1. Teen Leadership: Stepping Up, Stepping Out and Setting the Example

2. 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

3. 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?

4. Five Levels of Leadership
Did you know there are five levels of leadership. They go from most basic to more ideal and include:
Respect
People Development
Ability
Elected
Assigned

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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 or organization
Assist others to make their lives better
People Development

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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:
Read the entire story
Individually rank your items
Compare your rankings with your team
As a team, reach an agreement for the whole group – no voting allowed
Record the team’s final rankings and how you resolved any differences

15. 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?

16. 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

17. 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

18. What questions are there at this time?