Leadership
It is important to note that many our gifted students have leadership tendencies and exhibit leadership qualities from a young age.
Tips for Students on Leadership Qualitiesndrew J. DuBrin has identified many of these characteristics in his book Leadership: Research Findings, Practice, and Skills, Seventh Edition. Here’s a quick summary of the traits he recounts:
Reading
It is important to note that many our gifted students have leadership tendencies and exhibit leadership qualities from a young age.
Tips for Students on Leadership Qualitiesndrew J. DuBrin has identified many of these characteristics in his book Leadership: Research Findings, Practice, and Skills, Seventh Edition. Here’s a quick summary of the traits he recounts:
- Self confidence. Per DuBrin, “A leader who is self-assured without being bombastic or overbearing instills self-confidence in team members” (p. 37). Your self-confidence and calm demeanor can help others feel more certain that they, too, can overcome hurdles or reach a challenging goal.
- Humility. When you’re willing to share credit with others, and you’re willing to admit that you’re not perfect, others see that and appreciate it.
- Core self-evaluations. Research shows that four related self-perceptions relate to effective leadership: “self-esteem, locus of control [that is, taking responsibility for what happens in your life], self-efficacy [akin to self-confidence], and emotional stability” (p. 40).
- Trustworthiness. People trust you when your attitudes, words, and motives align with what you actually choose to do. This includes being honest about mistakes, refusing to gossip and shift blame, and doing things the ethical way (even if it’s more expedient to do otherwise).
- Authenticity. Be yourself, and act in line with your core values and personality. People will notice if you’re trying to be someone other than who you really are.
- Extraversion. Most leaders maintain an outgoing demeanor, show an interest in people, and gladly participate in group or team activities. (Feel that you’re not naturally extraverted? You can work on your skills by making a conscious effort to demonstrate genuine curiosity about and friendliness toward others.)
- Assertiveness. Be up front about your needs, concerns, and opinions. However, don’t forget to be tactful!
- Enthusiasm, optimism, and warmth. Staying positive, being approachable, and expressing positive thoughts and feelings through both verbal and nonverbal communication help you build rapport with those around you.
- Sense of humor. Your ability to make people laugh can help others feel comfortable and relieve tense situations. (pp. 37-45)
Reading
- Developing Leadership Potential
- Creating Opportunities to Develop Leadership Ability, Digest of Gifted Research
- Tips for Parents: Leadership Skills for Gifted Kids, by Balzac, S., Davidson Institute for Talent Development, 2012
- Leadership Development and Gifted Students, by Frances A. Karnes and Suzanne M. Bean on Kidsource Online