LEADERSHIP AND TEENS

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I love podcasts. I listen to a ton, always learning, always attending “Podcast University.” Part of my “Win the Morning” routine is to listen to one in particular: Increase Your Impact with Justin Sua. Today’s episode (Episode 1,033) was amazing. The title is “A Leadership Tip” and Justin encouraged the listener to reflect on their leadership qualities and write about them. I did it. I reflected and asked myself what qualities and skills do I possess that make me a good leader? Later that morning I had my classes listen to the podcast and reflect as well. We do this about 2-3 times a week. So I had my class write and reflect. I had them write down three leadership qualities they felt they had in their life. The ultimate goal was to get them to brag on themselves a bit and to recognize that no matter what they are involved in, and no matter who they are they are all leaders in some capacity. But the exercise went a little further than that. In the end I was deeply moved by what they all had to say.

Today was one of those days in which I wish EVERYONE could have been between the four walls of my classroom. What transpired was an amazing moment of reflection and gratitude in each of my classes. Students shared what they felt their three most prevalent “leadership qualities” were, and then they responded to this prompt: who would you consider to be in your life, the most influential leader and what qualities do they possess? Each student wrote for about 5 minutes then we all shared out.

As my kids began to share I immediately noticed a common response on who the most influential leaders were in their lives. Each block, over and over again I heard “Mom” or “Dad,” or other family member’s mentioned who have impacted and led my students. There was the Grandfather who is admired because he put country ahead of self and served our country valiantly. There was a story of a single mom who worked more than one job to provide for her children. I was deeply moved by the story of a step-dad who came into a family not his own, and yet deeply impacted his step children in eternal ways. There was the story of an older sister pushing her younger sister to imagine and pursue her dreams. One young man spoke of his father and the fact that his dad worked tirelessly to provide. Over and over the stories I heard were of parent’s serving and loving their children, Aunt’s and Uncle’s stepping into a young person’s life and providing adult leadership and mentoring them, and siblings walking alongside their younger brother or sister and guiding them through life. I was amazed at how many students wrote about family members as their source of inspiration and influence.

I think sometimes we parents think what were are doing isn’t working. I know sometimes I think my kids don’t appreciate their mother or me. This could not be further from the truth. These kids are always watching, and always learning. They are far from what so many people perceive “teenagers” to be. They are introspective young adults who value those who value them. I wish you could have been in the room today to hear them share, to enjoy their laughter, and to shed a tear or two with them. This is a day in a classroom, and this is why I love my “calling” so much. It is because of them.