Caring leadership

Not working for yourself

"Leadership is working at things for others. You have to work for people and be considerate in doing service even it sometimes might affect your academic time.

"Do things to benefit others. Focus your ideas for the community, not for yourself. Remove the idea of individualism."

Teamwork

"If you are working as a leader, don't forget you are working as a team or a group. It's not for your own success. So you have to work together with various people, and consider their thoughts and habits. Always remember they are not your servants. A good leader is always a good servant..

"Despite the privileges that you are offered, you must oppose the privileged life. Also, you have to be able to motivate people to share your ideas and goals. If you have set a goal and they share the same idea, then you can work as a team to reach the goal."

Show your concerns

"It may seem you are always in the first row in situations. Prepare to step forward and tackle problems. Help as much as you can. When there are problems, you have to show your concern and take action.

"Student government is for students. That's why you have to promote what students need and what they want.

"Image and vision are both very important. You have to have a positive attitude and look on the bright side. It can encourage people to help you more. To be a leader, you have to share your vision. It's like showing the direction and motivating people to follow."

Joseph B Ancajas is a 19-year-old student of the Philippine Normal University in Manila. He is studying a double degree programme in arts and secondary education. He is vice president of the student organisation and a columnist on the university's newspaper. Recently he was chosen to represent his university in Unesco's Youth Forum taking place at the Asia-Pacific Programme of Educational Innovation for Development (APEID) conference in Bangkok.

Suwicha Chanitnun

The Nation