Recap: Dartmouth Alums visit RLF

This week's RLF session was headlined by three young alumni who discussed their views and perspectives on leadership having worked for a few years after Dartmouth. The lessons focused on how to build the skills necessary to become a leader, how to reflect on one's own experiences and leadership styles, and how to lead in organizations even when you're a new employee. 

Joseph Santo '10 discussed being able to 'lead from below,' which can be done if you take ownership of your work and set a good example for others. There is also a heavy reflective component of leadership as leaders have to be able to assess their own skills and reach 'self-mastery.' 

Christabell Makokha '11 argued that awareness is the cornerstone of good leadership, as leaders need to be able to understand themselves and the needs of others. Several of the speakers discussed setting goals, both for oneself and for the organization, and then following through to make these goals a reality. Shala Burroughs '05 cited the importance of developing professional networks, and how they can influence future career paths.

--Brandon DeBot '14, Rockfeller Leadership Fellow