Military Schools and universities with leadership programs have the right idea, but only if they clarify that no classroom instruction makes leaders. All they can really do is teach methods. And while that may have some value, methods themselves have very little to do with being a quality leader.
Leadership comes out of long and similar experiences. The best example is the child growing up in a family that assists the child in being responsible for themselves and others. The child does this not by being told but by experiencing this from those closest to them. The experience of being a full member of the familial group and being heard and understood is what makes a child hear and understand.
I am told I was a good listener when I was a child. And in my youth, my older brothers and sister often shared their issues with me. I listened even as I struggled to understand their troubles. I’m not sure from whence it came, but I knew as a young adult I had a philosophy I could express and apply.
This is the philosophy of dialogue. The idea is that everyone has something to say if they feel safe and in a receptive place. In small groups at my camps, the activities came from the kids in the group, not a camp director or counselor. I always understood it was my job as the leader to supply the ingredients for the activities instead of scheduling them. That was always left up to each group. If experience is the foundation of leadership, it must be personal and constant.
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