Teen Leadership: Stepping Up, Stepping Out and Setting the Example

1. Teen Leadership:Stepping Up, Stepping Out and Setting the Example

2. OBJECTIVES Following completion of this session you will be able to: • Define what leadership means • Identify the characteristics of positive leaders • Identify common mistakes of leaders • Identify methods to build our personal leadership skills • Discuss how we can be leaders in our communities

3. Defining Leadership Leadership can most easily be defined as: …showing the way to, or direct the course of, by going before or along with; conduct; guide; to show (the way) in this manner; to influence others Can you have a positive and negative influence?

4. Five Levels of Leadership Did you know there are five levels of leadership. They go from most basic to more ideal and include: Respect People Development Ability Elected Assigned

5. Assigned Leadership This first level of leadership is the most basic. Assigned leadership means you are ‘put’ into a leadership role by someone else. Assigned leadership includes: • Doing a job consistently, withexcellence • Doing more than expected • Taking charge and knowingwhat to do in situations Assigned

6. Elected Leadership This level of leadership involves being ‘voted’ into a position. Elected leaders must be sure they are able to: • Complete the tasks they were elected to do • Work well with many people/groups • Work for consensus Elected

7. Ability Leadership This level of leadership is placed on an individual due to specific skills or experience he/she may have. Ability leadership requires an individual to: • Draw upon skills and experiences to be successful • Prioritize tasks and events • Be accountable for results Ability

8. People Development Leadership Leaders in this category assume their role because they are skilled at building up others. People development leadership requires leaders to: • Help and encourage others • Believe in the fact people are an important element in a group ororganization • Assist others to make their livesbetter People Development

9. Respectful Leadership This is the highest level of leadership, as it is assumed through the respect of others/peers. Respectful leadership is assumed through: • Leading by respect • Leading with respect • Others believing in your abilityand what you are doing • People come before everythingelse Respect

10. Characteristics of Positive Leaders We have all seen leaders of various levels and skills. What makes someone a positive leader? What are characteristics positive leaders possess? • They inspire others • They recognize individuals/groups for their achievements • They are sensitive to feelings and situations • They possess a great deal of competence • They are honest and trustworthy • They empower and help build up others • They are enthusiastic and positive about what they are doing

11. Leadership Lessons Learned: What to Avoid Just as leaders can possess positive characteristics, they can also possess negative characteristics. The following are common mistakes leaders make: • Lacking a clear vision for others to follow • Lacking confidence in themselves and others • Lacking honesty and integrity • Lacking excitement and motivation to do a job well • Focusing on weaknesses rather than strengths • Focusing more on the product rather than the people

12. Consider the Following… “Nothing great was every achieved without enthusiasm.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson “The moment you stop learning, you stop leading.” ~Rick Warren “No noble thing can be done without risks.” ~Montaigne

13. Building Our Leadership Skills To become better leaders, we must work to strengthen our own skills. The following tips can help us improve in our leadership abilities: • Always approach tasks with commitment and enthusiasm, regardless of what the task may be • Build and maintain positive and open lines of communication with others • Set clear goals, both for yourself and others • Acknowledge everyone’s strengths…often! • Always be honest and trustworthy, even in the most challenging of times

14. Moon Explorer Activity As a team, you are going to work at resolving the issue at-hand. Throughout this activity, you will need to remember the following: • Read the entire story • Individually rank your items • Compare your rankings with your team • As a team, reach an agreement for the whole group – no voting allowed • Record the team’s final rankings and how you resolved any differences

15. Problem Solved • How did your rankings compare to your teammates? • How did your team reach an agreement? • What was the most challenging part? • What strengths did your team possess? • Did someone assume the leadership role? • How could the performance of your team be improved?

16. Becoming Leaders in Our Community Becoming a leader in your community can be a great thing. Through involvement, you will learn new skills and meet new people…all great things when looking forward to work or school/college. The following tips can be helpful in becoming a leader in your community: • Work hard at school, maintain positive standing • Volunteer at school, home, hospitals, church, etc. • Perform random acts of kindness for others • Respect yourself and others…in all situations • Stay out of trouble and make wise decisions • Don’t wait to be asked, get involved

17. OBJECTIVES Following completion of this session you will be able to: • Define what leadership means • Identify the characteristics of positive leaders • Identify common mistakes of leaders • Identify methods to build our personal leadership skills • Discuss how we can be leaders in our communities

18. QUESTIONS What questions are there at this time?