Forefront Families

Is it true that some are born to lead while others are destined to follow? Can we
instill leadership skills into all of our children? These are interesting questions to
ponder. The first statement is true. Some people are born with the personality
traits and gifts that give them the aptitude to lead without trying. It would be a
sad and crazy world indeed if we had all leaders and no followers. In fact, you
can’t be a leader if nobody is following.

 

     There are those who like to manage or influence other people and those
who would rather follow instructions and just do the work. No matter which
category a person falls into, it is imperative that we learn the kind of leadership
skills that will protect us from blindly following a negative path. The kind of skills
I am referring to are such things as; knowing right from wrong, learning how
to make wise choices, accepting responsibility for our own actions, respecting
authority, forgiving others, motivating others, putting others’ needs before our
own and trusting them, to name a few.

 

     How and when should we teach our children these leadership qualities?
Firstly, we need to realize that leadership is a training process. It is not merely a
trait that you have or don’t have that needs some honing up during the teenage
years. From infancy children begin to learn right from wrong as parents explain
and train their children how to meet their expectations. God has placed in
everyone a sense of knowing right from wrong. Isn’t it amazing that we never
have to teach children to be bad, but we do have to teach them how to be good!
Consistency in training along with praise for getting it right and good modeling
develops this quality.

 

     Setting boundaries and issuing consequences guides a child to learn
obedience and to respect authority. By crossing the set boundaries, they are
making the choice to take the consequences. The parent is merely carrying out
the penalty the child knew would occur, thus teaching them to take responsibility
for their own actions.

 

     Making wise choices is learned through positive role modeling by
parents, open communication between child and parent and support when
negative choices are made - thus alleviating a similar result next time. Not
every decision needs pondered thought. It depends on how it will affect them or
others. Parents need to explain the kind of steps that will help produce a positive
outcome. How important is this choice to me? Is my decision going to affect
anyone else? Is this decision going to alter the course of my career or long term
goals?

 

     Too many times we make choices by not doing anything or by being
sucked into a negative activity without thinking. Making wise choices is all about
thinking of the consequences before we act. Effective leaders are not trapped
into holding grudges. By forgiving others, we become free to focus clearly on
what is ahead. By working as part of a team we learn to trust others. There is no
need to clamber for the glory.

 

     We need to instill leadership qualities into the followers as well as the
natural leaders from an early age so that our children make a positive imprint on
the world around them. The world needs leaders who can inspire others and lead
them on to greatness.

 

               If you have any comments on this subject, please contact
                           us at management@forefrontfamilies.org