By Charlotte Winklemann.
Great leaders share qualities such as empathy, trustworthiness, fairness, cooperation, a sense of responsibility, citizenship and valuing the significant contributions of each person. Obviously not everyone is cut out to be a leader, but if they are taught to lead and are given opportunities to lead others, the results can be amazing.
The keys to nurturing leadership qualities in children are exposing them to consistency, creativity and modeling. Consistency helps them learn to trust others, as well gain confidence. Creativity fosters awareness as new experiences open your children’s eyes to different ways of doing things. Modeling is of paramount importance. By serving the community, showing empathy for others and living responsibly, adults can mold children’s behaviors.
Children need enrichment that fosters broad interests, self-esteem, insights and skills that characterize leaders. Leadership and teambuilding experiences help children identify their strengths and weaknesses and build on social, emotional and behavioral development assets. Teaching responsibility carries over into all aspects of their lives and becomes the foundation for turning children into citizens who able to meet present and future challenges in a global society. A wide variety of opportunities helps students learn and practice essential leadership skills within a learning community.
By supporting children and encouraging them to try out a wide variety of activities, you’ll widen their scope. The schools provide everything from sports to clubs, UIL competitions and electives for career building. Scouts and other service organization incorporate leadership and character building into all their activities. Religious groups also focus on character building, with a strong belief system and moral teachings. These community and club activities can also be used on the students’ college applications. Seek groups that are student-led not adult-driven. Young people tend to lose interest in an organization quickly when group decision-making and mission are not student-centered. These organizations should also give student leaders the chance to show off their capabilities and be taken seriously.
By giving children a role in decision-making, adults can foster the critical thinking skills necessary to be an effective leader. Encourage students to evaluate inappropriate decisions and offer other options. To encourage independent thinking, discussion and debate about current events nurture leadership potential. Listen openly and thoughtfully to their thoughts and ideas. This will foster mutual respect, objectivity, empathy and understanding. When they are included in problem-solving and their opinions are valued, children will make better choices.
