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Nine Ways to Instill Leadership Qualities in Kids

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Kids who have well-developed leadership skills are more confident, responsible, and push themselves to their full potential. Leadership helps them develop better and more creative coping skills when it comes to problem-solving and project management. The art of compromise, empathy and good decision-making skills, things most parents strive to teach their children, are also important benefits of having well-developed leadership skills. For some children, leadership comes naturally, and for others, it must be developed and encouraged over time. Either way, parents can help develop their children’s leadership qualities so that when they are ready to attend college and enter the workforce, leading others and knowing when to follow someone else’s lead are already second nature.

Set an example

Parents can help their kids develop good leadership by showing them what a good leader looks like on a daily basis. When you lead others, including your own children, try to be optimistic and a good listener. Treat people fairly and do the right thing. Your kids will learn these skills simply by modeling your good example.

Set them up for success

Kids who are successful at the things they try are more confident and more willing to get out of their comfort zone and help others in the future. You can foster this by encouraging them to try activities where they have natural strengths and talent or assist them in projects just enough to help them succeed while still allowing them to bear the majority of the decisions and work the project involves.

Build communication skills

Listening and good communication are keys to making a leader successful and well-liked by peers. Encourage your children to put their communication skills into practice by developing listening skills, speaking in public and expressing their frustrations in a healthy way. Parents can do this by asking their children to order their own food at a restaurant, encouraging them to approach coaches or teachers themselves when there is a problem and teaching them to ask questions after listening to a friend who’s talking.

Be a team player

School projects, team sports, clubs or involvement in a band, orchestra or choir helps kids understand how to work toward a goal as a group. These experiences help your child understand how to be a good leader and when to listen to others—and why both are equally important.

Encourage lifelong skills

Integrity, empathy, work ethic, respect, negotiation and compromise are great skills for any leader, as well as any student, employee or friend. You can encourage these skills by setting a good example and talking through situations where these traits are either on display or lacking. Ask your kids how they would have handled this differently and why. Praise them when they have done a good job using these skills and encourage them when needed.

Show them the value of diversity

There is great value in diversity. Everyone has different backgrounds, experiences and gifts. Encourage your kids to learn about other cultures and experiences and help them see that differences are what make us a stronger team. They can learn to stand up to those who are singled out or viewed as different than others. This is what makes a great leader.

Ask for help

Kids who know when to problem solve and when to ask for guidance are better teammates and stronger leaders. It’s also important to offer help to others in the group who may be struggling. Lead by example and be encouraging and helpful when needed.

Develop good work habits

Kids who have responsibilities at a young age are better prepared to lead others. Encourage your child to get a part-time job at a young age or pick up jobs like yard work, babysitting or volunteer work, so they can build their leadership skills, develop their work ethic and get experience in a variety of areas.

Manage time

When your children have a large project to complete, encourage them to map out their plan for getting it done on time. Create steps and set goals to accomplish that will help meet the deadline. Good project management skills will serve them well in their roles as a leader and an employee in the future.

            As your children develop strong leadership skills, it’s important to understand that they will not always be the person in charge. Having good leadership skills doesn’t mean you are always the one who is leading. Being respectful and willing to listen to others and compromise while not officially being the person “in charge” of the group are still ways to lead others. Whether your child is a natural leader or a great teammate, these leadership skills will serve anyone well in the future.

Extracurricular Activities That Build Leadership Skills

Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer and stay-at-home mom living in Olathe with her husband and their six children.

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