TCU helps train leaders
COMMENTARY
Jose Luis Hernandez

In all societies, there are people with the determination to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Through the strength of their visions, they command the power to shape the future. They are the leaders of our communities and people whom we admire and look upon with dignity and respect. They inspire and motivate us to become all that we can be.

As I’ve observed the actions and lives of world leaders, I’ve discovered that there is tremendous responsibility involved in the art of leading — often referred as the “burden of command.” These people not only deliver messages of hope and lead nations, communities and organizations, but they are also responsible for setting the standard.

A couple years ago, I had the opportunity to personally meet Vicente Fox, the Mexican presidential candidate at the time. Throughout his political campaign, he articulated a vision of constructive change and hope. At once, I became convinced he would be the person to lead Mexico into prosperity and genuine democracy after more than 70 years of the government’s party’s (PRI) political oppression. His election as president of our neighbor to the south proved to be of historical significance. It marked the beginning of a new era. Fox had a dream and vision for social progress and economic development. Today, he continues to articulate this vision.

I also respect the efforts of U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell. Right now he is trying to persuade nations to join the United States in a multilateral effort to disarm regimes that advocate terror and biological warfare. He has the responsibility of carrying President Bush’s message with courage and conviction. For Colin Powell, “Leadership is not about rank, privilege, titles or money. It is about responsibility.”

Leaders respond in times of adversity and assume responsibility. It is their professionalism and judgment of the situation at hand that separates them from the rest. Therefore, a position of leadership requires the best intellectual and personal preparation one can possibly attain.

TCU does a fine job in providing mediums for leadership development. We should take advantage of these valuable opportunities. We do not automatically gain the title of “leaders” by attending a class. We can learn from the leadership examples of national and international leaders, professors and classmates.

Leadership is a learning process. It is the result of the respect ordinary people have earned through their actions — constructive actions that represent integrity, courage and true commitment. Interacting with others to find solutions, understanding mutual differences and reaching agreements are all elements that we can put into practice today. John Maxwell says it best, “Everything rises and falls on leadership, but knowing how to lead is only half the battle. Understanding leadership and actually leading are two different things.”

Jose Luis Hernandez is a freshman music major from Reynosa, Mexico.