Keys to Developing Leadership Qualities in Students
A noteworthy number of schools have a mission that relates to developing leaders in their institutions. Unfortunately, in spite of their best interest for the students, the idea that learning institutions are in the business of growing leaders has in many cases become a cliché. The learners may be taught about leadership qualities but developing them takes more than just a class discussion. The qualities are developed from traits attributed to leaders that make positive change in society. There is therefore a growing need of better leaders in the changing generation and such could only be developed and matured in schools. Educators therefore have the mandate to guide their students in the right direction if they desire to develop great leaders that would have a positive impact in society. This paper from http://customessayorder.com presents a number of ways that students can put into practice that could bring out the leadership qualities in them.
Four traits commonly observed among leaders that students should take into consideration.
Leaders are good communicators
A leader should be able to listen actively, comprehend and speak clearly to their subordinates. The popular concept among leaders with regard to communication has been to give orders within a short notice. However, this way of communication is not effective because in most cases, it becomes offensive to those receiving instructions. Leaders should therefore be able to keenly listen, discern what is important and what is not and be able to communicate the way forward regarding the issue at hand. A great leader should always act based on an informed decision.
Leaders evaluate different perspectives
An effective leader is able to consider all sides of a subject, compare the available opinions, judge from each personal priority and make a decision based on all the data. The challenge however would be to be caught up in analyzing the various alternatives, which delays decision-making. In this case, a leader should be able to act on the facts and act with an informed conviction at the appropriate time.
Leaders foresee future needs
Although leaders should be able to take quick action in fast changing circumstances, they should be mindful of overwhelming occurrences that take place over time. A good leader can see developing trends, prepare for eventualities and act appropriately. A great leader should not always make an immediate decision before establishing the groundwork for action. They should always prepare adequately for a response in order to make the right step in situations that turn against or in favor of their organization.
Leaders think strategically
This quality entails skillful listening, identifying all the sides of a challenge, acting speedily and thinking strategically on an appropriate action. This trait is not only a domain of a leader, but also a character that should be fostered in students in order to become productive and useful member of the society.
A practical example of strategic thinking is the way in which chess players analyze the available moves on a chessboard and consider the consequences for each mover before they make the actual move. This is because any move could potentially increase their chance to win or increase their chance to lose to the opponent. This illustration personifies the requirement for a leader to evaluate the entire situation and see the possible consequences for their action plan.
