by Monica Tunnell

Created on: February 16, 2009

Leadership skills can be attained in many ways, but there are three paramount experiences that contribute to the acquisition of these skills in a fundamental way. Children learn best by example. The old saying, "monkey see, monkey do" is one of critical importance. The most essential role models for children come from within the home. The foundation for leadership starts there and builds upon this base. Many core habits are learned in the home at an early age. It is how key situations are dealt with in front of children that creates this very important foundation. If a child is raised in an honest, forthright home-front that exposes mature and exemplary responses to events in life, the beginnings of a healthy leadership attribute is created.

This is all well and fine when a child is in the early years, but what happens when outside influences begin to creep in? This is where the parents need to assume an active roll. It is crucial to keep tabs on who those influences are. It is not wise to shelter those influences (assuming they are positive), but it is important to know what other influences are causing new opinions to be formed. Many parents shy away at this stage, for they are in disagreement with these new opinions or influences. But yet, it is these influences that will help to shape your future leader in a very profound way. As adults, children will draw upon all these early influences to formulate strong opinions of their own. Actively participating in this stage allows parents an open door of expression that will help to fend off timid responses. Expression of beliefs and ability to captivate is a key characteristic of a future leader. Creating a safety zone for this at home is a great reinforcement for those who are striving to make a difference. Leaders need to make a difference.

Extracurricular programs are a wonderful avenue for leadership development as well. It is thought by many that sports programs create this, and although in some ways this is true, these are not the extracurricular programs that focus on leadership. These focus on many skills and can be an important component to a well-rounded childhood, but the programs that focus on leadership are those that are geared toward leadership. Volunteer work, Outward Bound programs, team building, leadership retreats, Scout programs, and speech/debate related activities are amazingly effective in developing leadership skills. Mentor programs are filled with opportunities for fostering leadership as well. It is great to have a mentor, but most rewarding to be one. Everyone has a skill that they excel at. Mentoring gives a person a chance to shine at their skill, and to make a difference in another life. In addition, tutoring is a great way to build a relationship with others in a leadership capacity.

The youth of today have a say in the happenings of tomorrow. For this reason, it is our duty to assist them in becoming tomorrows leaders. We will need a new generation of leaders that can step into the shoes of those who are in those positions today. Our society is in need of well-rounded, ethical, honest, effective leaders. Laying the foundations for this leadership is what we can do to create a wave of effectiveness and greatness in our society.

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