2/4/09 - Phase 2 of Leadership Selection

In Monday's class, we observed the first step in selecting the class leaders. It included a 20-second speech on their leadership story. In Wednesday's class, we observed how the prospective leaders worked in a group. It was good to see this selection process since many employers use this in their recruiting process. During what's called the Assessment Center Technique, they give you a task and then watch you attempt to complete it. I learned that it is not necessarily the actual completion of the task that they look at, but it is the way in which you present yourself during the event.

There were a total of three groups. Two of the groups did very similar things while one far exceeded all of our expectations. The first two groups made the fundamental mistake of forgetting that the class was evaluating them. They instantly went into a huddle and started discussing the task amongst themselves. Bad idea! How are we supposed to observe and rank them if they don't let us in on it? A good leader communicates effectively, and the first two groups made that fundamental error. We were looking for someone to make a good impression and that did not happen in those groups.

The last group made an amazing impression. Instead of just going through the motions of attempting to complete the task, they ran out into the classroom and did a skit on a "leadership revival" among their teammates. True leaders capture attention. Next, they showcased each person and shared the spotlight with each other. The best leaders don't hog the attention. Finally, they completed the task in an unconventional way by doing a role play. The most effective leaders think outside of the box. Everyone in team 3 received a high score from me because they all showed enthusiasm and captured my attention in a positive way. Impressions are so important. Leaders have to utilize all of their resources in order to be truly effective.