Inspiring Leaders for the Future

When I talk with teenagers about leadership, the first thing I usually hear is something about how they would never want to be a leader.

Many of them say things like “It is a thankless job. There is too much criticism. Most leaders are liars.” And so on. It appears those sentiments are pervasive among the next generation of leaders.

But what will happen to their world if no one steps up?

I’ve been researching leadership lately, and decided it’s essential to help our future leaders develop skills from the inside out. The best leaders are those who are authentic to themselves and their beliefs. Strong leaders are empathic and compassionate but are not afraid to stand up against popular sentiments when needed. The best leaders are great listeners and effective communicators, often using a few but powerful words. They inspire with their wisdom and actions.

Leadership opportunities are available all around in everyday situations. Here are ways to help your child or teenager develop some of their natural leadership skills:

• Foster Authenticity Help them celebrate the core features of who they are, including their culture, values, personal strengths and weaknesses, and hobbies and interests. The more a person embraces their unique identity, the less they try to copy others. Effective leaders usually have a strong sense of self.

  
  

• Model Effective Communication Here are some components of communication that can be honed throughout the day. The more parents use them, the more natural it is for they to engage in conversations on the topic. Teach your children to tailor their language and topics to the audience. Highlight the importance of body language. Have frank discussions about managing screentime and how it’s vital to put phones down when having face-to-face conversations. Other important communication skills to practice are how to disagree respectfully, using the proper tone, and being assertive.

  
  

• Create a Sense of Awareness Over and over, I hear that some teens seem “clueless.” Make sure your child understands how to plug into the present. Teach them to be keenly aware of the situation at hand, the others involved, the decisions or choices that need to be made, and any potential roadblocks.

  
  

• Prepare them to Be Prepared

  It’s important to understand how to set goals, manage time, and organize responsibilities. Leaders connect present actions to future outcomes.

  
  

• Discuss Self-Discipline This one is especially hard for teenagers. Heck, it’s hard for most of us. But if we break it down into individual habits, it’s easier to develop. Some common categories that lend themselves to habit formation include sleep schedules, diet, exercise, practicing or training for a new hobby, or specific times for studying. See if your teen would be open to picking one activity to improve by developing new habits. Keep in mind that habits take about 4-6 weeks to form with everyday practice.

  
  

• Teach and Model Respect In the therapy world, we call this “Unconditional Human Regard.”  Make room for, and embrace, individual differences. Highlight the importance of word choices, body language, and manners.

  
  

• Practice Decision-Making  Provide opportunities to think through options. Help your child consider the ethics of the situation and the possibility of multiple perspectives. Discuss strategies for being assertive, rather than aggressive or passive-aggressive, when sharing decisions.

  
  

• Engage with Empathy Good leaders connect with those they lead on a personal level. Discuss why this is important. Have your child describe a time when they felt unheard. Consider including a discussion on the distinction between empathy and sympathy. Make room to focus on feelings in everyday situations, and teach ways to put themselves in the other person’s shoes. Highlight word choices that convey empathy, such as “It sounds like you're going through a really tough time" or "That sounds incredibly frustrating.”
  

Leadership opportunities are all around, and most are waiting for someone to step up. Developing skills throughout everyday situations is key. So why not help your child prepare for the future as a leader? The world needs them.

This fall, Dr. Harrison is launching The Leadership Institute for 8^th Grade Boys. Contact us to learn more!