Developing Leadership Potential in Our Students

Dear Colleagues,

This week, I had the privilege of speaking with the sophomore class of Singletary Scholars during their HON 394 course session. It was an incredibly enlightening and fulfilling experience to discuss leadership development with these bright and brilliant students.

During our discussion, I shared my own leadership journey as well as some advice that I encouraged them to consider as they grow as leaders:

As a leadership skill, it is important to bring people together as a multidisciplinary team to solve the most complex problems. Understanding how to build that trust and optimal team dynamics is key.

And as a leader, it is important to manage making difficult decisions. An approach to consider is the 3 E’s, which can help with complex decisions: Reviewing the evidence or any available data, consulting or triaging with experts and — perhaps most importantly — considering emotions. Taking a calm approach and valuing equanimity are important for clear decision making.

As our esteemed faculty, you hold a unique role in helping our students grow as leaders — you shape their paths and nurture their talents, and I am grateful for your dedication to their ongoing success.

I always cherish the moments I spend with our students — their tremendous talent and drive to succeed greatly inspire me, as I hope they do for you.

Thank you for always putting our students first. 

Robert DiPaola 
Provost