Leadership is the ability to envision new possibilities and the capacity to motivate, organize, and empower oneself and others to achieve those possibilities. In its most effective form, leadership springs from democratic principles, such as the free consent of followers, and therefore requires skills such as listening, engaging in effective dialogue, and consensus building. The K-Plan is an apprenticeship in developing these skills.

In addition to the academic component that the classroom experience offers,
Kalamazoo College offers many experiential opportunities as well. These activities enable students to pursue interests that will develop understanding, sensitivity, and leadership. Included are opportunities in campus
governance through participation in Student Commission, election as representatives to standing faculty committees, as campus commissioners, and through participation in the many student organizations on campus.