<p>Growing up, I naively thought that hardwork alone would be rewarded. After reading this, it’s pretty evident that working hard by itself will not be enough, because in America, [url=<a href=“The - Wikipedia”>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The</a></em>squeaky<em>wheel</em>gets<em>the</em>grease]the squeakiest wheel gets the grease<a href=“unlike%20in%20China,%20where%20the%20loudest%20duck%20gets%20shot”>/url</a>.</p>
<p>I’ll be honest, I’ve never been an outgoing person, or an eloquent speaker by any standards. But after realizing these shortcomings of mine and society, I now know that something needs to be done. Are there any leadership programs or clubs at Cal that could help me improve leadership skills - or social interaction for that matter - making me seem more like a Westerner and less like an Easterner?</p>
<p>Re: squeaky wheels and grease</p>
<p>Just make sure to squeak only when necessary, and squeak the way that gets the right kind of grease. Squeaking all the time or the wrong way just annoys everyone and results in wanting to remove and replace the wheel.</p>
<p>“The loudest duck gets shot” - love that!</p>
<p>Social skills are a very important quality to develop in college. It’s good you already realize that just working hard isn’t enough. I think the most successful people are usually those who do work hard, and also know how to make themselves visible and advocate for themselves. </p>
<p>I’m sure Cal has many clubs you can join to develop your leadership skills. Join a club for your major, a volunteer organization, a sports club, anything you have an interest in. Then get involved, help with meetings, planning club events, run for a position once you have some experience, meet people, network, etc. You really can develop social and leadership skills by joining any organization that interests you.</p>
<p>I would certainly recommend the classes by this professor called Cort Worthington - improv leadership and leadership and personal development are all fantastic courses and they my Berkeley education totally worth its tuition.
His classes are mostly for juniors or seniors though so you might have to wait on that.</p>
<p>I also find joining clubs and honor societies and becoming an officer for the following semesters to be a great way to develop leadership.</p>
<p>Leadership and social skills are not algorithms that can be implemented by anyone as a means to an end. Great leaders are passionate about what they do. The way to become a great leader is to follow your passion and learn from those who are currently in leadership positions today. As far as social skills you should be yourself and learn to be sensitive to what others around you are feeling. I feel like the most socially ackward people are oblivious to how others around them think. Live life and don’t be a jerk and you should be okay.</p>