Leadership is not something children are born with; it is cultivated. Every parent wants the best for their child, and helping them become a leader is an important part of that. At Athena Global School, Every parent wants their child to succeed and perform well in all areas of life. To help them become positive role models, it is essential to encourage them to take initiative, engage in group activities, and be exposed to leadership opportunities. Leadership involves qualities like directing and completing tasks, supporting initiatives, and fostering unity within a team.
Encourage Them to Take Chances: Children learn valuable lessons when they face the consequences of their choices. By taking ownership of their actions, they develop responsibility and problem-solving skills. At Athena Global School, children learn to clean up mistakes or repay debts, building the foundational skills for leadership by accepting responsibility.
Developing Communication Skills: Great leaders are excellent communicators. Communication is not just about speaking; it involves listening and understanding others. At 
, we foster communication skills by:
- Creating an Open Atmosphere: Children are encouraged to talk about their day and express their feelings without interruption, fostering open dialogue.
- Acting Out Real-Life Scenarios: For children who are nervous or shy, practising real-life situations, like ordering at a restaurant, helps them gain confidence in speaking and connecting with others. This prepares them to become leaders who can inspire and motivate others.
Promote Collaboration and Teamwork at School: Leadership is about working with others, not just working alone. Children who are raised to collaborate become better leaders because they understand the value of teamwork.
- Celebrate Together: When a child wins a team event, celebrate the achievement of the entire group, not just the individual. This teaches them that leadership is about uplifting others rather than elevating oneself. Encouraging this mindset early ensures the child grows into a caring leader who values teamwork.
- Strengthen Emotional Intelligence: Emotional intelligence (EQ) is a crucial yet often overlooked leadership trait. Leaders with high EQ are self-aware and empathetic. A child should learn to understand and manage their emotions, which is a key leadership skill. By encouraging children to discuss solutions to challenges, we help them think creatively and become resilient problem-solvers.
Conclusion: At Athena Global School, we believe whether every child can become a leader is complex. To nurture future leaders, we need to shift the focus from solely academic success to fostering leadership skills. When provided with the right guidance and opportunities, children can develop strong leadership qualities both inside and outside the classroom.
Author: Mrs. Mehala, Primary Coordinator, Athena Global School, Chidambaram
