Leadership in action
Empathetic and horizontal leadership, where everyone is autonomous and makes decisions. That's the model Deutsche Schule Medellín works with.
Undoubtedly, academic spaces are essential for shaping future leaders. “Our concept of leadership starts with empowering individuals so that each one can be a leader in their own right,” explains Anke Käding, Principal of Deutsche Schule Medellín. “In our school, we don't have a top-down leadership concept; it's horizontal. Every member of our community is a leader in their respective field of work,” she adds.
Being a leader isn't always about being in the spotlight, being the most popular, or being the most visible. There are different types of leadership, and the key is to feel part of a whole, set an example, motivate, and encourage everyone to excel and give their best. What are our leaders like?
Juan Manuel Acevedo Villa / Student from Klasse 4B
“Being a leader is about helping others, always guiding them in the right direction. Encouraging them to do what's right, but always working together. A leader doesn't just propose ideas but also listens to other people's ideas to make decisions and set the course. I enjoy being a leader, helping, and offering ideas. But being a leader is very different from being a boss because a leader is more open. To be a good leader, you need to control your emotions, be organized, respectful, and listen more than you speak.”
