In every classroom, there is a natural-born ‘leader’. The type to always raise their hand first, hold the role of head boy or girl, or lead discussions in group assignments.
The problem is, this type of behaviour doesn’t always equal true leadership.
Holding a particular role or having a responsibility that affects others is not the definition of leading. In fact, there are plenty of so-called leaders who fail to behave in the ways a true leader should, from CEOs and executives at enterprise organisations to politicians.
Now more than ever, our communities need strong leaders and this starts with growing such skills in the young people in our schools.
Teaching student leadership in schools historically has had a curriculum or school-focused outcome that may not meaningfully develop or engage a student to have buy-in.
Critical social and emotional capabilities must be built in young people, if we are to truly grow leadership in the context that we need it. The CASEL model is a critical framework for this.
The motivation to lead needs to come from the student first and foremost and to achieve this, they need to understand why it’s in their interest to take real ownership; what is in it for them?
What is good leadership?
Good leadership is just as much about consistently and regularly living and behaving in alignment with your values, demonstrating respectful and appropriate behaviour and being comfortable to call out inappropriate behaviour when you see it.
For schools, working to this view of leadership can prevent ‘pack mentality’, which often stops students doing the right thing when they see behaviour that isn’t okay. Young people need to feel confident enough that they can still ‘fit in’ but voice their opinions and individual values when required.
In short, leadership is less about a role, a career achievement, or the need to be able to stand up in front of people and more about leadership of self; being comfortable with who they are and the type of person they want to become as an adult.
We love the quote, “To lead others, first you need to be a good leader of yourself”. The question is, how do we teach this type of student leadership in schools?
