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14 Ways to Build Leadership Skills in Children

Leaders come from a wide variety of backgrounds and have large personalities; as a parent, you have opportunities to be a role model to your children and instill leadership traits in them.  Here are 14 ways to develop leadership skills:

VOLUNTEER TOGETHER

  • Spend time serving humanity together; teach them about the difference they can make when they volunteer

TEACH COMMUNICATION & ETIQUETTE SKILLS

  • Teach kids introductions, public speaking, debate, presentation and etiquette; a leader has the ability to build relationships, inspire others, and communicate effectively

TEACH INTEGRITY AND RESPECT

  • Lead by example: Let your kids see you praise people and disagree with others respectfully and encourage them to do the same

ENCOURAGE THEM TO BLAZE THEIR OWN TRAIL

  • Your children are unique; encourage them to pursue their passions and strengths, when your child has an unconventional idea, brainstorm with them to help turn it into action

NURTURE AN ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT

  • Help your kids make posters for their lemonade stand or flyers for their lawn mowing business; formulate and practice a sales pitch

SET FINANCIAL GOALS WITH THEM  

  • Set financial goals with your children and help them form a plan to achieve those goals, teach them how to negotiate

SURROUND THEM WITH LEADERS

  • Explain the importance of choosing friends and role models wisely; if your child shows interest in a subject, find a mentor who is thriving in that area

LISTEN

  • Stress the importance of being an excellent leader and seeking to understand others

PROMOTE A ‘HOW CAN I’ RATHER THAN AN ‘I CAN’T’ MENTALITY

  • Boost your child’s self-esteem; encourage big dreams and rather than jumping in to save your struggling child that wants to give up, ask the question: “Do you think there’s another way you could do that?”

ENCOURAGE PERSEVERANCE

  • Teach your child how to move forward after a disappointing event: losing a championship game, a fight with a friend or failing a test

MODEL INTEGRITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

  • Show your child how to build up others through your examples of kind words and praise; keep your word, be there for others, and teach your kids to do the same

PROMOTE TEAMWORK

  • Encourage your child to participate in team activities so they learn how to cooperate with others, control their emotions, and do their share of work when others are relying on them

GIVE THEM CHOICES

  • Offer young kids the option of choosing between items such as two pieces of fruit or two sippy cups, giving choices helps them feel they’re in control of situations, building confidence

EMPHASIZE THE VALUE OF READING

  • Encourage your child to read as a way to open their minds to new possibilities

 Source: lifehack.org