With the increasing number of opportunities and programs for teens that focus on developing leadership skills, it’s easy to see that leadership is one quality on the short-list for characteristics sought after by universities and companies.
Leadership Skills for High School Students
High school is the time in the lives of teenagers during which they develop the skills they’ll need to be successful adults. And leadership, which is a skill useful in nearly every potential career or arena, is one of the most important.
For many teens, leadership is a natural tendency.
But for others, however, leadership skills must be explicitly taught and worked toward. Many teenagers must build self-confidence, direction, and motivation to lead before they feel comfortable asserting themselves amongst their peers.
How to Develop Leadership Skills in Teenagers
A great way to develop leadership skills in teenagers, for both students who are natural leaders and those who are more reluctant, is to attend a summer camp or program that is specifically designed to add to their leadership toolbox.
These programs allow teenagers to learn about and recognize the qualities that great leaders possess, and practice those same skills (with guidance) in a group of their peers. The best programs have specific leadership-based curriculum and activities that are designed to give teens the opportunity to lead.
Summer Leadership Programs Help Build Confidence
Whether it’s through volunteer work or stepping out of their comfort zone, teenagers who participate in summer programs with a true leadership focus are sure to return home as more natural and confident leaders.
GLA helped develop my leadership abilities from the day I got there. Every night we would work on leadership skills and we would have leaders of the day that helped lead the group and control everyone. In addition to the trips being fun I was also taught to be a global citizen and give back to my community. GLA taught me to be responsible and how to take control of a situation. We discussed world issues and learned about how we could make a difference. Every GLA program makes sure that you not only have fun and help out in the country you go to, that you also come out grown and with greater leadership abilities.