On Thursday, Oct. 28, Golden Grizzlies Lead hosted “The Value of Leadership” workshop for students in the Ambassador Room of the Oakland Center. Students were invited to pinpoint their values and learn how they can use those values in positions of leadership. 

Students were split into two teams and lined up in a row. They were instructed to hold pipes with their pointer finger and thumb at the center and send a marble down the line of students and then back. The marble game went as well as you’d think — with students struggling, but eventually getting the hang of it. The activity’s aim was to aid students’ communication, as they were in groups of people they didn’t know — a critical skill of an effective leader. 

Students were shown a presentation slideshow discussing values and how they can be used to influence the character of a person as well as leadership roles. The first question was: “What does leadership mean to you?” Students answered this question in groups. 

They responded: “Showing a specific set of characteristics” and “Setting an example by doing things that people may not want to do.” The presentation defined leadership as a process of empowering others toward achieving a shared goal or vision — it is not defined by a position or power. 

There was also a discussion of what leadership is not. Leadership isn’t taking advantage of a position of power. Students shared their experiences with people in leadership who abused their power. 

The final question in the presentation: “What is a value?” Some students responded with “something you live by” and “it dictates you and what you live by.” The presenters said a value is something prized and loved that should always be followed. Values are the most important to a person as a leader. They are acted on repeatedly, as well as self-chosen. 

The questions students were asked to think about were: “What/when is a time you felt the most proud of yourself?” “What/when is a time when you were happiest?” and “What is something that made you feel fulfilled?” Students were asked to write them out, but not share them. 

Participants were then given a list of 45 words — values. Next, they narrowed the list down to 22 words based on what they think they value the most — then 12 — seven — and finally, three. Many students struggled with the activity because the list included many important values. Some students’ final three values included humor, friendship, kindness, creativity, justice, diversity, empathy, kindness and loyalty. 

The presentation ended with students instructed to do three things with their three values. Live by them, spread them and craft their visions. Crafting a vision encompasses values, represents a person and their values and aligns with a person’s values. Your vision equals your future. 

The main takeaway from the workshop for students was discovering their values, applying them to leadership and learning they don’t have to be in a position of power to be a leader. They can be leaders in their neighborhood, worship team, student organization or friend group.