Who are potential leaders? You know that: ___Leadership skills are learned. ___Nearly everyone is capable of being a leader at some time and place in her life. ___People with “natural leadership skills” – good communicators, initiators, risk takers, etc. – particularly need to be ready to be thrust into leadership. Why look for potential leaders? ___You know that the right people are much more likely to emerge as leaders when they’ve had some experiences that make them feel capable. Leadership development across the life span ___You’re aware of leadership development opportunities for children: Sports and games School, camp, and other institutional situations Community projects Letting children solve many of their own problems without adult intervention Modeling good leadership by treating children with respect while providing a structure in which they can operate safely ___You’re aware of leadership development opportunities for adolescents: Athletics Music and theater Youth groups and clubs Involvement in community and political issues Challenging outdoor activity ___You’re aware of leadership development opportunities for college students and other young adults: Entrepreneurship Politics Service learning Employment Government-sponsored service programs Non-profit and non-governmental organizations ___You’re aware of leadership development opportunities for parents and other adults: Community activism Organizations and associations Parenting Parenting-related experiences Volunteering Local politics ___You’re aware of leadership development opportunities for “elder statespersons”: Employment Organizations and associations Volunteering and community service Local politics ___You’re aware of leadership development opportunities for retired persons and seniors: Community service Advocacy Local politics Volunteering Some general guideline for encouraging leadership development across the life span ___You ask people to take leadership positions ___You provide real-world opportunities ___You challenge people with reachable goals ___You provide training ___You build on success ___You provide peer support ___You provide an institutional structure for leadership development opportunities ___You provide models of effective leadership
