Leadership Capabilities to Develop in Youth
Posted on 11. Feb, 2009 by Linda Lord in Choice development, Dramatic Presentations
After I wrote my article the other day, I got thinking more about leadership and what the expectations are going to be on our youth as they enter the workforce or start their own businesses.
My predisposition is always to start with self-understanding. Personal learning and self-development will continue to be critical in the growth of youth leaders. The more they are able to deal with the paradox of strengths and weaknesses co-residing in their body, the better able they will be to manage other demands of leadership. With self-understanding comes the opportunity to develop character: what a person does even when no one is looking. A strong individual who is in touch with his/her beliefs, core values, and personal standards has the foundation for becoming a strong leader.
In conjunction with character is courage. Leadership is not easy. Relate professional leadership back to National Parent Leadership Month. I believe it takes a great deal of courage to provide leadership at home. It’s tough to make the hard calls and to follow-through with consequences for poor behavioural choices. Leadership in business is no different. Everyone of us has to be ready to take a stand for what we believe in and against what we don’t. Leadership puts you out there; on the line and in the trenches.
Other ’soft’ or interpersonal skills that will be important include the ability to create rapport with staff and colleagues; how approachable they are and how able they are to create a safe environment for others to thrive. Another skill to develop is that of caring for others. Compassion and understanding will continue to be necessary for those in leadership; mixed with a healthy balance of accountability. I always believe the art of listening and asking questions will be valuable. The ability to really hear what another person is saying is a gift to any relationship.
I have been focusing on the soft side of leadership, but of course there are other capabilities to be considered. In a world of overscheduling, we have taught our youth to stay busy. But in reality, we should have been teaching the value of taking time to think more. I believe leaders who can think for themselves and are creative problem solvers will be in high demand. As well intentioned as we have been to provide for the next generation, perhaps one of the skills we have sacrificed is their ability to think and act independently; with discernment and wisdom. Time to reflect on a situation. Time to consider the possibilities and the implications of rash choices. Complex decision making and dealing with ambiguity will demand leadership with a specific skill set. Innovation and mental agility to meet the demands of everchanging markets will challenge leaders of tomorrow.
And since we are crafting these leaders to meet all the needs of industry, they will be required to understand business, provide direction for daily operations, and inspire those around them. Oh, and be able to balance all of this with a personal life.
It’s a tall order and I am confident that those youth leaders are being taught and nurtured at this very moment.
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