What exactly is "leadership"?

Applying to College
1

<p>Apologies if this question seems somewhat elementary, but I've always been curious as to how exactly colleges define "leadership." Of course, this question is in the context of the top schools that value EC's.</p>

<p>There's the standard officer position in _____ club at the school or student government or whatever, but, at the same time, there are many officers who do next to nothing. Do they still demonstrate leadership in demonstrating charisma, giving good speeches, and winning the votes of their fellow peers, despite their lackluster efforts to further the club/school?</p>

<p>Does leadership even have to involve taking charge of a group? If I take initiative and conduct a private fundraiser for a charity, organizing everything myself with little to no outside help, is it still considered leadership? To that end, is individual community service in general considered leadership? Both involve taking initiative and helping the community -- just without managing others.</p>

<p>Or can it be even more basic in, say, asking insightful questions in class, leading group discussions, or remaining an active participant? It is, in a sense, taking charge of your education.</p>

<p>Do you have to manage people/funds/organizations to be considered a leader? Where exactly is the line drawn? I realize there might not be a definite answer and that the line might be blurry, but in general, what exactly is leadership? Please give examples if possible.</p>

<p>Thanks for the input!</p>

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<p>The top colleges that care about ECs define leadership as making a difference, not just holding an office and doing nothing. One could make a difference by, for instance, being a camp counselor and having to plan activities and to deal with the various personalities and problems that come up. One could be a leader by taking charge of a complicated task for an organization even if one wasn’t an office. One could be a leader by organizing a fundraising project.</p>

<p>One isn’t a lead if all one does is have a title while the advisor does all of the work.</p>

<p>Recommendations and interviews can help top colleges assess who is a leader and who isn’t.</p>

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<p>For college, leadership is just when you’re in a position to take charge of a group of other people.</p>