Kids-and-leadership

Kids and Leadership

In a speech that I will give to middle school kids on the day this was published, my focus will be on leadership.  As adults, when we take time to discuss leadership with kids, much can be gained from both the parents and the child.  I plan to give them the secret to being a leader, which I will share in a bit.  First, it is essential to encourage kids to step forward, help them with their confidence if they are shy or withdrawn.  Please enable them to take those opportunities to lead teams in the class. The various groups they might be a part of, sports, music, or whatever they choose to be involved in.

But How do you know if you are a leader?  What is the secret to being a leader?  Before I reveal the unknown,  we need to help kids understand the need for leadership.  The world needs leaders, and we want to dispel the myth that you must be in charge to be a leader.  When I was younger, I certainly believed that, and it wasn’t until many years later that I realized that actually, that was a myth.  You can lead from anywhere.

I have a training that I do for companies, businesses, and the like for free titled The 5 Myths of Leadership.  If you’re interested in facilitating training with your team or staff, let me know.  For now, the fact that you can lead without actually being in charge is new information for many.

Now, for that secret that I’ve been promising.  How do you know if you are a leader?  The secret to leading is seeing that you are a leader if others follow you.  It is that simple.  As John Maxwell says, “Leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less.”  Do you have to be in charge to influence?  Not!  When kids realize this, they also recognize that their contributions are essential, that their thoughts shared with others are leadership and are very important.

Today, take some time to sit with a child and discuss leadership with them.  Find out what they know?  What questions do they have?  Share with them why it is so important.  I think you’ll find their self-esteem raised simply by understanding, “Leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less.”

The following steps are to look at what nature can teach us about leadership here, Nature and Leadership – Dr. Rich Patterson (pattersonphd.com)

Penn State has an article on Leadership and Children worth reading here, Leadership and children — Better Kid Care — Penn State Extension (psu.edu)

Enjoy the day & yours for better parenting.

Rich