Give 10 difficult questions based on the manifesto below
Manifesto for House Kestell Leadership
Comfortable with Discomfort, Certain with Uncertainty
Pedagogy: "Leadership is not about being in charge. It is
about taking care of those in your charge." — Simon Sinek
Dear Kestellians,
Standing before you today as a candidate for the position of
Prime, Strategies and Values or Vice-Prime&Discipline of
House Kestell, I am filled with a profound sense of purpose
and commitment. The opportunity to lead and serve within
this incredible community is not just a role—it's a calling. I
am driven by the belief that our house can and should be a beacon of growth, resilience, and
unity as we move forward together, aligned with the UFS Vision130.
From the moment I first set foot on the University of the Free State campus, House Kestell has
been my home. My journey, leading as Corridor Prime in 2022 to serving as the RC Academic
Portfolio holder has been a testament to my unwavering dedication to our house's success. Each
role I've held has been an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to contribute meaningfully to our
collective experience.
As RC Academics, I championed initiatives that uplifted and empowered our members. I
introduced a platform where our readers and writers could share their voices, fostering a sense
of belonging and creative expression. I ensured that our study environment was not only
conducive to academic excellence but also supportive of each individual's unique journey.
Recognizing the critical importance of mental health, I launched programs that offered
motivation and care during times of challenge. These experiences have not only deepened my
commitment to our house but have also shaped my vision for its future.
My vision for House Kestell is one that embraces the challenges and uncertainties of our time,
turning them into opportunities for growth and innovation. I see our house as a microcosm of
the larger university, where the role of residences is reimagined to foster a community that is
inclusive, dynamic, and forward-thinking.
As Prime or Vice Prime, my primary goal will be to cultivate a culture of empowerment, where
each member of House Kestell feels supported, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential.
This begins with a commitment to discipline, not as a means of control, but as a framework for
respect and mutual understanding. By establishing clear guidelines and fostering an
environment of constructive dialogue, we will create a space where everyone feels safe to
express themselves and grow.
Moreover, I am passionate about enhancing the personal and collective growth of our house
members. My leadership will focus on creating opportunities for development, encouraging
open communication, and building a supportive culture that celebrates our diversity and
strengths. Together, we will navigate the complexities of our time with courage and resilience,
always striving to be "comfortable with discomfort" and "certain with uncertainty Why should you trust me to lead House Kestell? Because I have walked the path you are on. I
have faced the same challenges, celebrated the same victories, and learned from the same
experiences. My leadership is rooted in service—service to you, my fellow Kestellians. The
initiatives I have spearheaded, from academic support to creative expression, are a reflection
of my commitment to your success and well-being. I am here to listen, to act, and to ensure
that every voice in House Kestell is heard and respected.
I recognize that leading House Kestell into a new era requires more than just a commitment to
the status quo; it requires a bold vision and the courage to embrace change. This is where my
experience and passion will make a difference. I intend to introduce initiatives that align with
the university's Vision130, ensuring that our house not only keeps pace with the times but also
sets the standard for excellence in residence life.
With a proven track record of leadership and a deep understanding of our house's unique
dynamics, I am ready to lead House Kestell into the future. Whether as Prime or Vice Prime, I
will dedicate myself to fostering a community where unity, respect, and growth are not just
ideals but lived experiences.
In conclusion, I am honoured by the opportunity to serve as your Prime or Vice Prime. I am
committed to leading with compassion, integrity, and resilience, ensuring that House Kestell
continues to thrive as a supportive and empowering community. Together, we will build a
stronger, more united house.
"Leadership is about service, and I am here to serve each and every one of you with
dedication and heart."
Thank you for your trust and support.
1 answer
Based on the provided manifesto for House Kestell leadership, here are ten challenging questions that can be posed to candidates regarding their vision, experience, and strategies for leadership:
Accountability in Leadership: How do you plan to hold yourself accountable for the initiatives you propose, especially if they do not yield the expected outcomes?
Conflict Resolution: In a diverse community with differing opinions, how will you approach conflicts that arise among house members? Can you provide an example of a conflict resolution strategy you would implement?
Measuring Success: What specific metrics or indicators will you use to assess the effectiveness of your initiatives, particularly those focused on mental health and academic support?
Adapting to Change: Can you discuss a time when you faced significant challenges in leadership? How did you adapt your strategies, and what was the outcome?
Balance between Discipline and Empowerment: You mentioned the importance of discipline to foster respect and understanding. How do you plan to balance this discipline with the need for individual expression and freedom within House Kestell?
Engaging Diverse Voices: How will you ensure that all voices within House Kestell are not only heard but actively engaged in decision-making processes, particularly those from underrepresented groups?
Sustaining Long-term Momentum: Many initiatives falter over time. How do you plan to sustain momentum for your proposed programs and ensure their continued relevance and impact beyond your tenure?
Vision Alignment with UFS Vision130: Can you elaborate on how your personal vision aligns with the goals of UFS Vision130? What specific initiatives do you see as critical to achieving this alignment?
Navigating Uncertainty: You emphasized being "comfortable with discomfort" and "certain with uncertainty." How do you personally handle uncertainty, and how will you encourage your peers to do the same in challenging times?
Emotional Intelligence in Leadership: In your view, what role does emotional intelligence play in effective leadership? Can you share an example of how you have applied emotional intelligence in your previous roles?
These questions delve into the candidate's philosophical stance on leadership, their strategic thinking, and their ability to navigate the complexities of leading a diverse community.
