Ben Rader's Letter

Dear Chancellor Wrighton,

Over the past couple of months I have learned a lot about leadership. I have learned what the difference between a good and a bad leader and who would fall into what category. A good leader needs to fit a couple criteria. First of all, they need to have followers. Without followers one is not a leader. Secondly, they need to take their followers interests into account. Thirdly, they need to keep their objective in mind. Lastly, they need to do everything in their power not to alienate certain followers even at the cost of completing their objective. According to what we have read bad leaders can develop based on a couple of issues. Groupthink, intemperance, ignorance, arrogance and over-identification can all lead to bad leadership. Most of all, a good leader needs to take responsibility for their actions. Bad leadership can be prevented by a leader understanding his job, doing it to the best of their ability, and always keeping what their followers want in mind. Effective leadership is therefore fostered by effective followership.

In order for you to be an effective leader you must make a couple of changes in your actions. You must realize that alumni givers and administrators are not the only ones affected by your decisions, students are as well. Even though it is not in your job description to respect student’s wishes, you must hear them out. Students are the most effected by your decision, and, even if not by their own choice, they are effectively followers of yours. In order for you to be a good leader you must understand this and take it into account.

Sincerely,

Ben Rader