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YLT-What is a Leader?

Think of some leaders in your life and write them down. Your leaders could be anyone – teachers, Scouters, your soccer team captain, or anyone else you can think of! Brainstorm what qualities these leaders have in common. What makes them leaders? 

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Plan

  • How are you going to record your thoughts?  
  • Would this be best in small groups, a large group or individually?  
  • How are you going to ensure everyone gets a chance to contribute?  
  • Do you need to identify someone to lead the conversation? Or would a group discussion be better? 

Do

  • Decide how you want to do this – will one person record for the group, or will people start by writing down their own answers? 
  • Create your list of leaders in your life. 
  • Start talking about the different leaders you’ve written down. It might help to write them all down on a big piece of paper. 
  • Write down some of the things that these leaders have in common. Maybe they’re creative, kind or inspiring! Try to think of at least five qualities that a good leader has. 
  • Create a list of different qualities that good leaders have. Find a creative way to remind yourselves of these qualities. Make posters, a song, or draw pictures that will remind you about these qualities. 

Review

  • What do you know now that you did not know before?  
  • What ideas do you agree with? Which ones do you disagree with? Why? 
  • How did your group ensure everyone was able to contribute to the brainstorm?  
  • Does leadership mean something different to you now? Why? 
  • Is there anything you can do to have more of these qualities? 

Keep it Simple

Pick a leader in your life and draw a picture of them. Label the picture with the different things that make them a good leader. Share the picture with the rest of your group – what qualities do your leaders have in common? What qualities are different? 

Take it Further

Learn about the different leadership styles that leaders use. Try out different leadership styles and learn about why different leaders might use different styles!