Assistant Director of Education in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Pauline Adderley encouraged the young women to approach their lives with the seriousness of the chess player, rather than with the lesser focus required for the game of checkers. She addressed female students who came from schools in New Providence, Andros, and San Salvador at the 11th Annual S.T.R.A.W. Girls Leadership Conference at Melia Nassau Beach Resort, March 12, under the theme -- ‘Chess not Checkers.’

Ms. Adderley told the students she wanted to demystify the notion of leadership and the thought that a leader is someone who holds a particular position, makes a certain amount of money, or works in a specific profession. She said they were assembled there because they were ‘leaders’ and asked that they harness their own leadership skills by making wise choices and setting goals – let the goals be clearly defined, and begin with completing high school.

She said: “I know many if not all of you are wondering about the significance behind this theme. I wish to share what my thoughts on your theme, as you position yourselves to harness your leadership skills. The choices you make today will undoubtedly affect your future. It is essential that you make wise choices and set goals. When you have clearly defined goals, the process of accomplishing those goals can be a lot easier.”

Ms. Adderley tackled the first step-- finishing high school – and described the Bahamas High School Diploma, particularly of interest to those students in public school in 10th grade. She noted that at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, her purpose is to manage the Student Achievement Unit responsible for collecting data based on exam results from various schools to determine the areas of strengths and weaknesses of students. The data determines what intervention and programs need to be put in place to ensure that students have the best possible chance for success. Her unit can also ensure that students who do not pass BJC exams can obtain free classes to help prepare for a re-sitting.

Highlighting the conference theme and how it relates to their lives, she explained, “the game of checkers is one that requires very little effort, experience or focus and often ends rather quickly; chess on the other hand requires a high level of competence, concentration and cognition to engage in play that is quite sustained and can go on for hours.

“The game of chess is a recreational activity that can teach us lessons that can be used in boardrooms, conference rooms, or the classroom. Ideally, chess is a game that equips the player with skills to move, not just on the checkered-board; but to also maneuver in life. The better you understand the game, the better your chances of succeeding.

“Each human being can be represented by one of the various chess pieces. Each individual has a role and function just as the pieces on the chessboard do. Some individuals have more power and authority than others. A common term used to describe people of influence is ‘movers and shakers.’ Those regarded as such are considered to be influential and powerful in their various spheres and are often highly regarded. On the other hand, the term ‘pushover’ is used to describe a person who is not a force to be reckoned with. The question then is; are you a mover and shaker, or a pushover; in other words, are you a pawn or are you a queen?”

Continuing, she said: “always be mindful of the fact that people are able to determine the way that you regard and perceive yourself, and treat you accordingly. If people think for one minute that you do not believe in yourself or see your own worth, then they will treat you [in such fashion], they will jump all over you like the knight jumps over the other pieces on the board; however, if people realize that you respect yourself and have self-confidence then they will highly respect you and treat you with esteem.

“In this life, you will either be a pawn, a bishop, a knight, a rook, a queen or a king. Which one you function as, totally depends on you and how you position yourself in the game of life. There are eight pawns but only one king and one queen on the chessboard. In life, there are many people settling for mediocrity, but as you climb the ladder of success and greatness, you will realize that there are fewer people in that stratus.”

Ms. Adderley gave the young women a plan of action saying: “as you set your sights on becoming great leaders remember that in order to rise to the top and to keep your ‘A’ game, you must always be able to execute the following – the 4 A’s:

Action – always develop an action plan and constantly devise strategies that will aide in your success. An ancient proverb puts it best: ‘a plan without action is just a dream wasted’;

vAdapt – your ability to adapt to changing situations will set you apart from those who survive and those who thrive; those who meet expectations and those who exceed expectations;

Awareness – you must be able to recognize the attitudes, behaviours and patterns of others to determine how to deal with individuals and establish whether people are for or against you;

Ability – you must always know what you are, and are not capable of doing; identify your strengths and weaknesses.Capitalize on your strengths and your ability to focus and learn and use your weaknesses as an opportunity to improve. You have to believe that your ability to achieve is greater than your fear of failure.”

She left them with thought that talent combined with hard work will result in excellence, and they must approach their next move with confidence and commitment.