IAIN Manado, June 9, 2024 — Students of the English Education Study Program at IAIN Manado organized an insightful event titled “Leadership Between Peers: Turning Friendship into a Valuable Resource and Handling Responsibility in Leadership.” The event, held at IAIN Manado, aimed to explore the unique challenges and opportunities of leading among peers, with a special focus on transforming friendships into valuable leadership tools.

The event was attended by HMPS members, including guest speakers from previous leaders of HMPS, and offered a platform for students to engage in meaningful discussions on leadership dynamics within peer groups.

Transforming Friendship into Leadership Strength

One of the key highlights of the event was the keynote speech delivered by Nofikasari Gobel,S.Pd, a leadership expert and Alumni in organizational studies. She shared insights on how leaders can utilize the bonds of friendship within their peer groups to foster a collaborative and supportive atmosphere.

“Friendship is often seen as something that could complicate leadership, but when approached thoughtfully, it can become a powerful resource,” Nofika explained. “Peer leaders who already share trust and mutual respect with their team members are better equipped to motivate, inspire, and create an environment where everyone feels valued.”

Nofika also emphasized the importance of balancing professional responsibilities with personal relationships. “It’s essential for leaders to maintain a level of professionalism even within close-knit groups. Setting boundaries while nurturing friendships is key to ensuring effective leadership,” she said.

Challenges and Solutions in Peer Leadership

Following the keynote, a panel discussion took place with student leaders from various organizations within the university. The panelists shared their experiences of leading friends and peers, discussing both the challenges and rewards of managing leadership responsibilities within tight-knit groups.

[Panelist’s Name], the president of the [University’s Student Organization], spoke about the difficulties of making tough decisions that might not be popular among friends. “Being a leader means sometimes making choices that are in the best interest of the group, even if they’re difficult for friends to accept,” said [Panelist’s Name]. “It’s important to communicate openly and clearly, to ensure everyone understands the rationale behind the decisions.”

The panel also highlighted the importance of trust, communication, and empathy when navigating leadership roles among friends. “A strong leader among peers knows how to listen and empathize, but also how to draw the line when tough decisions need to be made,” added [Panelist’s Name].

Developing Responsible Leadership

In addition to discussing the personal dynamics of peer leadership, the event focused on the skills necessary to manage leadership responsibilities effectively. Dr. [Speaker’s Name] conducted a short workshop on practical leadership strategies, including how to delegate tasks, manage group dynamics, and ensure that responsibilities are shared equitably.

“Leadership is about more than just making decisions. It’s about creating a culture of accountability, where everyone in the group knows their role and is motivated to contribute,” said Dr. [Speaker’s Name]. The session was designed to help students understand how to take on leadership roles in student organizations or group projects, while maintaining balance in their personal relationships.

Concluding Thoughts: Building Better Peer Leaders

The event concluded with a lively Q&A session, where students asked questions about specific leadership scenarios and sought advice on handling peer relationships in leadership roles. Many participants left with a deeper understanding of how to navigate the complexities of leading friends and peers, and how to use these relationships to strengthen their leadership abilities.

As a part of the English Language Department’s ongoing commitment to developing well-rounded students, this event successfully combined theoretical insights with practical leadership strategies, providing students with the tools they need to become more effective and responsible leaders in their communities.

This version of the article is structured to highlight the key points of the event, including the theme, the speakers, and the experiences shared by the student leaders. Let me know if you’d like to make any adjustments or add additional details!