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The #IlliniLeader's Digest
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  • Being a Leader in the Advertising Industry

    Apr 14, 2020 12:00 am124 views

    This blog sums up the leadership qualities necessary for success when working in an advertising agency. It teaches college students how to prepare for the industry by being mindful of the way they act and work with others.

  • What Actually Makes a Good Leader, May Not Be What You Think...

    Apr 15, 2020 12:00 am310 views

    We are always asked the question, "what makes a good leader?" Through all the different studies and approaches learned, I discovered what I believe makes a good leader and it may not be what you think.

  • What is the Hardest Part About Being Good Leader?

    Apr 15, 2020 12:00 am4438 views

    In this article, I discuss what I find to be the hardest part of being a leader. The pressure to please all parties is a challenge that can be burdensome and serve to degrade a leader's confidence in their ability. I discuss this topic from my perspective and experiences.

  • Challenges You Need To Encounter As A Leader

    Apr 15, 2020 5:00 pm112 views

    Leaders have the power to control people to do what they want. However, being a leader is not easy. He or she needs to face many challenges to build a strong, healthy working relationship with employees.

  • Why Leadership is Important to Me (And for You!)

    Apr 15, 2020 11:00 pm129 views

    In this post I talk about a personal experience from high school that was a foundational piece of my experience in becoming a leader. I use this as an example of why leadership is important to me by describing how I came to view myself as a leader and the impact I have had on others as a result.

  • My Definition of Leadership

    Apr 15, 2020 11:30 pm24376 views

    I go into detail on what I believe is the true definition of leadership and how this reflects all the good leaders in our lives. I also give my perspective on the definition of leadership.

  • COVID-19 Updates

    Apr 16, 2020 1:15 pm12 views

    As the spread of the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) creates uncertainty and concerns both globally and here in our community, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign continues to monitor developments and to take any new actions that are warranted as new information emerges in this rapidly changing situation. Click here for information and updates about the impact of the COVID-19 virus on our university.

  • The Illinois Model of Leadership

    Apr 16, 2020 3:00 pm170 views

    Through a campus-wide initiative involving faculty, staff, and student participants, the ILC developed The Illinois Model of Leadership Education. Learn more about this framework used to inform and shape the practice of the leadership education at Illinois. 

  • Jump Start Your Career with Leadership

    Apr 16, 2020 8:00 pm148 views

    This blog post highlights the importance of leadership and how it can positively influence your career readiness. Leadership is about constantly learning and to do this you must seek out experiences that will enhance your life design.

  • Donaldson Gift to the Illinois Leadership Center Makes History

    Jun 8, 2020 9:15 am4 views

    The Illinois Leadership® Center (ILC) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has received the largest outright gift in the history of Student Affairs at Illinois with a $1.17 million gift from Jane and William (“Bill”) Donaldson.

  • Organizing for Social Change: An Interview with a First-Timer

    Jun 12, 2020 11:45 am138 views

    I first met Paul Saban at the 2019 session of the Institute by LeaderShape. When Paul informed me that he was organizing a demonstration for Black Lives Matter in his hometown in Monticello, I decided that I would interview him about his experience following the demonstration. This was his first time organizing an event of this kind. The demonstration was held in the main square of Monticello, Illinois on Saturday, June 6.

  • sunset encouraging picture

    The National Day of Encouragement- What is it?

    Sep 12, 2020 9:30 am721 views

    This post goes into depth on the National Day of Encouragement, a day that recognizes the importance of encouragement in our everyday lives. It'll go into more detail on the history, facts, and ways to increase the use of encouragement in your lives. 

  • Self-improvement

    The Importance of Self-Improvement for Leaders

    Sep 17, 2020 12:00 pm46636 views

    September is self-improvement month. This post goes into detail on what self-improvement is, how it is important for leaders and shares a personal connection to self-improvement. 

  • people

    How Leaders Communicate Effectively

    Sep 22, 2020 10:30 am113 views

    Communication is something key in leadership as well as our everyday lives. This post goes into more detail on communication and gives some great advice on how to effectively use communication in different areas. 

  • girl with all the colors

    The Effectiveness of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

    Oct 6, 2020 10:15 am305 views

    Since October is Emotional Intelligence Awareness Month, this post goes into detail on the importance of emotional intelligence and how to effectively use it in leadership. 

  • A Call to Action: Social Change in our Leadership

    Oct 13, 2020 9:15 am332 views

    This post goes into detail about what the Social Change Model of Leadership is and how we can use it in our every day lives with relation to leadership. 

  • The Importance of Diversity in Leadership

    Oct 20, 2020 9:15 am66 views

    This post discusses the importance of diversity in concepts of leadership and areas of life. 

  • servant leadership

    National Make a Difference Day

    Oct 20, 2020 10:30 am309 views

    National Make a Difference Day focuses on aspects of service in our community. This post goes into more detail about the day and introduces the topic of servant leadership. 

  • women in leadership

    Why YOU should consider the Leadership Studies Minor

    Oct 27, 2020 9:45 am847 views

    This post explains more information on the Leadership Studies Minor and gives student perspectives on the minor itself. 

  • leadership

    The Role of Relationship Management in Leadership

    Nov 10, 2020 9:30 am13545 views

    This post emphasizes the importance of relationship management in leadership. It goes into detail on ways to practice, understand, and learn from relationship management as a leader. 

  • human dignity

    Human Dignity in Leadership

    Nov 30, 2020 11:00 am3175 views

    This post explains the importance of one of the ILC's competencies, human dignity, and how it is important in leadership. 

  • online teaching

    Reflections: Being a Student Leader in a Pandemic and Lessons Learned

    Dec 14, 2020 9:30 am25739 views

    This post provides reflections from UIUC students on this past Fall semester and how they felt about the changes and transition to online classes. 

  • One Question to Answer Before Deciding Your Career Path

    Jan 26, 2021 2:45 pm3 views

    Remember the saying that we all wanted to believe as kids? You can be anything you want to be when you grow up. One of the best ways to end up in the kind of career that earns you respect, recognition, success, and happiness is to do more of what you're good at.

    Click the title to read this article by Jessica Buono from Gallup with CliftonStrengths, one of the programs presented at the ILC!

  • 2020 staff photo

    Student Employment Reflections

    Jan 26, 2021 3:15 pm48 views

    Student employees at the Illinois Leadership Center share their experience while working at the ILC as well as some benefits to their positions. Information on student employment for the 2021-2022 school year is also shared. 

  • leadershape

    How My Experience at The LeaderShape® Institute™ Shaped My Understanding of Social Justice

    Feb 16, 2021 1:00 pm63 views

    The LeaderShape®  Institute™ was a great opportunity to learn more about social justice and hear from different viewpoints. My time at The LeaderShape®  Institute™  was very influential and I wanted to share how it helped my viewpoint of social justice. 

  • group

    The Shared "We"

    Mar 2, 2021 1:30 pm31 views

    This post goes into detail on the importance of Common Purpose in Leadership and how practicing this competency will make you a great leader. 

  • integrity

    The Power of Integrity

    Mar 16, 2021 1:15 pm247 views

    This post talks about power of integrity and what makes it so important in life and leadership. 

  • integrity 3

    What does it mean to be an ethical leader?

    Mar 16, 2021 1:30 pm2072 views

    This post shares ways to be an ethical leader and practice integrity as a leader in our every day. The author shares some personal stories as well on the topic of integrity.

  • lightbulb

    Sustainability in Leadership

    Mar 16, 2021 2:00 pm216 views

    This post goes into depth on sustainability in leadership and emphasizes the importance of it. 

  • group

    The Importance of Community to Leadership Practice

    Mar 30, 2021 1:15 pm13032 views

    This post explains the importance of community in leadership and guides you through different ways to be a leader in a community. 

  • science and leadership

    Undertaking the Leadership Certificate with a Science PhD

    Apr 6, 2021 1:15 pm57 views

    This post shares the experience of a Ph.D. student who also took on the Leadership Certificate Program, offered at the ILC. He talks about his experience, why he decided to do it, and the benefits that came out of the program for him. 

  • empathy

    Empathy

    Apr 6, 2021 1:30 pm411 views

    This post starts by comparing empathy to shoes, displaying a metaphor for being the listener for someone's story. This post also shares a comparison and a way to think of empathy in a different way. 

  • lightbulb

    Innovation in Leadership

    Apr 6, 2021 1:45 pm88 views

    This post goes into details on Innovation in leadership. It describes what innovation is and ways to embrace innovation in leadership and in our daily lives. 

  • Innovation and Leadership

    Apr 6, 2021 1:45 pm88 views

    This post talks about innovation and the impacts it has on leadership. Innovation helps start trendsetters and conversation starters for leaders. It is important to recognize the impact innovation has on leaders. 

  • inspo

    Tips to Develop Yourself Over Summer

    Apr 21, 2021 2:15 pm346 views

    This post gives 5 tips on ways to develop yourself over the summer. Summer gives us the opportunity to develop ourselves as we get a break after the long, hectic school year. There are many ways to help develop yourself this summer, but these are just 5 examples. 

  • leadership

    The Influence of the ILC's Workshops on my Leadership Journey

    Jul 7, 2021 12:45 pm1831 views

    This post talks about the experience of a fellow student throughout her time on campus and how the workshops helped with her leadership development today. 

  • Recognizing my Strengths as a Leader

    Jul 7, 2021 1:15 pm38 views

    This post talks about the experience of a Ph.D. student and how the ILC has influenced her journey. Through all the resources offered, she has been able to recognize her strengths as a leader. 

  • leadership

    The Importance of Leadership in a Global Pandemic

    Jul 7, 2021 1:45 pm8667 views

    This post highlights the importance of leaders navigating the challenges of COVID-19 and how leadership takes flexibility. The author uses their experience on the Illini Union Board to exemplify the challenges faced.

  • smiley faces

    How to Prioritize our Emotional Wellness 

    Oct 11, 2021 2:15 pm2006 views

    This post talks about the importance of emotional wellness and how to prioritize that in our lives. The post also talks a bit more about recognizing our own emotions, stress management, and emotional intelligence. 

  • How My Involvement With The Illinois Leadership Center Transformed My Life

    Oct 18, 2021 1:15 pm118 views

    This post talks a bit about the importance the ILC has had on one of our own employee's college experiences. She shares how she got involved with the ILC and where that has gotten her today as she is finishing her time here at the University of Illinois. 

  • The Importance of Developing a Community Perspective

    Oct 21, 2021 11:30 am2002 views

    This post talks about the importance of community and volunteering within your own community. The post shares a bit more about how to develop leadership skills through helping out your community. 

  • openness

    The importance of practicing openness today’s society

    Nov 3, 2021 1:15 pm470 views

    This post talks about the importance of openness and shares how the importance of practicing openness will be impactful in both your professional and personal life. 

  • reflection

    Why reflection is important in a leadership role

    Nov 8, 2021 12:45 pm1627 views

    This post talks about the importance of reflection and how it is important for leaders and teams to practice reflection. 

  • stress

    How to stay (sorta) stress-free in college

    Nov 15, 2021 12:45 pm139 views

    This post shares some ways to help relieve stress in your life. With the end of the semester quickly approaching, this is a great post that gives some tips on ways to help handle the stress in your life!

  • Let Go of Your Perfectionism: The Best Ways to Stop Being So Hard on Yourself

    Nov 29, 2021 1:15 pm30133 views

    We put too much pressure on ourselves to succeed or do everything perfectly. Here are some ways you can stop being so hard on yourself. Understanding the roots of your perfectionism is the first step to overcoming it. Find someone you trust that you can talk to about your struggles. Take time for yourself every day and write down your worries. Give yourself permission to make mistakes and give yourself permission for doing things imperfectly.

  • Ways to Relieve Stress

    Dec 6, 2021 12:45 pm789 views

    This post shares some ways to help relieve some stress. With the start of a new semester, it's always important to find ways to calm our stressors and still remain calm during all the chaos that is to come. 

  • Reflections on the past semester: the progress we have made

    Dec 6, 2021 2:15 pm221 views

    This post reflects on the past semester and all the progress we have made from the start till now. It also emphasizes the importance of your accomplishments and future goals you may set for yourself.

  • Leading by Creativity

    Dec 7, 2021 1:15 pm983 views

    This post goes into detail on one of the most important soft skills for a leader to have: creativity! Creativity helps leaders with problem-solving, communication, and team building. 

  • Team Mentors & Team Members: How a Team Excels

    Feb 1, 2022 1:30 pm282 views

    This post talks about how important team members and team mentors are to an entire team. The post explains the importance of each role and effective ways to go about them. 

  • The Importance of Sustainable Leadership

    Feb 8, 2022 12:00 pm465 views

    This post highlights why being a sustainable leader in today’s climate is important. The author challenges the reader to explore sustainable practices and try to implement them in their daily lives as well as their leadership roles.