What Does Leadership Mean?

In my initial application, I wrote a sincere leader is one who is genuinely willing to extend their hand to those in need, providing knowledge and strength to communities and individuals. I thought a leader must be firm in their beliefs. Taking this into consideration, whilst my reflection on leadership has largely been maintained, I am now able to demonstrate a more nuanced view because of my experiences as a Laidlaw Scholar.

Firstly, I recognise that leadership is complex, involving various stakeholders. As such, leadership necessitates adaptability and diversity in perspectives. This was required throughout the six-week research project, whereby I was exposed to multifaceted opinions and debates upon speaking with academics and charities as well as conducting my own research surrounding the paper’s topic. I was also required to consider the diverse perspectives of my team, which was beneficial in strengthening my ability to reach effective compromises. Although structure and determination in one’s values is significant, this must be differentiated from stubbornness, which is inconsistent with compromise and may produce ineffective decision-making.

Secondly, linking to the points above, leadership involves helping others. While this may seem obvious, I found that being able to support my team, in turn improved my competencies. Helping other people reinforces the perception of a leader as someone who is willing to better the whole team. A leader must also be willing to accept help and constantly learn from their shortcomings and limitations.

Reflections 

Throughout the Laidlaw programme, I have honed my professional competencies, particularly in my leadership abilities.

In my Leadership in Action role, I was a legal advisor and policy research intern and was given the opportunity to produce a research paper and navigate client relationships. I set specific, actionable tasks each day and week to help me achieve these goals. I demonstrated my project management skills in conducting primary research through interviewing and analysing responses. I was also pushed in my ability to communicate effectively and confidently with a diverse range of clients, third parties and colleagues.

During the research programme, I was able to develop my social and cultural awareness through speaking with various academics and charities in Türkiye. I learnt to navigate cultural differences to create professional networks. Additionally, during this project, I strengthened my collaboration competencies as I worked with fellow scholars. This involved adaptability in understanding one another’s working and writing styles and provided insight into what it meant to be a leader within a group in different roles and tasks.

Overall, I believe the two-year programme has been invaluable in developing my leadership skills by exposing me to new opportunities, perspectives and challenges.

Looking to the Future

Being a Laidlaw scholar has meant that I have had unique experiences as an intern and researcher alongside training and skills workshops, which have been transformative in developing both my personal and professional skills.

Being amongst the first cohort of LSE Laidlaw scholars has provided me with a distinctive title and talking point to reference in interviews and ordinary conversations! Also, I believe that the Leadership in Action internship and research project have given me ample opportunity to strengthen critical transferrable skills, which will undoubtedly benefit my future career.

 Moreover, I am grateful that these experiences have pushed me outside my comfort zone, meaning that I would be more likely to take on new opportunities in the future. I look forward to becoming a Laidlaw alumna and continuing to build my network with a community of like-minded individuals.