Leadership in Children

So timely to write this blog with my co-authored book being released this month, Future Kind (Essays on raising the generation our world needs) – by Radiate publishing. For more info check out this link : https://radiatepublishing.com/futurekind/

What is the meaning of leadership and can children be leaders?  Do most parents want this trait in their child?!  Is leadership a learnt trait or are we innately born with it?  The dictionary defines leadership as the action of leading a group of people or an organization, the state or position of being a leader, the leaders of an organization, country, etc. 

Although this is the traditional definition, we are starting to view it from a different perspective in our new age day.  So many young people come to mind showing outstanding leadership.  For example, Greta Thunberg, a 16-year-old Swedish activist, who is leading the fight on climate change or Malala Yousafzai, a 22-year-old Pakistani activist for female education.  These young humans are inspiring and creating much needed change on our planet. 

Being a leader seems to motivate many children I work with, including my own, to check in when their behavior is not desirable.  How would a hero or leader behave in this instance? What choice would they make?

I believe there are a few traits we could talk to our children to set them up as great leaders:

1. Honesty and being congruent – Owning up to mistakes and being aligned with your beliefs
2. Confidence – if you lack confidence and self-belief, others won’t believe in you either
3. Good communicator – Ask for what we want, direct others to what they need to do and use our words effectively
4. Be Committed – When you show others that you can get your hands dirty and do what you ask of others, you are more likely to gain the respect of others
5. Capable of making decision – When asked to do something, being able to make a decision shows you are a leader not a follower
6. Be accountable – A good leader takes little more than his share of the blame and little less than his share of the credit.  Holding self and others accountable for their words and actions.
7. Delegate – You can’t do everything so learning how to delegate to others is super helpful to being successful.
8. Creativity & Visionary– See the bigger picture and take different approaches to find solution
9. Empathy – showing how you care for someone thru kindness, understanding and not as a “fixer” but rather as empowering so others can feel strong within themselves
10. Inspire others – By being a great role model and doing what you expect of others

nd the best way to show all of the above if for us as parents to model these qualities.