The Qualities of Leadership The qualities of leadership are almost constant all over the word. If you would like to become president of your class, school, or student council, you must first demonstrate that you have potentials of leadership. For one thing, you must show that you are interested in your school and in your fellow students. In practical terms, this means taking an active part in school activities. It means joining clubs, attending dances and other social functions and going out for athletics — if you are athletic. But many young people have to push themselves to join clubs of attend dances. The basic reason for this hesitancy is natural shyness, but it can be overcome if you realize that most of your schoolmates are probably as shy as you are. If you consciously try to overcome shyness by going out to meet people, you will find yourself at the same time developing another quality of leadership — understanding. As your circle of friends widens you will get to you're your schoolmates better. Because you are no longer concerned with your own feelings, you will begin to respect and take into account the feelings of others. Your friends and acquaintances will be aware of your new attitude, for it will show in many small ways — your greetings, conversation, and willingness to give and accept friendship. Another quality of leadership which you can develop is willingness to do a bit extra.Once you acquire the reputation of always doing a little more than expected, your fellow students will be willing to trust you with greater responsibilities. The fourth quality of leadership is imagination — the ability to see a way through problems and to develop new ideas. You can develop this important quality by devoting extra thought during quiet moments to problems being faced by your organization. As you show that you are interested in your school or organizations, that you have understanding and respect for your schoolmates, and that you will work hard and use your imagination, your schoolmates will naturally think of you as one of their leaders. When the time comes for election of class or student body officers, you will be mentioned as a possible candidate by your friends, and this word will reach other groups until you are given a chance to declare yourself a candidate without seeming immodest.