Leadership Skills for Teens

Learning and practicing leadership skills in the teenage years provides a foundation for the future. Confidence develops with the acquisition of these skills and gives teenagers a better understanding of adulthood responsibilities. Teens learning to take charge of situations, and to do so fairly and with certainty, can be successful as adults. Learning and Practicing Before a teen can lead, he must understand how he reacts to different situations. Involve him in a variety of situations that require group effort. Sports, band, orchestra, student council or Scouts provide a comfortable environment where young people take different leadership roles. These activities teach how to give moral support to a losing team, schedule a practice or plan a school dance or camping trip -- all of which require making decisions and dealing with other participants' reactions. Group activities supply an invaluable learning experience. Communicating Teenagers should practice communication skills. Knowing when to speak and when to stay silent is pivotal to successful leadership. Another part of communication requires knowing what to not only say, but also the correct way to say it, for optimal results. Leaders make decisions and delegate responsibilities in a firm, polite, manner. When conflicts arise, effective leaders listen carefully to both parties and make the final decision in a fair and impartial manner. Working with People A mature teen learns that getting along with other people does not mean liking them, but that she must work with them to accomplish a task. She cannot lead if nobody follows. Listening to others' concerns and addressing them as soon as possible inspires loyalty. This, and kindness and courteousness displayed toward others, facilitates getting team members' respect -- a crucial component of successful leadership. Additional Skills Other learned characteristics include giving clear directions, presenting ideas and plans, setting and meeting deadlines and problem identification and solving. The ability to work alongside others in a group setting while taking charge constitutes the mark of a leader, as do honesty and having the ability to admit mistakes.