Preparing Your Child for Future Leadership

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Introduction

What does it mean to prepare a child for a future in leadership? What does it take to raise a child who is confident enough to lead? Are there natural born leaders, or can leadership skills be taught? How do you encourage the development of leadership qualities in a child?

For many children, being a leader is about being a boss, being in charge, and being the first. Although these may be true in part, the real role of a leader is to influence people toward a particular goal. This is a skill that is not readily found even among adults, it is learnt over time. So how in the world do you teach a child to influence people?

The topic of leadership as it relates to children will be addressed over a series of articles. This will help us to explore as many facets of leadership as possible. We shall gain a working understanding of what it takes to raise a generation of much-needed leaders for the future.

Leadership Traits

Leadership traits are types of behaviour or demonstrated characteristics that are foundational to the process of developing a leader. These traits may come more easily to some children and what would be required is to help them hone the skills. As well, these skills can be taught to those desirous of leadership. The fact that these skills can be taught means that both adults and children can learn the skills necessary to lead.

Some of the traits necessary to leadership include teamwork, respect, volunteering, communication skills, problem solving, and perseverance, to name a few. Any parent or guardian can attest that children are not born with these traits. Infact, the early years of a child are marked by a tendency toward selfish pursuit, instant gratification, and high levels of impatience.

Developmental Timelines

The fact is that children pick up skills such as patience, generosity, and clear communication from observation, imitation, or gradual guided learning over time. Interestingly, before the age of 5 years, children do not generally demonstrate these abilities.

According to the American Psychological Association, children begin to think beyond themselves between the ages of 6 and ten years old. It is during this period that children begin to develop emotional and social intelligence. They begin to form friendships outside the family, as they have likely begun schooling.

Further, as they interact with a larger world, traits such as respect and perseverance can be taught. Shy children can be encouraged to ‘come out of their shell’, and confidence can be bolstered. As well, because children at this stage can express themselves more articulately and can settle down long enough to learn, it is possible to teach these skills. So, what should be taught and when?

These are the things we shall be take a look at further in our next blog, so stay tuned!