Recently, I was elected school head girl just as I had always wished. What worries me though is that the position comes with a lot of work and it has started affecting my performance. What can I do to excel in both academics and leadership? Prossy

Dear Prossy,

There is no particular formula to your dilemma. Only you can make this arrangement a success. Remember, it’s no secret that most women today are known to be versatile, multi-taskers and great leaders.

The key is to develop creative solutions as you approach the challenge of balancing these responsibilities and the pleasure of your multiple roles. The strategic skills of planning, organising, communicating, setting limits and delegating, if fully applied can help you achieve a satisfying and fulfilling life both personally and academically.

Establish a strong supportive network with other fellow prefects and students so you can work together as a team. Design a schedule that will help you to ensure self sufficiency in academics and the leadership roles. We’re all blessed with different special gifts and leadership could be just one of yours. It’s a life changing opportunity that can place you at a competitive advantage on the job market in future.

Create time for yourself. Being a good leader and academician, means taking good care of yourself. Find time to relax, relieve tension and minimise stress. You may feel exhausted for the beginning but as you continue committing yourself to practicing your leadership skills, you will nurture and discover a tremendous and exciting new experience of both social and academic significance.

The writer is a counsellor

YOU DEBATE

Anaclet Karamuka     

Leadership involves team work. You must learn to delegate some responsibilities because you can’t do everything alone. This will give you more time to concentrate on your books. In the end, you will have scored on both fronts.

Fidela Mutoni           

It is good to be a leader but when it starts affecting your studies, you have to think twice. First wait to resign your position as headgirl but if your performance continues to decline, please throw in the towel.

Tinah Mabeyi         

I’m happy you managed to get your desired leadership position. However, academic excellence should be your number one priority. Talk to the school administration, to reduce on the load of work they give you.

Joseph Ngabonziza         

I think the problem emanates from poor time management. Always divide your time between academics and prefectorial responsibilities and stick to your timetable. Also seek guidance from the teacher in charge of prefects.