“Success of leaders is not the success of themselves but the success of the people they lead.” -Mingyi Bian
After being involved in You’re Next Career Network (YNCN), one of the most recognizable student-run professional organizations at University of Toronto, Mingyi Bian (ECE 1T5+PEY) chose to step up and take the formal leadership role. By organizing career fairs and career preparation workshops, her team has provided career development opportunities for thousands of students. Here are her thoughts on leadership development.
What motivated you to become the president of YNCN?
I returned to YNCN for the third year for two reasons: one is to continue to grow myself as a leader, and the other one is to pay it forward and leave a mark on campus. Leading a team of close to 50 people can be both very intimidating and invigorating. However, I am the most motivated when I see the cause of my work. Seeing fellow classmates and younger students benefiting from the opportunities we created is the biggest motivation. Besides, I received lots of help and guidance from upper years during the first few years in Skule. In a sense, YNCN provides me a platform to give back to the community and pay it forward.
What has surprised you most about leadership?
Being close to people and forging relationships is key to leading YNCN. I like to know people as who they are, not what they are. The impact of my personal behaviours on the team is more significant than I expected. For example, people notice it when my tone of voice shows my caring attitude, when I ask about their goals and interest, or when I make accurate comments about their personalities or pet peeves.
What are the biggest challenges for your team?
Motivation and communication. The high level of commitment requires individuals to stay highly motivated in order to execute and deliver work on time. As for communication, the information gets passed on more slowly as the team grows in size.
How do you show you caring attitude to a large group of committee in YNCN?
As the president, I will be as present and approachable as I can. I also begin a one-on-one talk with my team, starting with those who can’t attend the organization retreat. Although doing this consistently consumes a lot of time, it helps me be approachable to my team.
What do you want the world to know you as?
Being a caring person, and not putting yourself as the center of the world. I believe that helping others we are helping ourselves.
-Odo Wang