My friends know that any chance I get to take part in a major training and workshop, I go for it. After all, we all want to be better versions of ourselves when we come out of them. There are many opportunities for continued growth and development, both personal and professional, which could lead to more opportunities, opening new paths and erstwhile closed, seemingly unattainable goals. Here in the Philippines, a convention organized by one of the country’s most prominent corporations is an event you would not pass up.
Many are called but few are chosen. There is a rigorous process that one has to go through to be part of the Ayala Young Leaders Congress (AYLC). To be accepted in the program is a dream come true. To be among the young leaders selected is indeed momentous because AYLC is not simply a gathering of youth leaders, but most of all servant leaders. Stipulating grit, passion, and perseverance, the call to lead is a call to serve. The youth has a lot to offer to make society better. We can all think that there is no limit to their passion and dynamism.
It may surprise people that the AYLC is not confined to a formal hall where the audience listen to elite speakers delivering exceptional messages. There are a lot of outdoor activities that allow delegates to get acquainted and form connections. If they are projected to be future stalwarts and stewards, then it is essential for them to keep fit. They have to keep mind and body balanced to enable them to make informed decisions in the future. For instance, the rappelling activity was a tough test for me because of my self-doubt about making good and my fear of heights. Suffice to say, it was exhilarating to be able to conquer both.
Equally important, too, are the awakening of the delegates’ self-awareness, about what skills they have that would greatly fire up their own leadership and management styles. We are chosen, but what about the rest? The need to address concerns that would benefit a great number of people is a responsibility that is inherent to being a leader. Drawing inspiration from highly respected leaders in the business world and bastions of corporate social responsibility, we know that we cannot give what we do not have. We must look into promoting self-care because only when we are able to care for ourselves can we care for others. The convention provided an experience that fuelled a fire burning deep down, ready to fan out and share its warmth.
What could be valuable lessons to take home from this event? There are not enough words to describe it. It should be experienced. It is enriching, a boost in one’s morale, knowing that having the confidence to lead makes it easy to bring common goals to fruition. Leadership is not about a particular individual, but rather about making other individuals work together to achieve success. To lead is to serve. Leadership is simply not knowledge, but a blending of skills and the right attitude to effect positive change. And we do not need to go far to make a difference. It’s not about the number of people we help or inspire, but how we inspire them and how we are able to make an impact in their lives.#
Banner photo by Dakota Corbin on Unsplash.
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