Thompson & Charter Scholars Leadership Series - Session 1 Makeup Form - Thompson Student Success Center

Leadership Series Makeup – Session 1: What Is Leadership?

First Name *

Preferred First Name

Last Name *

GVSU Student Email *

G-Number *

Spectrum of Leadership

Instructions: Below are just a few common beliefs about leadership, each presented as two contrasting options. For each statement, choose the option that best matches your perspective.

Leadership occurs… *
In a Formal Position
At All Levels

Leadership is an… *
Inherent Trait
Learned trait

Leaders must have… *
Confidence
Humility

Leaders should… *
Have Control
Give Space

A good leader is… *
Ethical
Effective

How do you balance the contrasting beliefs (e.g., confidence vs. humility) in your own view of your leadership style/practice? *
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Can Anyone Be a Leader?

Instructions: Take some time to reflect on the above question and answer the following questions about leadership:

When you hear the word leader, what comes to mind?
Who is the first person you think of as a leader, and why?
Are leaders born, or can leadership be learned?
Does being a leader mean being in charge, or can it mean something else?
Can you think of someone who leads by example without calling themselves a leader?

Can anyone be a leader? *
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Desert Island Survival – Leadership Reflection

Instructions: Imagine you’ve been stranded with other survivors on a desert island. Reflect on the questions below and answer them honestly. Your responses should connect your choices to your personal leadership style and skills.

If you could bring one meaningful object that represents your leadership style or approach to challenges, what would it be and why? (e.g., “A notebook — I like to plan and reflect.”) *
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If you had to lead yourself through survival, what role would you naturally step into, and what skill or mindset would you rely on most? (e.g., “The motivator — I’d stay positive to keep going.”) *
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How does your object and role reflect how you lead in real life? What new insight did you gain? (e.g., “In group projects, I organize tasks — like being the planner on the island.”) *
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What questions about leadership do you still have at the end of this activity?
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Final Personal Reflection

Instructions: Please answer the final three questions in reflection to your own leadership style and how you hope to lead in the future.

Think about a moment when you saw or experienced leadership (big or small). What did it look and feel like to you?
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How do you see yourself showing up as a leader right now, in your everyday life—whether or not you hold a formal leadership title?
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When you imagine the kind of leader you want to become, what values or actions will guide you?
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