8 Ways to Develop Your Leadership Skills

Young people all over the world are making great strides in solving old problems, raising awareness and funds for great causes and taking on roles of responsibility in their communities.  Let us applaud these important contributions that youth are making.  The National Society for the Gifted and Talented share that "Effective leadership abilities are dependent on attitudes, interpersonal abilities, knowledge, and goal-attainment skills."  Here are some ways to develop leadership skills and character:

1. Identify historical or current people that exemplify strong leadership skills and strength of character.  Discuss and think about what makes them good examples and examine yourself  and see if you share some of their characteristics.
2. Think about how obstacles and making mistakes can help fine-tune leadership abilities.
3. Understand the value of having short and long term goals.  Create goals and work on meeting them.
4. Work on inter-personal communication skills.  Practice these skills in one-on-one and group scenarios.

Developing these and other skills will help develop confidence in young people to be strong leaders.

For more details:  Eight Great Ways to Develop Youth Leaders

Image Credit:  Futures Stars Camps