Student Worker Or Student Leader [7 of 7]

A student worker does the job then moves on.
A student leader develops others to take over when he or she leaves. 

One of the most overlooked aspects of a student leader position is in the area of how a student leader  leaves.  We spend a lot of time talking about preparation and implementation.  We are conscious of commitment levels and the ability to accomplish our jobs with excellence.  But what happens when it's time to step aside?  A student worker and a student leader will handle the final days a little differently.

A student worker will work hard to do a task, project, or assignment.  Yet when the job is done, the student worker will move on because the work is completed.  If there's nothing left to do, then there is no reason for the student worker to stick around (unless there's more to be done).  In fact, the mindset of the student worker is to move forward from the completion of a task or project on to the next task or project that lies ahead of him or her.

A student leader understands that part of his or her responsibilities is developing other student leaders.  The legacy that a student leader leaves behind will be felt by the one who steps in behind him or her.  Student leaders take the time necessary to develop and equip those who step in so that they will be successful.  Even though the tasks of the position may be complete, the student leader's job isn't finished until the next student leader is adequately prepared and trained for the assignment.

Every person who steps into a student leadership position will have to step away at some point.  When it's time to leave, a student leader will consider the following:

• Have I left the position better than I found it?
• Whom have I invested in to continue the duties of this position?
• Will anything be easier for the next person because of the work I've done this year?
• What will I be remembered for - the tasks I accomplished or the people I've developed?  Or both?

These are all issues that center around the idea of legacy.  An effective student worker will be remembered for doing a good job.  An effective student leader will be remembered for raising up good people.  There is definitely some overlap here.  Both the student worker and the student leader will be measured and judged by how they leave their position.  Everyone has to leave at some point, the question is, Will you leave well?

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Previous Posts In The Student Worker Or Student Leader Series
• Student Worker Or Student Leader [6 of 7]
• Student Worker Or Student Leader [5 of 7]
• Student Worker Or Student Leader [4 of 7]
• Student Worker Or Student Leader [3b of 7]
• Student Worker Or Student Leader [3 of 7]
• Student Worker Or Student Leader [2 of 7]
• Student Worker Or Student Leader [1 of 7]