Learning to Lead – Your Best Year Ever

Part of the transition from to adulthood is learning how to take initiative. Understanding effective communication tools, building relationships,adapting to change, and inspiring others are all necessary skills and abilities for leadership success as you make your way from junior high, to high-school senior, tocollege freshman, and eventually to business professional. If you regularly exhibit these traits, then you are on track to a successful future. If you’re unsure of yourleadership potential, then now is the perfect time to start building skills!

Want to develop your leadership skills at school? Here are some tips:

• Figure out specific areas of school that require leadership (debate club, sports teams, school newspaper, etc.)
• Gain experience before working towards becoming a project manager or team captain
• Learn how to set goals and follow through
• Facilitate active and open discussions among teammates or peers
• Maintain a positive attitude and remember to give encouragement often
• Plan ahead for next year and set your sights on a leadership skill building course like Envision’s JrNYLC summer program!

In what ways did you become a leader in your school or community? Will E., from our JrNYLC Alumni program in Boston, put his new-found leadershipabilities to work this summer. He writes:

“Since I’ve been home, I have been able to use the skills I learned to lead my Boy Scout troop of 50 people fairly easily, and I have also written and ledtwo leadership trainings. I recommend this program so highly because it makes you more aware of yourself and how to interact with others.”

Now it’s your turn. Share your leadership story and tell us what being a leader means to you!