Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to a group efforts over time.

If you’re looking to highlight your leadership experience in your essay, it’s important to consider not only formal leadership roles but also any instances where you demonstrated leadership qualities and skills. While serving on missionary trips, being a Sunday school teacher, and working as a customer service representative may not be traditional leadership positions, they still provide opportunities for you to showcase your leadership abilities. Here are some strategies to help you articulate your leadership experience:

1. Emphasize responsibility and initiative: Describe specific instances where you took the initiative or assumed responsibilities beyond what was expected of you in these roles. Highlight any instances where you organized or led a team, made decisions, or took charge of a situation.
2. Focus on teamwork and collaboration: Although you may not have held a formal leadership position, discuss how you effectively collaborated with others to achieve goals. Talk about instances where you facilitated group discussions, motivated team members, or coordinated efforts to accomplish a common objective.
3. Highlight communication skills: Leadership often involves effective communication. Discuss how you communicated with diverse groups of people, including team members, colleagues, and individuals you interacted with during missionary trips or customer service roles. Share examples of situations where you demonstrated excellent listening skills, mediated conflicts, or provided guidance to others.
4. Discuss problem-solving and decision-making: Leadership often requires the ability to identify and solve problems and make informed decisions. Talk about situations where you encountered challenges or obstacles and how you approached them. Share how you analyzed options, evaluated risks, and made decisions that led to positive outcomes.
5. Mention any training or workshops: If you have participated in any leadership training programs, workshops, or seminars, be sure to mention them. Even if they were not directly related to your previous experiences, they demonstrate your proactive efforts to develop leadership skills.