Editorial Development: Bonnie Brook Communications

A Question of Leadership
At first, Karminder was very happy to be invited to join the Leadership Club at her high school. Some 
girls she really admired were a part of the club. Karminder thought that she might learn something about 
achieving goals and expressing ideas if she were a member, too. Within a few hours of being invited into 
the group, however, Karminder was already starting to worry. She wondered, “I’m only a freshman. How 
could anyone consider me a leader? I haven’t led anything, compared to the rest of the group.”
Karminder was anxious that if she did join the club, the rest of the members might think she did not 
deserve to be there. She was afraid they might think she was a phony or an imposter. As time went on, 
Karminder thought it might be best to not join after all.
A week later, Alicia and Inez, two of the senior girls in the club, sat down on either side of Karminder 
at lunch. When Karminder finally shared her concerns, Alicia and Inez began to laugh. “Oh, Karminder,” 
Inez said. “It’s not like we knew how to lead anything when we joined. That’s the point of the club—to learn!”
“Yes,” said Alicia, “you find out about qualities that good leaders have and habits that help them be 
successful. Even if you’re never the president of anything, the club can help you.” Alicia smiled, and 
Karminder felt at peace with her decision.
“That’s what I needed to hear,” said Karminder. “Sign me up!”
SKILL PRACTICE
Read each question. Fill in the bubble next to the correct answer.
 1. Why did Karminder worry about joining the club?
A 
She did not think it was the right type of club 
for her.
B 
She felt insecure about her abilities.
C 
She thought she was too young to join.
D 
She did not think much of the club’s members.
 2. Why did Alicia and Inez join Karminder at lunch? 
A 
They were concerned about her lack of 
leadership abilities.
B 
They were all old friends.
C 
They needed help leading the club.
D 
They wanted to find out why she had not joined 
the club yet.