At TIGS we believe leadership is a critical skill that every individual can possess. It is not limited to formal positions, every member of our community demonstrates leadership; of self, of their learning, in their friendship groups in their families and also  in formal positions. The development of leadership skills doesn’t just happen overnight; it requires training, mentoring, and a dedication to continuous learning and development. In this series of newsletter articles, we will highlight the development of leadership across our School unpacking why leadership development is so important for young people and what parents, educators, and mentors can do to cultivate this essential skill.

Leadership skills are not only essential in the workplace, but they are also crucial for personal development and social change. Young people who develop strong leadership skills are better equipped to handle the challenges of life, build relationships, and positively impact their communities.

Leadership development also promotes teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, all of which are critical in today’s increasingly complex world. Young people who possess these skills will be better equipped to navigate the challenges of the future and thrive in their personal and professional lives.

There are several ways parents, educators, and mentors can help young people develop leadership skills. Here are a few strategies to consider:

1. Encourage teamwork: Working in groups helps young people develop communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Encourage young people to participate in team-based activities such as sports, volunteer work, or group projects. All key elements of a TIGS education.
2. Foster a growth mindset: Encourage young people to embrace challenges and view failure as an opportunity to learn and grow. Help them see that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process and that success comes through persistence and hard work. Feedback is a key element of growing through challenge and setbacks.
3. Provide opportunities for leadership: Encourage young people to take on leadership roles in school clubs, sports teams, or volunteer organisations. These experiences will help them develop leadership skills such as delegation, decision-making, and conflict resolution.
4. Offer mentorship: A mentor can provide guidance, support, and encouragement as young people develop their leadership skills. Look for opportunities to connect young people with mentors in their chosen field or area of interest.
5. Lead by example: Finally, parents, educators, and mentors need to model the leadership skills they want to see in young people. By setting a positive example, adults can inspire young people to develop their own leadership skills and become agents of positive change in their communities.

All of these strategies and more are intentionally designed and provided to TIGS students. From the earliest days in TIGS Prep right up until they graduate, TIGS students are learning and growing in leadership and service. This term our Year 11 students are focussing on the character skill set and personality traits of exceptional leaders and also considering their own individual strengths and how they can form an effective leadership team for 2024. It is really exciting to lead them in this learning together and one of the highlight of my week is to teach the lessons in Biblical Studies that promotes this learning. Recently we considered the place of integrity in leadership and life, the insight of our students was exceptional.

“Having integrity is necessary to gain the trust of the people that you have been privileged to lead. When these people know that you will hold yourself to ethical and moral standards even without having someone to notice you do it, they will feel more at peace with you making decisions on their behalf and they are more likely to trust your decisions. When a group trusts their leaders’ decisions, everyone works together more cohesively and there is a more positive and efficient environment. Thus, integrity allows a more open and trusting word environment that affects the participants more positively.

Overall, integrity is a key trait of leaders, allowing them to solve problems, gain the trust of the people they lead, and inspire those around them. When a leader has integrity, it cultivates a positive and healthy environment for every team member, and so it is therefore the most important trait that a leader can possess.” Laura Ellis – Year 11

I look forward to sharing further insight into the leadership development at TIGS and also how our student leaders are making their mark for their School. Next Friday 26 May our current Year 12 cohort will have their leadership on full display as they organise and host the year 12 Trivia Night raising funds for the Forever Projects. It is a fantastic night and if you haven’t already booked your table, I warmly invite you to do so.