FIU Student Leadership Competencies

Competencies

• Communication

  Effective communication helps ensure achievement of goals. Student leaders have vast opportunities with varying constituencies to practice communication and learn effective communication strategies. When communication is a focal point of student learning, individuals will personally benefit and organizations will be run more efficiently.

  • Understands how to negotiate conflict effectively.
  • Ability to facilitate effectively.
  • Engages in active listening, non-verbal communication, and verbal communication effectively.
• Civic Responsibility

  Understanding of civic responsibility is developed through celebration of diverse cultures, advocacy for the needs and identities of all members within the community, recognition of the diverse communities within the campus and beyond, education and awareness of the concerns of those communities, and support of the ongoing inclusion, understanding and dignity of all members within the campus and beyond. Being able to understand one's own identity, as well as recognizing the similarities and differences of others, will equip students to serve and lead as citizens in a global society.

  • Motivated to act in a socially just manner.
  • Promotes diversity and understanding of others' circumstances.
  • Engages in inclusive behavior.
  • Understands the value of serving the community and being socially responsible.
• Group Dynamics

  Student leaders must understand how group dynamics function in order to successfully lead a team. They should also recognize that their role is to be a positive change agent, to influence others, and create a vision. Leadership is a process rather than a position. Leadership is relationship-oriented and situational in nature.

  • Values creating change effectively.
  • Understands the process of group development.
  • Awareness of organizational behavior.
  • Ability to respond to power dynamics effectively.
• Interpersonal Interaction

  Interpersonal interactions are critical for successful leadership. Student leaders often rely on committee volunteers to carry out the essential tasks related to providing programs and services. Their work is often supported by several on and off-campus constituencies. Professionalism, diplomacy and recognizing the support of others will enhance organizational effectiveness.

  • Understands how to collaborate effectively.
  • Ability to motivate and empower others.
  • Utilizes others' contributions effectively.
  • Develops productive relationships with others through mentorship and/or interacting with others appropriately.
• Learning and Reasoning

  Many of the issues that arise when leading a group involve a different level of cognitive thinking, which has student leaders making decisions, resolving conflicts, and reflecting. Students develop and apply learning and reasoning when they engage in event management. Student leaders should strive toward understanding the appropriate steps and issues involved in event planning and management that allow them to practice this competency.

  • Ability to understand the value of making decisions appropriate to each situation.
  • Understands how to solve problems effectively.
  • Articulates the value of reflecting on experiences to apply learning in the future.
• Personal Behavior

  Student leaders must role model social responsibility at all times but especially when representing the college/university. On and off campus behaviors should match the values of the organization and institution leaders represent. Establishing healthy lifestyle habits while in college also translates into healthy lifestyle habits after college. Balancing time between school, work, leisure, recreation, and family will help student leaders stay emotionally, physically, and spiritually grounded.

  • Places a value on taking initiative.
  • Motivated to follow-through on responsibilities.
  • Takes responsibility for personal behavior and acts in an ethical manner.
  • Demonstrates resiliency and the ability to respond to ambiguity and change.
  • Establishes healthy behaviors and satisfying lifestyle habits.
• Self-Awareness and Development

  Self-Awareness and Development offer leaders a compass to navigate through a variety of leadership situations and challenges. Student leaders should reflect and engage in the process of self-awareness and development to enhance personal growth and group effectiveness.

  • Understands the value in acting in alignment with my values.
  • Motivated to engage in self-development.
  • Willingness to enhance understanding of self.
• Strategic Planning

  Student leadership can play a significant role toward enhancing opportunities following the undergraduate experience. Student leaders have a unique opportunity to learn and practice effective strategic planning through event management. Student leaders should also consider early and frequently educational and position requirements for the work they hope to do upon completion of their formal education. Timely consideration and reflection will allow the student to utilize campus leadership opportunities to hone the skills and competencies necessary for their career choice.

  • Ability to articulate goals effectively.
  • Understands how to develop a mission and vision effectively.
  • Identifies importance of professional development.