When you think about some of the greatest leaders of our time, you may assume that these phenomenal leadership skills came naturally to them. Some would even call them “born leaders.”
However, good leadership skills don’t necessarily have to be a birthright. In fact, numerous studies have indicated that we all have the potential to develop solid leadership skills, assuming that we’re in an environment that encourages and nurtures the development of these skills early on in childhood.
Many parents are choosing to go the private education route for their children to place them in an academic environment that fosters leadership development. Starting a private education at an early age, such as Pre-K and elementary school, can help to instill leadership qualities in your child early on in life.
Encourage Teamwork
The more often your child has an opportunity to work in a team situation, the better he or she will become with important leadership skills such as the ability to negotiate, compromise, and work well with others. Team sports is a powerful way to expose children to important leadership lessons that they may not be able to learn in the classroom.
Model Leadership Behavior
Simply put, children learn by seeing what others are doing. Teachers and faculty should tell students what they are doing and why they are doing it. This demonstrates to students that when you do things with purpose, you’ll have a specific outcome.
Offer Problem Solving Situations
The more children have the opportunity to make decisions, they will gain a better understanding of the responsibility of the decisions they make and the consequences that can come from them.
Build Self-Confidence
One of the most effective ways to build self-confidence in children is to present them with opportunities to do a good job and provide them with praise when appropriate.
Provide Exposure to Different Points of View
The best leaders are able to listen carefully and respond in a calm and respectful way. Exposing your child to diversity can help to teach different perspectives and help them see things from another person’s point of view.
Encourage Passion
When children are in a learning environment where they are able to pursue things that interest them, they have an opportunity to develop a passion for those interests and ultimately take on a leadership role in those areas.
Our mission at St. Barnabas Episcopal School is to challenge each student in a supportive environment that encourages academic excellence and leadership. Please contact us to learn more about why parents are choosing to give their children a private education at St. Barnabas.
