Range Cup 2017

Reflections on Leadership

 

My leadership skills were developed to new heights while competing in the Range Cup. I have not had a lot of experience in public speaking, and through practicing and the actual competition I was able to grow as a leader in many ways.

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My first way of growing as a leader came from talking with judges about my project. I had to convince them with data that public lands should be transferred to state ownership, so the land could be better managed by the people who use it the most. This is a very controversial topic, and it was not easy to pick the side with the littlest support. However, from doing so I was able to make an impression on people, and leave ideas in their minds.

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Second, I was able to grow as a leader from the job I got because of my Edge Project. When I was finished with the Range Cup, a professor from North Dakota State University asked me if I had a job this summer. I didn't, so he asked my to apply for his opening as a Range Technician. In this position I worked on a crew of three people collecting vegetation data. I had the most experience, so I was the one looked to for all the answers. This taught me to be patient, positive, and to work hard no matter what. It also taught me that if you need a job done right you might need to do it yourself.

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With these experiences my Edge Project taught me how to be convincing, work harder, be patient, and be a good leader.