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:
- Honesty and being congruent – Owning up to mistakes and being aligned with your beliefs
- Confidence – if you lack confidence and self-belief, others won’t believe in you either
- Good communicator – Ask for what we want, direct others to what they need to do and use our words effectively
- 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
- Capable of making decision – When asked to do something, being able to make a decision shows you are a leader not a follower
- 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.
- Delegate – You can’t do everything so learning how to delegate to others is super helpful to being successful.
- Creativity & Visionary– See the bigger picture and take different approaches to find solution
- 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
- 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.