Learning Through Experience

I would say that the most important trait a leader needs is the ability to work WITH a team. The best leaders utilize their team as resources and through this strong bonds are formed. I made this my philosophy after seeing it in action. One of the best leaders I know was my dance team's director Emmett Agapay. He led our team to achieve more than what any of us thought was possible in the beginning. Many times I have received the compliment that, "You guys really look like you are having fun on stage." I think that Emmett plays a big part in why that is.  He was the glue that held us together by building up our relationships with one another and with him. Small things like asking our opinions about things in front of everyone made us know we had a say in what was going on. It made us even more dedicated to our goals and to the team. Realizing this now, I am going to be more critical of what leadership techniques I take in. I don't want to just do things because experts say they work. I want to see them actually work in real life. Every team is different so leaders need to be able to adapt to that but no matter what I will always believe that the best way to lead a team is to become part of that team. Integrate yourself as if you were their equal and start creating strong bonds. I know for a fact that this works...Emmett taught me that.