What Is the Meaning of Leadership for Young Teenagers?

Characteristics

• Young leaders often exemplify certain characteristics, according to the Ohio State University Extension. For example, they might be willing to assume responsibility, or hold strong communication skills. Teen leaders typically set high standards for personal achievement and take initiative in problem solving. The personality of a teen leader is often friendly, lively, energetic and helpful. Some teens with leadership ability also possess athletic skills, technical skills and a sense of humor. Moreover, in addition to various skills, teenagers with leadership ability often display persistence and adaptability when facing with challenges.

Roles and Activities

• The National Youth Agency states that teens with leadership abilities often take on specific roles in group activities or situations. For example, in a group project, a teen who takes on the leadership role might direct others toward making a contribution or develop new ideas to solve a problem. That teen might also represent ideas on the behalf of others, bring people together and sustain a dialogue, or speak about his ideas or views and/or those of his peers to an organization, such as a charity or church group. Additionally, teen leadership might involve helping to develop other individuals. This might include activities such as helping others achieve their personal development goals through some form of coaching, or inspiring others by offering personal insight.

Outcomes

• For young teenagers, developing leadership can have positive effects in their own lives, according to the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth. When teens have the opportunity to formally develop leadership, it can result in higher self-esteem, better communication with their families, increased responsibility and better self-control. Their public speaking skills can improve, while emotional challenges, like loneliness or shyness, can dissipate. Increased leadership often links to decreased chances for risky behaviors, including drug use or juvenile delinquency.

Challenges

• Teens might face challenges in developing their leadership skills, according to the National Resource Center for Youth Development. Not all organizations believe that young individuals can handle responsibilities and as such, will hesitate in offering young teens the opportunities they need to develop their skills. Further, given the constraints of family and academic responsibilities, teens might also lack the time to fully develop their leadership abilities. Since older teens who demonstrate strong leadership skills eventually mature and move onto more adult leadership opportunities, it's essential to foster leadership in young teens so that they can assume leadership roles in their schools, communities and other organizations.