(1) Reflect on what leadership means to you today and, if possible, reference to what you wrote in your initial application to the programme 

After the Laidlaw programme, my understanding of leadership has changed into something that encompasses the people around me. A true leader considers those around them so that everyone in a team can succeed in their personal and communal goals. To do so, a leader must be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of their teammates, and their own.

A good leader is also very aware of their wider goals and sticks to a moral standard in their actions.

(2) Reflect on how you developed as a leader (or: how your leadership skills developed) and, where possible, reference the Laidlaw attributes framework 

Initially, I did not take much initiative due to not feeling confident in my leadership, and so how this resulted in my ideas becoming overlooked. Through the research project, I began to share my ideas a lot more with the wider team while also being considerate and receptive of those around me. In this way, I was able to have a sizeable impact on the research project. This also meant being open to constructive feedback from my peers, which I did by remembering that we all had a common goal that we were working towards.

(3) Finally, how do you think this programme will help you in the future?

This programme has provided me with ample opportunities to work with a wide range of people, growing my confidence in inter-personal settings. Furthermore, as an international relations student hoping to work in the political field, I believe the emphasis on moral leadership will help me to maintain integrity in the workplace.