Importance of Leadership Qualities in Students and How to Develop Them

Great managers are rare to come by. They’re either naturally good at leading or have to go through a formal educational path to get there. Both paths require a certain amount of nurturing and moulding. But if you “catch ‘em young” and train them early, you can make sure they get the right guidance and grow up to be great leaders.

Qualities of a Student Leader

Colleges aren’t hotspots for spotting management material – did you know you could identify them in your classroom too? Here’s how you can spot budding future leaders in your class and hone their talents to help them become great managers:

1. The student is confident in both verbal and non-verbal communication, be it the way they carry themselves about or the way they participate in discussions and present projects.

2. In classroom discussions and debates, they are clear about their ideas, which are backed by logic and are well-thought through.

3. They are not easily affected by setbacks and often look for ways to improve situations.

4. They are ambitious and focused on success.

5. When working with a team of peers, they’re the ones who take charge, delegate, and get stuff done.

6. These students accept their mistakes and work hard towards not repeating them. A manager accountable for their actions is a big plus point.

7. If the student can accomplish tasks within tight timelines, they are good time managers and that’s a difficult trait to learn.

8. They are not only proactive at learning but also at offering help to their peers.

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How You Can Help Develop These Qualities

Could you think of a couple of names while going through this list? Perhaps a student who delivered a great science project for the inter-school fair or did very well while arranging for the college festival? Congratulations, you’ve already spotted the budding managers in your classroom! Here’s how you can help them sharpen their leadership and managerial skills:

1. Discuss case studies about different topics in class, and include a lot of open-ended questions. This will help them apply the concepts being taught.

2. For homework, recommend viewing YouTube channels such as Ted Talks, TedEx, Tech Insider, etc. Students absorb video content better than the written word, as videos are more engaging and easier to understand. Ask them to present their learnings in class.

3. If time and other resources permit, arrange for student-friendly management talks by a mentor or alumnus with a formal education in management. An interactive session with a senior or a mentor, possibly with a Q&A round, will go a long way.

4. Organise mock events and projects that will help them understand how to plan and execute. Your little managers may have to start somewhere as executives and level up. This will help them chart that path.

5. Feedback and rewards are important. Constant, detailed, quick, and timely feedback is crucial for growth.

6. Conduct ‘problem-solving classes. Such mock exercises will simulate real-life circumstances. Finding ways to solve problems is a great skill to have, regardless of what position they hold or what career they choose.

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Importance of Leadership qualities in students

Here’s how your intervention will benefit them in the years to come:

1. You will have given them a glimpse into what awaits them in the future, thus building their confidence. Healthy confidence plays a huge part in career growth.

2. As managers, they will have to be good at critical thinking and decision making. The mock exercises you conduct in class will encourage them to think analytically and solve problems creatively.

3. While interacting with their peers in mock business sessions and events, your students’ negotiating skills will be sharpened. They will look at situations from different perspectives in order to negotiate and come to a resolution.

4. While interacting with their team, students will also develop strong communication skills. This will help them articulate ideas and interact with peers better in the future.

5. The activities and events you conduct will inculcate the values of acceptance and teamwork. Not everyone is going to get along magically with each other. These sessions will help them understand how to get along with different kinds of personalities and work as a part of a team.

6. If children are trusted with responsibilities and given enough space and information to work with, they can do wonders. One of the best outcomes of these mock sessions? They teach students about accountability and responsibility. These qualities are greatly appreciated in a manager, who will be responsible for their team’s output and efficiency.

You have the power to mould future leaders through your education, efforts and encouragement. These students will go on to lead corporate giants and will have you to thank for giving them an early opportunity to hone crucial skills required for them to succeed in life! After all, doesn’t every teacher want their students to soar towards success?

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