Teen Leadership:Stepping Up, Stepping Out and

Setting the Example

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

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?

Five Levels of Leadership

Did you know there are five levels of leadership. They go from most basic to more ideal and include:

Assigned

Elected

Ability

People Development

Respect

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, with

excellence•Doing more than expected•Taking charge and knowing

what to do in situations Assigned

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

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

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

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 ability

and what you are doing• People come before everything

else

Respect

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

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

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

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

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:

1. Read the entire story2. Individually rank your items3. Compare your rankings with your team4. As a team, reach an agreement for the

whole group – no voting allowed5. Record the team’s final rankings and how

you resolved any differences

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?

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

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

QUESTIONS

What questions are there at this time?