According to an online definition of an effective leader, it is someone who “creates an inspiring vision of the future, motivates and inspires people to engage with that vision, and coaches the team so that it is more effective at achieving the vision.”

For the first time last summer, I led a group of teens in a month-long sales venture in Alaska. Needless to say, nothing could prepare me for the huge responsibility and challenges that lay ahead. Taking charge of everyone’s safety, logistics, money, and motivational inspiration was a considerable task. Every moment, from the amazing successes to the aggravating disappointments, were engraving in me what it takes to be a genuine and effective leader.

I found the first step to leading a group is making sure they know where they are going. In our team, we spent time every day to consider a deeper motivation behind the work that we were doing. Whether it was to become a stable and hard worker with integrity, or to become a more selfless and caring person, each person had an underlying goal besides simply raising more money. This self-reflection was the starting point of inspiration, dedication, and passion.

Every day we would share our experiences and determinations moving forward. It provided a platform for team bonding and support. Also as I listened to each of their stories, thoughts, and feelings, I gained a better understanding of what each individual was going through. This awareness allowed me to facilitate and guide the group through tough times, and to create the momentum for even greater achievements.

So what happens when the leader is down? When the mountain of to-do’s, judgements, and misunderstandings kick-in? One afternoon this was where I found myself, all alone, crying in a field after a long day. What picked me up was prayer and introspection. I was not the only one misunderstood, struggling, and putting my heartfelt effort on the line. This realization gave me the comfort and strength to pick myself up, communicate honestly with the rest of the team, and begin anew. I think anyone in a leadership position absolutely needs time away from everything – a time to gain perspective, re-center themselves, and zero in on what their heart is saying.

Lastly, I found that an effective leader needs to know when to relax – when to kick back, laugh, have fun, and get some ice cream! With all our seriousness about life, we often forget that it is also about appreciation and enjoyment – balance in everything.

By the end of the trip, I could see how each of the girls, including myself, were already leaders in our own right. Because wherever we are in life, we have the continuous choice of how we treat those around us, how we handle difficulties, and how we act from our hearts. I know that I’m still a rookie when it comes to leadership. I also know that being a leader takes many forms. I can be a leader in my own circle of friends, at work, at school, and at home with my family, and most especially with myself. I have found that it means taking initiative: to be the instigator of a higher vision and of positive change.

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2015 LEADERSHIP RETREAT IN ARIZONA