Insights from a Young Black Leader: Courtney King
Leadership can be a subjective topic. There is no true one-size-fits-all solution to effective leadership. Though there are tools and strategies that can help students and future leaders grow their skillset to become their ideal version of a leader. It is through these tools and strategies that many will develop their values and ideas which will help them lead teams and create an impact in whatever industry or goal they set their mind to.
The University of Texas College of Business spoke with Courtney King, Goolsby leadership Academy Special Programs Coordinator, about her perspective on leadership, steps students can take to develop leadership skills, and why it’s so important to inspire the next generation of leaders, especially Black leaders.
“Leadership is a subjective thing. It’s something that you develop over time, and in my opinion, leadership is truly about uplifting people. It’s uplifting people and helping them achieve their goals,” said King. “In doing so, you have to educate people. By being open to change and educating your team, you set them up for a great trajectory to achieve their goals and improve the team.”
Courtney King, Goolsby leadership Academy Special Programs Coordinator, poses for a professional photo. (Courtesy photo)
To properly lead by uplifting teams and educating team members, King describes the importance of being open to change and learning alongside the team.
“One key skill to being an effective leader is listening. Listening goes a long way in the aspect of understanding. If you’re able to listen to your team and understand what their needs are, you’re a more effective leader who is able to more efficiently help your people,” said King. “On the opposite end, I see a lot of leaders make assumptions. A lot of times people will only see something their specific way. By making assumptions, you’re closing yourself off to change. Being flexible and able to listen are key in leading people effectively.”
King explained that these skills are easily adopted by students by putting themselves in positions to learn and grow with resources available to them on campus and throughout their college career.
“When I reflect on my time as a student, I feel like leadership development happened organically by being in proximity to leaders and leadership opportunities. Put yourself in proximity to organizations or people that are going to develop you, but that you also have an interest in,” King explained. “When I was an undergrad, I was heavily involved in the Black Students Union. That experience naturally put me in proximity to some really amazing leaders. Building those relationships is a key part of a student building their own leadership skills and being strategic about what they’re involved in.”
While proximity to leaders and leadership opportunities is highly important to the development of student’s leadership skills, it is important that students develop their own values and leadership styles through self-introspection.
“It’s important to know your own core values. Do not waiver on them. If somebody questions you or if you’re being asked to do something that is not aligning with your core values, remember to stay true to who you are,” King explained. “Those values are going to uplift you. And they may change throughout your career or future, and at times your values will be tested, but you need to stay true to yourself as a person and a leader.”
King spoke on the importance of not only inspiring the next generation of leaders, but future Black leaders as well to create a well-connected and well-rounded society of future leaders.
“Representation is important. I speak in the capacity of a Black woman, but I didn’t have my first Black teacher until I was in college. When I had my first Black teacher, it was another level of representation and investment that I got to see. That kind of representation, whether it be in college or an industry, can change a student’s perspective and life,” King explained. “It is important for students to see possibility, and inspiring Black students helps. They can see themselves in leadership roles. It’s good to have diverse perspectives and to see someone who truly understands you and has been in your shoes.”
King spoke about the importance of Black History Month and the light it shines on history, as well as the groundwork it lays for the future.
“If we learn from our past, we can impact our future. When I look back on Black history, I can see a lot of examples of how we’re resilient people. I think a lot of people may forget that Black history is American history. When I look back and reflect, it inspires me,” King explained. “Black History Month is more than just a month dedicated to all the wonderful things Black people have done, but it’s important in amplifying representation. Especially as young leaders look back on what Black people have endured and overcome. And it can inspire and be applied to anyone.”
While King spoke about the importance of Black History Month and its ability to motivate not only future Black leaders, but future leaders as a whole, she also left future leaders with advice for building toward their future.
“Stay true to who you are and build your personal toolbox. Find mentors and leaders who will help you achieve your goals. You can never become someone else, but you can see their trajectory and ask yourself what you can do to align yourself with their path,” King said. “Build your personal toolbox with people that are going to help you achieve whatever your goal or vision may be.”
By building beneficial resources, staying true to core values, and being open to change while educating and uplifting others, students and future leaders can use resources available to them right now to become effective leaders. As we round out Black History Month and Youth Leadership Month, the UTA College of Business extends the challenge to all students and aspiring leaders to develop the skills they need to lead effectively and inspire successin whatever field they want to thrive within.
