication. He opens doors and builds bridges so people will have more ways to understand each other.

         3. He has expertise in administration, management, and leadership function. He can appropriately manage school funds and look for resources in accordance with orders, rules, and laws.

         4. The one who is generous in training potential leaders. He helps other people to develop professionally and personally, so there will be new leaders growing exponentially.

         5. A leader is visionary. One who has a plan for the future of his people and the organization. He knows where to lead the team either in good or bad times.  

         6. The one who can efficiently adjust to changes like new administration, lack in funds and resources, conflict, etc. He hails gracefully behind great challenges.

         7. In teaching, a leader is also excellent in giving instructional suggestions like best strategies and classroom management. He can enlighten teacher to what is the best strategy to use in a particular lesson and what innovative instructional materials can be best utilized.

         8. A person who can genuinely encourage and inspire people to grow and see their potentials. Like attending seminars, taking graduate studies, and other ways to continuously develop oneself.

         9. A leader can walk the talk. He serves by example. He doesn’t do things that he is against of his words, best practices and words of God.

         10. A leader is a like a parent. He always thinks of what is best for his people and the organization. A love of a parent who never gets tired of understanding his people no matter what problem may happen.

         As pronounced by Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, “I know of no solitary principle for success and leadership, but in excess of the years I have witnessed that some qualities of leadership are universal and are often about finding ways of encouraging people to combine their efforts, their talents, their insights, their enthusiasm and their inspiration to work together.” Gearing towards a culture of excellence, all of us should stand together to make the best we could because we are all leaders in our own little ways.

By: Gerlie Sapad Tagudin | Teacher III| Barretto II Elementary School | Olongapo City