Never Too Early to Search for Leadership Opportunities
The image in this post is an image from Midjourney. We have a Midjourney license agreement to use images and design tools from the Midjourney site.
"How can I start developing my leadership skills at my age?" I have heard this question often from teenagers involved in my leadership academy workshops. The students asking this type of question are already one step ahead of their peers who are not searching for leadership skills.
Intentionally look for leadership opportunities. You can find those opportunities in school or the community. Join a sports team or club. As a school principal, I had students even start clubs. Those students were demonstrating leadership initiative.
Just joining an organization does not mean that you will immediately take on the leadership role. It may take time. Ask yourself, "What can I do to support my team?" At the same time, watch and learn from the people already in leadership roles.
Don't be a critic of the leaders. Instead, learn from their success and mistakes. Be available to help the leaders. Demonstrate that you are a good team member. Understand that anyone on the team can demonstrate leadership. It does not have to be the team captain.
Keep asking questions and learn from established adult leaders. Find adult mentors who happily share what it takes to be a leader. Specifically, look for leaders who demonstrate character and get results. Hopefully, when you find the sports team, club, or organization, the adult sponsor will be a highly effective leader. Even if they are not, you can still learn from them. I have learned much from ineffective leaders - don't do that!
The young people who have participated in my youth leadership academy understand that they need to put the time in and learn what highly effective leaders do to be successful. Learning never stops. It is never too early to start looking for leadership opportunities.
Martial Arts Perspective:
Delaware Hapkido Martial Arts Academy provides participants with opportunities to demonstrate leadership. In addition to martial arts training, we have monthly leadership academy workshops. We are proud of the youth in our programs who seek leadership opportunities.
Questions:
When you observe team leaders, what do they do differently?
What are your interests, and what team or organizational opportunities would allow you to experience leadership?
Before becoming a leader, how can you improve your ability to work as a teammate?
The image in this post is an image from Midjourney. We have a Midjourney license agreement to use images and design tools from the Midjourney site.
