Leadership
Theme: Being a leader and mentor.
Encourage girls to actively engage in school and community activities; identify individual strengths and weaknesses as a leader; realise the importance of being a leader for future goals; understand the importance of mentoring young girls.
Opening questions
How many girls hold leadership positions in the school?
How many of you have helped a friend campaign for a leadership position?
How do you define leadership? What does a leader look like to you?
Definitions
Leadership, the ability to inspire, guide and influence an individual or a group of individuals to achieve a common goal.
Leader, an individual who guides, inspires and influences others to achieve a common goal.
Mentorship, the process of giving guidance to a less experienced person over a period of time (school, home, work).
Mentor, a person who can support, advise and guide you.
LEADERSHIP, main characteristics of a good leader
L, Listener. A good leader listens carefully and completely without biases.
E, Exemplary. Whatever actions you take, people will be watching. Act accordingly.
A, Approachable. Be friendly so people can talk to you without fear. A leader who is not approachable becomes a ruler.
D, Determined. Set goals and work hard to reach them.
E, Educated. Be knowledgeable in the areas you represent, this doesn't require many degrees.
R, Realistic. Do not make over-ambitious plans; make plans that are achievable.
S, Simple. A simple person is easily approachable and has time to listen.
H, Honest. Always tell the truth, honesty earns the trust of those who chose you to lead them.
I, Intelligent. Make decisions carefully, keeping in mind the consequences.
P, Patient. Change takes time; do not rush decisions that affect you and others.
Exercise 1, Share leadership stories
Ask girls to share their leadership stories and experiences with the rest of the class.
Discuss the challenges that limit them from engaging in leadership roles, fear of competition, low self-esteem, discouragement from parents and peers.
In groups, discuss possible solutions to these challenges.
Exercise 2, Identify your strengths and weaknesses
We all have different leadership qualities. Come up with self-strengthening words, bold, strong, caring, intelligent, brilliant, that match your personality.
Write descriptive words for weaknesses you want to work on so you can become an even better and more empowered leader.
NB: This exercise can be given as HOMEWORK and presented at the start of the next session.
- Holding leadership positions gives you the ability to influence change in your school and community.
- As a leader you can mentor younger girls and boys based on the knowledge you have.
- Even if you are nervous, remember we all have unique strengths that can help someone else.
- You are a leader in your own way.