Every four years, the United States picks a new president. It's kind of like voting for team captain, but on a much, much bigger scale. This made me think: what does it mean to be a leader? Is it just being in charge, or is it something more?

It turns out that leadership isn’t just about giving orders or being the loudest voice in the room. I think anthropologists would say leadership is about relationships and knowing how to inspire people. Leaders use symbols, traditions, and even moral values to bring people together. Think about it: isn’t that what makes a great student council president or team captain?

I recently read Lord of the Flies in my Honors English class and we discussed leadership in society versus savagery.  In the book, arguably there is a comparison of leadership styles that supports the characterization of the two groups of characters: leaders who emphasize using knowledge and expertise to provide tangible benefits vs. leaders who use force to cause consequences.   It turns out that these two prevailing concepts of leadership have been present throughout our evolution.  This article discusses the evolution of human behavior and leadership, providing evidence that leaders are intelligent, able to resolve conflicts, and provide social benefits.

In addition, I think leadership changes depending on culture.  From the British government to other forms of government around the world, what makes someone a good leader in one country or group might be totally different in another.  I found this article about political leadership informative, as I compared different forms of government, including the one we have in place in the United States.  I agree with how the article describes political leadership as a system of social relationships involving authority, charisma and other forms of institutionalized power.

But across the board, there are some qualities people look for in leaders:

• Charisma: That spark that makes people want to listen to you.

• Knowledge: Knowing your stuff when it counts.

• Fairness: People respect leaders who make good, fair decisions.

It’s also interesting how leaders show power. Some lead by inspiring people to follow them, while others use rules or even fear. And, let’s not forget how gender plays a role—some societies think only certain types of people can lead, which feels unfair, doesn’t it? I can’t help but wonder if this played a role in the election we had last fall.  Here is a great article about how political leadership has evolved in our human species.

Thinking about leadership takes me back to when I helped start the first Asian affinity group at my middle school. I wasn’t trying to be a leader; I just wanted a space where people like me discuss their common experiences, a place where they could feel seen and supported.

It wasn’t easy. I had to:

• Inspire Others: I had to convince classmates to join, even when they weren’t sure what the group was about.

• Solve Problems: We didn’t always agree on how to run the group or what to focus on. I learned how to listen to everyone’s ideas and find solutions.

• Be Brave: Not everyone thought our group was necessary, but I had to stay confident in our mission.

Through all this, I realized being a leader isn’t about bossing people around. It’s about creating something bigger than yourself and helping others feel like they belong.

Now, I think leadership is about values. It’s about what you care about and how you show that to others. Whether you’re running for class president or organizing a friend group project, good leaders are:

• Fair: They listen to everyone’s opinions and make decisions that help the group.

• Encouraging: They lift others up instead of putting them down.

• Role Models: They show, not just tell, how to act.

And just like I learned from starting the affinity group, leadership is also about who you are. It’s about being yourself, standing up for what’s right, and never forgetting to listen to the people around you.  I played the role of ship's captain in my school's play Madagascar that was hijacked by a group of rogue penguins.  

Whether it’s a president, a teacher, or a team captain, leaders have the power to steer the ship and make big changes. That’s why it’s important to think about what kind of leader we want—not just in elections but in everyday life.

So, what kind of leader should we want to be?  Maybe we can all consider starting a club, running for a leadership role, or simply being the person who stands up for others. Whatever it is, I’m convinced that leadership isn’t about being perfect. Afterall, my chess club team motto is “Losing is Learning!”  It’s all about trying our best to help others and make a difference.