Encourage Leadership In Your College Student?

As I speak with college students at campuses around the word I am encouraged.

Today's college generation wants to make a difference in the world. They don't want to plug into the same 9-5 job their parents might have had.

But there is a real problem...

The word "leader" isn't in their vocabulary.

Unfortunately, yesterday's exemplars of leadership like Churchill, Roosevelt and Truman have been replaced by celebrities. Too often our youth confuses the manufactured celebrity image with true leadership... (Just because you play a hero in a movie...you are not a leader!)

Leadership? ... Boring!!!!

When I talk about leadership, college students often ask, "Why is it relevant or important?"

Today, particularly in our very social environment where kids are using things like social networking... the emphasis is on "go along to get along" and "don't stick out for the crowd."

Live a Life Of Adventure

I tell students that leadership means living a life of adventure.

As students move through college and young adulthood they are separating their personality from yours. They are becoming the personality they uniquely are. They are also making decisions about their peer groups.

As their most authentic version of their own self emerges, they begin to feel pretty good...

They get in touch with who they are...

They want to leave their mark on the planet.

Some days you have more fun on the bike path...

Taking the road less traveled... the one of leadership... will lead your student many places few only dream about.

Leadership may not be for everybody... but today there are more opportunities to lead than ever before.

Think outside the box... Leadership could be as President of the United States or the creative force behind a website on artistic photography.

If you think outside the box, you can find the many paths leadership can take...

Encourage your student to be a leader.

Dogged Determination...

The best analogy I've heard is about the team of dogs pulling an Alaskan dog sled.

Each team has a number of dogs in a line with a "lead dog" in front.

That lead dog has the confidence to direct his fellow dogs, he typically has more opportunity to make choices...and he also has a fabulous view of the scenery ahead.

Unfortunately, the scenery for the dogs behind the lead dog remains pretty much the same... where ever the team goes.

And, life is like that too...

Enjoy being the lead dog.

For more insights into developing your student's leadership skills, order Dr. Debi Yohn's book "Leadership in College: 23 Winning Churchill Strategies," Inspired by the leadership of Winston S. Churchill. Written By: Winton R. Churchill, Jr. and Dr. Debi Yohn. It can help you and your college student have the best chance for a successful college experience. You can also speak to Dr. Yohn privately and confidentially through her coaching program... click here for more information.