BYU-Hawaii commencement: Observations on leadership
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More than 200 students from 34 countries listened as Elder Steven E. Snow of the Presidency of the Seventy addressed graduates and their supporters during the BYU-Hawaii commencement exercises held June 6. During the ceremony, held in the Cannon Activities Center, Elder Snow shared his observations on leadership and specific characteristics of a great leader.
"With your education comes a responsibility," Elder Snow said. "What you have learned here [at BYU-Hawaii] can and should bless others."
Elder Snow included eight observations of what make a good leader:
Be responsible. "Be dependable and reliable in all you do. It is a choice blessing to be someone people can count on. Such an honor does not come easily or quickly. It is earned. But if you achieve it, it will bring great dividends."
Work hard. "There is absolutely no substitute for hard work. … Dreams take work, they take practice, they take patience and, sometimes, they require us to dig just a little deeper. … In your education we ask you to not only work hard, but work smart."
Have a vision of the future. "Visualize what you can accomplish and then take the necessary steps to make it happen."
Don't be afraid to fail. "If you do make a mistake, accept blame, make things right and move on. If you are completely averse to risk, you will have a miserable life."
Be quick to say thank you and generous in praise. "I have never heard anyone complain for having been thanked too much. Remember people thrive on praise and recognition."
Live a balanced life. "Balance hard work with play." Other elements of a balanced life he talked about included exercising and eating right, treasuring family members and spending time with them. He counseled graduates to have family prayer, family home evening and family gospel study as well as participate in wholesome family activities, and to be involved in Church activities and keep the commandments.
Don't take yourself too seriously. "Life can be very funny indeed. Humor is the balm of life, so apply it liberally."
Find time to give back. "Not just in Church service, but community service as well. … There are many choices and I hope you will choose to serve."
Elder Snow ended his talk by focusing on the importance of making a difference and spending one's life in service.
"Do not stand on the sidelines, get involved," he counseled.
