When you think about leaders, you normally don’t think about your 2nd graders. Just for a minute, let’s think about what leadership would look like if we didn’t have to go through this learning curve of leadership styles and seeing the bigger picture as an adult! Here are a few tips on how to help them realize their potential:
- Look for leadership qualities. Watch for kids who learn faster and easier than the rest, turn the heads of their peers, and who can be a little bossy (in this case, it’s a good thing).
- Develop opportunities for them to lead. Give them clear tasks, but always leave room for creative thinking. For example, tell them what to do, but leave the how up to them.
- Mentor and Disciple. Sometimes kids just need someone to tell them they can do it. Be their biggest cheerleader. These kids are also very much influencers. Make sure they are grounded firmly in faith and are equipped to share the gospel with everyone around them!
As in every other aspect of life, the process is not as important as the relationship. Not only will your kids be thankful that someone believed in them and encouraged them to be a leader, but they will also know they can come to you for wisdom and guidance in any situation. You are not only developing one person, you are developing all of the lives that person will touch. How’s that for changing the world?