Help develop leadership skills in children
Leadership seems to be a bit of a Buzz word at the moment, everywhere I turn I see people in our community asking for support and advice on how to raise their children to be more resilient, confident leaders.
Some children appear to be a more natural leader, while others need guidance, practice, and time to hone these skills. Every child has the potential to become what ever they want to be and if that is a leader of them self or as a leader of others it is important as a community we support them as they grow and learn. If we support children's interest's and support them to negotiate social settings and group dynamics, they will learn to navigate tough decisions and resolve conflict or other difficult situations. As a community we need to believe in our young people's abilities to make positive changes in their community.
We asked seven people in our Wide Bay community who work with children every day; how parents, carers and educators may help develop leadership skills and qualities in our children? This is what they told us...
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In my experience the best way to help children develop leadership skills and qualities are;
Firstly, set an example for them to follow. There are many definitions and styles of leadership, depending on what you want or expect in a leader it's easiest for children (anyone really) to learn by copying. As James Baldwin said "Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them."
Secondly, before they can be a good leader they should learn to be a good follower. The traits that we often admire in a good leader (things like empathy, integrity, honesty) are also the traits we like in our followers. A great place for parents/guardians to start with this is things like unpaid chores around the house (they don't pay you to wash their dishes, why pay them to wash yours?).
Thirdly, they need to have the opportunity to practice their leadership. A child that is given the chance to lead others by making limited and supervised choices will learn faster that someone who only has an understanding in theory. In our classes our young junior black belt leaders are given 3 questions to use. One is "is it safe?" second is "is it beneficial?" and the third is "can I make it enjoyable?". By using these questions, they have ample wiggle room to make their own leadership decisions in regards to what activities to begin with, when to stop and what to move onto without having to consult someone more senior. At the same time they have set parameters, are held accountable for their choices and supervised to be given feedback and to help them grow. At home they may be given the choice of two approved movies the family will watch together or tasked with selecting music for a road trip that everyone will enjoy.
Nathan Van der Klugt - Rhee Tae Kwon Do Bundaberg
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By encouraging kindness towards others, conversation, confidence and validating good behaviour.
Carly Clark- Splitters Farm
