Leadership – being a change-maker – is the ability to inspire others towards a common goal or vision.

Effective leaders possess a variety of skills, such as strong communication, problem-solving, decision-making and emotional intelligence. They are also able to adapt their leadership style to different situations and personalities, and create a positive work environment that fosters collaboration and creativity.

Leadership can be found in many different contexts, including business, politics, sports, education and social movements. While some people may possess innate leadership qualities, leadership can also be learned and developed through training and experience.

Striving to be a good leader takes patience and time. Start with these activities to help develop your leadership skills.

The History

Leadership is often shaped and propelled by cultural, social and political movements. From ancient civilizations to modern times, leaders have emerged in different capacities, with their styles being influenced by the challenges and opportunities of their era. Studying historical leaders and their achievements provides valuable insights into the enduring principles of leadership.

To Do: Explore the historical evolution of leadership. What do leaders across the centuries have in common? How has leadership evolved? What traits of historical leaders can be found in contemporary leaders?

Leadership Styles and Models

Leadership is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Different situations and contexts often require different leadership styles and approaches. Some leaders may adopt an authoritative style, making decisions with little input, while others may embrace a participative or transformational approach, engaging their team in decision-making and inspiring change. Understanding these styles equips aspiring leaders with a versatile toolkit for adapting to different scenarios.

To Do: Compare a leader that has an authoritative style versus one that includes more participation and teamwork. What style do you prefer? Why? Is one more effective than another?

Importance of Leadership Skills

Leadership is a valuable skill that extends beyond the classroom and into various aspects of life. In high school, students have opportunities to develop leadership skills through extracurricular activities, student government and team projects. These experiences help students build confidence, learn to collaborate and take on leadership roles, setting the stage for future success in continuing education and career.

Beyond high school, leadership remains a vital asset in higher education, the workplace and community involvement. University and employers often seek candidates who demonstrate leadership potential, as it signifies the ability to take initiative, inspire others and drive positive change. Leadership skills can also enhance personal development, empower individuals to become active citizens and contribute to creating a better society.

Part One: Be Self Aware

Self-awareness is the foundation of personal growth and leadership. It involves the ability to recognize and understand one’s thoughts, feelings, behaviours and motivations. Being self-aware enables individuals to gain insight into their strengths, weaknesses, values and beliefs. It serves as a mirror that reflects who we are, helping us make informed decisions, manage emotions and interact effectively with others.

An effective activity that can help you become more self-aware is journaling. Journaling involves regularly writing down your thoughts, feelings, experiences and reflections in a private notebook or digital journal. Here’s how journaling can promote self-awareness:

  1. Journaling encourages you to reflect on your day-to-day experiences and emotions. You can write about your reactions to different situations, interactions with others and your internal thought processes.
  2. Writing about your emotions can help you identify and understand them better. You can explore why you felt a certain way in a particular situation, which can lead to better understanding your emotional triggers and patterns.
  3. Over time, journaling allows you to recognize recurring patterns in your behaviour, thoughts and emotions. You may notice habits, reactions or tendencies that you want to change or improve.
  4. You can use your journal to set personal goals and align them with your values. Writing about your aspirations and what matters most to you can clarify your priorities and motivations.
  5. When faced with challenges or dilemmas, journaling can serve as a problem-solving tool. Writing about the issue, exploring possible solutions and considering the pros and cons can lead to more informed decisions.
  6. A gratitude journal is a specific type of journaling that focuses on acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of your life. This practice can boost your overall sense of well-being and positivity.
  7. If you have specific goals or habits you’re working on, such as personal development or health-related changes, journaling allows you to track your progress over time.

To Do: Start (or Continue) a JOURNAL!

 Pro Tips

  • Decide whether you want to use a physical notebook or a digital journaling app. Choose one that feels comfortable and accessible to you.
  • Establish a routine for journaling, whether it’s in the morning, evening or during specific life events, like before or after meetings or important experiences.
  • Don’t worry about grammar or structure. Write whatever comes to mind without self-censorship. The goal is to capture your authentic thoughts and feelings.
  • Try to journal regularly, even if it’s just a few minutes a day. Consistency helps you build self-awareness over time.
  • Periodically review your journal entries to identify patterns, progress and areas for improvement.
  • Be open to discovering new things about yourself. Journaling is a process of self-discovery, so embrace it as an opportunity to grow and learn.

Part Two: Identify Your Strengths and Weaknesses

To grow as a leader, it’s essential to identify both your strengths and weaknesses. Strengths are the skills, qualities and talents that you excel in, while weaknesses are areas where you may need improvement. Recognizing these aspects of yourself allows you to leverage your strengths and work on addressing your weaknesses. Effective leaders understand how to optimize their strengths and seek opportunities for growth.

A good way of identifying your strengths and weaknesses is a SWOT analysis. SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. It’s a structured framework commonly used in business and personal development to assess various aspects of an individual or organization.

To Do: SWOT Analysis

  1. Create a grid with four quadrants, one for each category: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.
  2. Brainstorm points for each category. Be honest and thorough in your self-assessment. You can ask for input from friends, family or mentors to gain different perspectives.
  3. Analyze the information you’ve gathered. Look for patterns and connections between each category.
  4. Develop an action plan based on your SWOT analysis:
    • Capitalize on your strengths to achieve your goals.
    • Work on improving or mitigating your weaknesses.
    • Seize opportunities to further your personal growth.
    • Develop strategies to address or navigate potential threats.
  5. Review and update your SWOT analysis periodically to track your progress and adapt your strategies as needed.

1. Strengths (Internal, Positive Factors):

  • Reflect on your skills, abilities and talents. What are you naturally good at?
  • Consider your personal qualities and characteristics that have contributed to your success.
  • Think about past accomplishments and achievements.

2. Weaknesses (Internal, Negative Factors):

  • Identify areas where you feel you may be lacking or where you’ve received feedback for improvement.
  • Reflect on any habits or behaviors that might be hindering your progress.
  • Consider aspects of your personality or skills that you struggle with.

3. Opportunities (External, Positive Factors):

  • Look at the external environment and identify opportunities that you could potentially leverage.
  • Consider trends, resources, or circumstances that could be advantageous for your personal growth.
  • Think about new experiences or challenges that you can take advantage of.

4. Threats (External, Negative Factors):

  • Identify external factors that might pose challenges or threats to your personal development.
  • Consider obstacles, competition or changes in your environment that could be detrimental.
  • Reflect on any potential risks that you need to manage.

Part Three: Set Goals and Learn Time Management

Setting clear and achievable goals is a fundamental aspect of personal growth and leadership. Goals provide direction, motivation and a sense of purpose. Ever heard of the process of setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals and strategies for effective time management? Leaders who can prioritize tasks, manage their time efficiently and stay focused on their objectives are more likely to succeed.

SMART Goals

S – Specific: Your goal should be specific and clearly defined. Avoid vague or broad goals.

  • What exactly do I want to accomplish?
  • Why is this goal important?
  • Who is involved?
  • Where will it take place?
  • Are there any constraints or limitations?

M – Measurable: A goal should be quantifiable so that you can track your progress and know when you’ve achieved it.

  • How will you measure your progress?
  • What are the criteria for success or completion?
  • How much, how many, or to what extent?

A – Achievable: While goals should challenge you, they should also be achievable and realistic. Assess whether your goal is attainable based on your current resources, skills and time.

  • Do I have the necessary skills, resources and support to achieve this goal?
  • Is the goal reasonable given my current commitments and constraints?
  • Can I realistically achieve this goal within the specified timeframe?

R – Relevant: Your goal should be relevant and aligned with your broader objectives and values. Ensure that pursuing this goal makes sense in the context of your life or work.

  • Does this goal align with my long-term objectives and values?
  • Is it the right time to pursue this goal?
  • Will achieving this goal have a meaningful impact?

T – Time-bound: Set a specific timeframe for when you plan to achieve your goal. This adds a sense of urgency and accountability.

  • What is the deadline for achieving this goal?
  • Is there a particular date or timeframe by which I want to see results?

To Do: Create SMART Goals

  1. Identify Your Goals:
    • Begin by listing the specific goals you want to achieve. These could be academic, personal, health, career-related or any other area of your life.
  2. Prioritize Your Goals:
    • Once you have your list of goals, prioritize them based on their importance and urgency. Determine which goals are short-term and which are long-term.
  3. Break Down Your Goals:
    • Take each of your short-term goals and break them down into smaller, manageable tasks or steps.
  4. Allocate Time Blocks:
    • Create a weekly schedule. Allocate specific time blocks for each of your tasks or steps. Be realistic about the time needed for each task.
  5. Time Blocking:
    • Follow your schedule and commit to working on the allocated tasks during the designated time blocks. Set a timer for each block and stay focused on the task at hand without distractions.
    • Track Progress:
      • As you complete tasks and time blocks, mark them as done in your planner. This helps you track your progress and stay motivated.
    • Reflect and Adjust:
      • At the end of each week or month, take some time to reflect on your progress. Are you making headway toward your goals? Are there any adjustments you need to make to your schedule or priorities?
    • Celebrate Achievements:
      • Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Recognizing your progress can boost your motivation and confidence.
    • Reassess and Set New Goals:
      • As you achieve your goals, reassess your priorities and set new ones. This cycle of goal setting and time management will help you continue to grow and succeed.

Part Four: Build Confidence and Resilience

Confidence and resilience are critical qualities that leaders must possess. Confidence helps individuals believe in their abilities and make assertive decisions. Resilience enables them to bounce back from setbacks and adversity. Building confidence involves recognizing and challenging self-doubt, practicing self-compassion and developing a growth mindset. Resilience is nurtured through the ability to adapt to change, learn from failures and maintain a positive outlook.

Hey – remember that journal you started back in Part One?!

To Do: Create a Journal Entry

Add a new journal entry with the following as a guide:

Building Confidence:

  1. Daily Affirmations: Begin the journal entry with a daily affirmation or positive statement about yourself (and do this for every future journal entry from now on). For example, “I am confident in my abilities,” or “I believe in myself.”
  2. Reflect on Achievements: Write about recent accomplishments or successes, no matter how small they may seem. Describe the skills that contributed to your success.
  3. Challenge Self-Doubt: When you encounter self-doubt or negative self-talk, jot it down in your journal. Then, challenge these thoughts by providing evidence that contradicts them. For instance, if you doubt your ability to lead a team, write down past instances where you successfully led or contributed to a group effort.
  4. Self-Compassion: Practice self-compassion by treating yourself with kindness and understanding. Write down any mistakes or setbacks you’ve experienced, and instead of being self-critical, offer yourself words of encouragement and self-compassion.

Building Resilience:

  1. Reflect on Adversity: Recall recent challenges, setbacks or difficult situations you’ve faced. Describe how you initially reacted and felt about these challenges.
  2. Learn From Failures: Analyze what you’ve learned from past failures or mistakes. How have these experiences contributed to your personal growth and development? What skills or insights have you gained?
  3. Adaptability: Reflect on your ability to adapt to change. Write about instances where you successfully adjusted to new circumstances or overcame unexpected challenges.
  4. Maintaining Positivity: Encourage yourself to maintain a positive outlook even in the face of adversity. Write about strategies you can employ to stay optimistic when confronted with difficulties.
  5. Resilience Building Exercises: Research and include resilience-building exercises or techniques in your journal, such as mindfulness, stress management or seeking support from others.
  6. Setting Future Resilience Goals: Set specific resilience-building goals for the future (oh, make them SMART goals). These could include developing a new skill, seeking mentorship or practicing mindfulness regularly.