I believe “leadership” can be learned. Some argue leaders are “born” and that leaders are blessed with a arsenal of innate characteristics separating them from “followers”. As a learner and a teacher, I firmly disagree since this notion directly contradicts the “growth” mindset and the understanding that we all have the capacity and potential to mature as leaders.
My son, Elford learning to ride his zip scooter!
Just think back to being a child and learning to ride a bike or tie a shoe. My mother and father taught me to ride my bike at the age of five and I learned to tie my shoes just about the same time. Just imagine if my parents had a notion that good shoe tying and good balance and peddling was an innate characteristic that a child was “born” with and thus, these skills could not be taught or nurtured. My parents, like many other parents, had a determined idea to support my growth and development to reach a “milestone” of childhood.
Like childhood milestones, strong leadership characteristics can be introduced to children, as well. I recently began to work on the development purposeful leadership characteristics with both my children. Our first lesson in leadership has been “Observation”. I believe good leaders to be good observers, listeners, and readers of situations. Leaders must strive to be present and aware in all situations; a good leader is often in-tuned with the perspectives and feelings of others.
This last week, I challenged my children to become more aware of their surroundings when in public places. Understanding environment is perhaps the most essential component of leadership. For example, while in the food-store this past week, I challenged my son to scan and observe with the goals of estimating how many people were in the store, if people appeared to be happy or sad, and if the staff in the store appeared to be helpful. As an educational leader, I engage in these activities each day within my leadership capacity. For example,greeting students, staff, and parents helps me identify who might be having a tough morning, or who may need more support or guidance throughout the day. But without keen observational skills, it will be quite challenging to assess the pulse of the organization.
Next week, I look forward to sharing reflective activities that good leaders can learn & practice.