Everybody, at least once in their life, finds themselves in the position of leadership.
However, not all successfully understand how to manage that role.
Leadership is a necessary skill that can be cultivated in children to prepare them for when they are faced with challenges that require them to take direction and step up.
Developing these skills early provides children with a foundation that can benefit them academically, socially, and eventually, professionally.
School is a perfect environment for nurturing leadership skills, where students can gain courage to express ideas, make decisions and take responsibility.
Through active participation and engagement, they can develop their leadership skills within a comfortable setting.
Leadership opportunities within school can be such as student council, student mentoring, eco - committee and sport captains.
Roles such as these cultivate management and the ability to work collaboratively with others.
Handing over the reins to students provides them with the occasion to take initiative and guide a person or group and elevate them to reach a common goal.
Effective communication is crucial to leadership; learning to convey thoughts clearly and listen to others helps build relationships and avoid misunderstandings.
Moreover, leadership experience teaches children to empathise and work collaboratively rather than solely independently, making them more adaptable in various situations.
“It (leadership roles) gives you confidence in social circles so that students can engage with other people.
It can prepare you for the future” says a teacher at Dame Alice Owens School.
Knowing how to take on a leadership role instills confidence and self-reliance in the students that will benefit them greatly.
It provides them with the ability to take initiative and become a positive influence.
By teaching students leadership, they learn to assess situations, make choices, and drive outcomes.
This fosters independence and self-motivation, qualities that help students set and achieve goals in various areas of their lives, from academics to extra curriculars.
Teaching leadership skills to children is about more than preparing them for future jobs. It builds critical life skills - confidence, empathy, responsibility, teamwork, and resilience — that will serve them in all areas of life.
