Sense & Dollars...

Leadership 101

What is Leadership?

Good leaders are MADE, not born.  Leaders are people who see a problem and fix it, even if they don't always know how.  They step forward, sometimes in an emergency, and do what needs to be done.  They get others to help them.  Being a leader takes courage and confidence.

There are different kinds of leadership.  There is:

1. 1.Leadership of the moment - taking charge during an emergency.
   

2. 2.Leadership by example - you set a good example in your family, with your friends and in your school. 
   

3. 3.Community leadership - You become the president of the school council, youth leader in your church, a chair of a local charity work group.
   

4. 4.Job leadership - You direct others, organize and supervise other's work and activities.
   

5. 5.Trailblazing leadership - you take on new challenges in unchartered waters.  You may invent new things, set new records or start a new business.
   

Key Concepts

There are some key concepts as to what makes a good leader.

1. 1.Good leaders know who they are.
   

2. 2.Good leaders are willing to commit and follow through on their commitments.
   

3. 3.Good leaders know they don't know everything.
   

4. 4.Good leaders are willing to look at different ways to tackle problems and accomplish tasks.
   

5. 5.Good leader go the extra mile.
   

What are the skills needed to be a good leader?

1. 1.Integrity (honesty)
   

2. 2.Communication Skills
   

3. 3.Healthy Self-Esteem
   

4. 4.Creative Thinking
   

5. 5.Listening Skills
   

6. 6.Work with Diverse Groups as a Team
   

7. 7.Ability to Set a Good Example
   

8. 8.Open to Learning New Things
   

9. 9.Recognize Talents in Others
   

10. 10.Effective Management of Time and People
    

As you can see, many of these leadership skills are skills that serve everyone, even in non-leadership positions.  Developing any of these skills will make you better at making decisions about school, family, friendships, relationships, and your future.

Being a Leader in Your Own Life

When you think of a leader, who comes to mind?  President of the United States perhaps or someone in your neighborhood with influence?  The NM Girls Institute recognizes that not all girls want to become leaders of corporations or become the next head of state but developing leadership skills will help you becomg LEADERS IN YOUR OWN LIVES.  Most importantly girls who are leaders are less likely to "go along with the pack" and can make the best decision for their lives.