July 9, 2011: Leadership Training for School Prefects of OLGC - SION
Today was a very special day for Eighty Seven Leaders of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Sion. Thanks to the school management, Fr. Carlos the Principal, Bro. Jerome and the two teachers Mrs. Margaret Pinto and Mrs. Margaret D'Souza for planning a program like this at the Royal Gardens Resort, Vasai. After a very comfortable bus ride and a tasty hot breakfast, the students gathered in the air conditioned hall for their three hour session on Leadership.
Fr. Glenford Lowe, immediately in his usual charismatic style had the students all ears to his challenging insights and practical sessions. He started by a small video clip, a prayer song to invoke God's blessing on the day. "I am here to upset your world and help you to recreate a better one", he said. Using the presentation, "Youth - a Lost Generation" as a starter, he challenged the students to begin to reverse life's situations and make something beautiful out of it. To do so, one had to create a better self first. The first session was fully centered on "Creating a Better Self". Good leaders first win themselves, and then only have the power to win others.
The second session was a very lively and entertaining one, and yet power packed with deep insights to become better leaders. Through various exercises and group work, Fr. Glenford Lowe touched on important questions that leaders need to ask along the way: Who am I? (self awareness), Where do I want to go from here? (Vision & Mission), How do I go from here? (Planning), Who goes with Me? (Team Work), How can I do things differently? (Creativity), When do I need to do it? (Time Management), How do I delegate responsibly? (Delegation and Communication) and finally, How do I sharpen the Saw? (Self renewal).
The three hours were truly power packed and the entire student leaders would testify that this was an enriching experience. Through fun and sharing, active participation and personal reflection, the students were able to believe in the task given to them and to responsibly lead the school during this new scholastic year 2011-12.
Given below re some of the comments by the Student Leaders of OLGC:
Value yourself and life the most. There is a saying, ‘I pointed my finger to the stars and all that you saw was the tip of my finger’. We had a wonderful experience today and I will implement them in our lives to become good and better leaders. Manalee Das – School Captain of OLGC
Leadership is in knowing what direction to run. We should first value ourselves. It was a rejuvenating experience and I will always remember that the first and most important victory is ‘personal victory’. Suthir Nadar – Head Boy of OLGC
“A leader is one who knows the way, shows the way and goes the way.” Be your best friend… and invest time on yourself. I had a good experience. Shakala Sane – Head Girl of OLGC
“ A man must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to profit from them and strong enough to correct them,” I have learned that ‘Winners never quit and quitters never win’. It was an excellent leadership experience. Suraj Shetty – Blue House Captain OLGC
Don’t be disappointed if the world refuses to help you. Remember the words of Einstein, “I am thankful to all those who said NO: It’s because of them I did.” Crazy people make history, and normal people read history. I have learnt to synchronize my gift of my Life and my time. Prachi Metha – Yellow house Captain OLGC
Remember to Be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound. I had a wonderful experience and learnt to treat myself very valuable and important. Reemal Vaz – Green House Captain OLGC
“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” I have learnt that successful people don’t do different things, they do things differently. Felix Jeyraj – Red House Captain OLGC
Thanks to the organizers and the Management for this wonderful experience.
God bless you all and wish you every success.
