Educational institutions have long learned that the demands of modern society also require them to better prepare their students for real life. A part of this preparation is to run programs that aim to identify and develop leaders. School leadership standards vary from one institution to another but the importance of the issue is generally accepted by parents, teachers and governing bodies.
There are many people that are of the conviction that leaders cannot be trained or developed. They believe that a person is born with the characteristics and personality of a leader. Modern thinking, however, holds that every person has the makings of a leader and these skills can be developed and that a person can grow as a leader. It may be true that some individuals have natural talents that compel others to follow them but even then these natural talents need to be developed and honed.
Programs that aim to develop leaders differ widely. It is important to look for a program that is balanced in the sense that leaders have to understand that they are not in leading roles at all times. Good leaders are good followers first. They understand that circumstances can arise where another person will be the better leader and that they will sometimes have to relinquish their position, depending upon the challenge facing the group.
An effective program must place great emphasis on the leader as a servant rather than as a privileged ruler. Many educational institutions place a high value on the privileges enjoyed by the elected leaders but not as much on the responsibilities they are expected to accept. A leader should work harder than everybody else. He is a servant and he is expected to sacrifice his time and resources on behalf of the people that he leads.
Young leaders need to learn how to develop those characteristics most suitable to leaders. Moreover, they need to learn that different situations demand different reactions. In one instance, for example, it may be best to consult as widely as possible before coming to a decision while other situations, such as emergencies, leave no time for such consultations and immediate action is required.
It is never too early to start training and developing leaders. Children assume specific roles at a very young age. In fact, programs that develop leaders should be part of the general education all children undergo. Learning how to be leaders also teach children responsibility and about their role in the efficient functioning of society as a whole.
When considering programs for leaders it is very important to make sure that they are accredited. Educational authorities have systems whereby they evaluate various programs and it is not advisable to choose a program that does not have an official stamp of approval. It is also vital to ensure that the program addresses all the issues related to the topic, including character development, communication and methods to handle conflict.
Programs for raising school leadership standards can benefit children of all ages. The younger a child learns how to accept responsibility and how to act in the best interest of the groups they move in the better. Such programs develop the child as a whole and can do much to prepare him for success in later life.
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