We know what makes a leader, but do our kids?
Great leaders don’t need an outgoing personality or a talent for public speaking. Great leadership goes beyond the surface. We know that… but do our kids?
Studio 5 Contributor Shima Baughman says that if you want to instill leadership skills in your children, you need to start by redefining the term… because they may have it wrong.
5 Ways to Teach Kids What Makes a Leader
They Can BECOME a Leader
Shima emphasizes the importance of teaching children that change is not only possible but also necessary for personal growth. Kids may feel stuck within the confines of their labels or interests. As parents, it’s crucial to remind them that they can be anything they want, emphasizing that everyone has the potential to be a leader.
Shima said, “I think it’s a parent’s responsibility to teach their kids that they can change. they can be whoever you want to be. And we are all leaders, right? That’s something everyone can be.”
Celebrating Leadership Efforts
Parents should actively praise their children’s leadership efforts. Shima suggests vocalizing it when you notice your child display qualities of leadership, even if they may not recognize it themselves. By doing so, kids start understanding that leadership can show up in more ways than one.
“When we point out to them, ‘That was a really good leadership trait that you showed,’ they start to see it in themselves,” Shima explains.
Boldness as a Catalyst for Leadership
Boldness plays a pivotal role in leadership, and parents should encourage it at home.
Queen Latifah serves as a prime example of someone who lives authentically and uses her boldness for good. Shima highlights Latifah’s trailblazing career, challenging conventional standards of beauty and behavior.
By quoting Queen Latifah – “Be bold. Be brave enough to be your true self,” Shima emphasizes the importance of embracing one’s uniqueness.
Quiet Leadership: A Powerful Force
Not all leaders are extroverted or vocal. Shima advocates for recognizing the power of quiet leadership. In a world that often celebrates the outspoken, quiet leaders bring profound insights and thoughtful perspectives. Acknowledging and fostering these qualities in children can help them appreciate diverse leadership styles.
Studio 5 Host, Brooke Walker agrees. She says, “I’ve learned to find the thinker in the room and wait and see when they speak because it’s usually 10 times more profound.”
Empowering the Next Generation
Fostering leadership in children requires a holistic approach. By redefining leadership, celebrating efforts, encouraging boldness, and appreciating diverse leadership styles, parents can empower their children to become confident, authentic leaders. It’s a journey of self-discovery and growth, paving the way for a new generation of leaders who embrace change and embody authenticity.
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