How do you instill Leadership skills in your kids?

Question

My son is 3+ year old. He is smart and energetic kid but he is very shy towards new people and also he will keep quite if some one tries to dominate him. Going further, I want my son to be bold, talk well and resist others dominance and have more leadership skills. I am worried because I am also shy and more accomodative type.

I think leadership skills are more of genetic (by nature) but they can be well Nurtured as well.

So, I would like to know what methods do you suggest in order for him to grow as a bold person and a good leader. One I am right now doing is a Role play with him to teach him how to react in some situations. Any other suggestions?

Answer 1

The usual guidance given sounds odd: in early years leadership is learned by example.

I know that seems counterintuitive, but really what a child needs is a role model (or more than one) that inspires them. Now the first role models are a child's parents, so you are key to early development. So demonstrating leadership qualities yourself is an excellent way to start a child's development.

If you aren't a natural leader type, another option open to you is to identify a school which has a strong record in encouraging leadership and associated skills. These schools will not only provide role models, but will encourage the right behaviours in small groups and in public.

One thing you should be aware of is that there are many different leadership types, and some are shy or self effacing - a leader needn't be dominant. Some quiet leaders are followed and respected because they inspire trust, or they are known to be fair, or do the right thing - and conversely, some outgoing and dominating individuals can be very poor leaders - so don't try and teach behaviours until you fully understand which may be positive and which negative.