Interpersonal interactions are critical for successful leadership
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.
Interpersonal Interaction is:
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.
Interpersonal Interaction Reflection
Give a specific example of how this involvement used/demonstrated the Interpersonal Interaction Competency (200 word minimum). Please include an example or mention how the example demonstrates of each of these:
Sample Answer
My role on the DeFuniak Springs Events Committee provides a rich environment for demonstrating Interpersonal Interaction Competency, particularly in how I engage with committee members, volunteers, and external stakeholders.
One specific example of this is my involvement in coordinating the volunteer teams for our annual Christmas Reflection event, a major community gathering. I was tasked with overseeing the “Lights & Decor” subcommittee, which heavily relied on diverse volunteers with varying skill levels and availability.
To effectively manage this, I consciously focused on understanding each volunteer’s strengths and interests. For instance, I had a group of retirees who excelled at meticulous, detailed work, and a younger group with more physical stamina and an eagerness to learn new skills. This allowed me to understand how to collaborate effectively, by assigning tasks that leveraged their individual talents while ensuring the overall objective was met. Instead of simply dictating tasks, I facilitated brainstorming sessions where volunteers could offer their ideas for display concepts,