It is one trait that made most of the greatest kings, generals, CEOs and country heads stand out among the rest. Napolean, Winston Churchill, Mahatma Gandhi or Narendra Modi – the first distinctive thing you note about them is their leadership skills. It is this skill that makes millions of people believe in them and follow them.Is our education system apt for creating leaders? I don’t think so. A school is often a place where you listen to someone speak and you listen quietly, so how are leadership skills honed here? Time and again, it has been shown that if you allow kids to express themselves openly, it helps them add skills that are important to understand leadership.In this context, the time they spend at extra-curricular activities and how they are treated at home become very important. Extra-curricular activities such as dramatics, impromptu elocution and extempore are things one must encourage kids to be a part of. Standing on a stage, delivering lines with confidence – nothing boosts their leadership lessons better at an early age.
1.
Also, their social interactions with people in their environment must be encouraged. Kids should be encouraged to cultivate good friendships or go to the grocery shop and buy things. If they make a mistake, encourage them to try the activity again. Encouragement is important, especially for kids in their pre-teens. Let them start a juice or lemonade stall in the summer vacation if they wish to. It is a great way to learn several skills in one go and ultimately benefits them in gaining leadership exposure.
2.
Recently, I was visiting a friend’s office where the landlord’s kids were sitting in the porch of the house and selling juice for Rs 10 by themselves with no help from any adult. It was brilliant. The kids were learning so much. I was impressed and I am sure you will be too.
3.
With LearnHat, that is one thing I want us to achieve. We want kids out there to be able to hone their leadership skills at an early age. And that is why I believe that our model of LIVE, interactive learning is of huge significance. Learners across age groups, geographies, economic categories can collaborate, stay connected and learn in a manner that simulates physical learning. The fact that a child sitting in Assam can attend a LIVE class with a teacher from Delhi, raise their hand at any point to ask questions, participate in impromptu speaking classes, I believe that is something invaluable for a learner.
4.
I strongly believe that kids should not be underestimated. Help them in every way possible to acquire leadership skills at home and in your existing environment. It is one of the most important skills that today’s education system does not teach our kids. So it is your responsibility to do so and if you're not, this is a great time to start! This article has been adapted from the author's previous article here. https://www.dnaindia.com/academy/comment-why-it-s-important-to-encourage-our-kids-build-leadership-skills-2090982