That was always a fun game as a child, —Follow the Leader. Do what I do, say what I say. But what exactly is a leader?
Before I was a church secretary, I was a youth director at our local YMCA. I taught Jr. high and high school kids about leadership and character development. The students learned about volunteerism and serving others. They met other teens with different backgrounds and lifestyles. They learned public speaking. It was a culmination of the Y’s character development of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility with faith in the mix.
I write a lot about character development and virtues in my blogs. It’s my passion. I’ve learned that leadership is having a culmination of lots of different character traits. Leadership is being the person that others want to emulate. It’s not about being bossy or lording over others. It’s about coming along side one another, listening and offering your expertise and ideas.
Qualities of Leadership
- Integrity.
- Ability to delegate, but also teach.
- Communication and listening skills.
- Self-control.
- Gratitude.
- Humility.
- Influence.
Leadership can be learned and developed. It’s a skill set. Leadership begins in the home. It starts with you and your family. As parents, you set the example for your children. You are the leaders. Your children are watching you, imitating you and your actions. (Be careful what you say and do. Oh, they are listening all right.)
Our country needs good leaders! Let’s raise the bar for the next generation. Let’s require another level of leadership. One with integrity, honesty, responsibility and caring.
I want a better future for my children and grandchildren. So I will step up and lead them into doing what is right and teaching them to be leaders of the future.
Let’s play Follow the Leader and show them how it’s done!
God bless—Barb
