Are you a leader? One question to ask.

Leadership and You

Lately I’ve been doing a lot of leadership training at schools and conferences.  What qualities do you think of  when you think of great leaders?

Integrity?

Grit?

Determination?

Passion?

Purpose?

While these are all qualities that we may aspire to, John Quincy Adams penned a powerful leadership quote that can encompass all these qualities and more.  Here it is:

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more and do more, then you are a leader.

So what if we turned this quote into a question that we could ask ourselves at the end of every day?  It might go something like this:

Who did I inspire today to dream more, learn more and do more?

For educators and parents this is a worthwhile goal and a powerful question.

How can you be a leader in a child’s life?

Being a leader isn’t just about leading others… it is also about being a leader in your own life.  Here are four ways you can inspire others to dream more, learn more and do more by taking charge of your own life.

• Know your why: It’s easy to get lost in the details and demands of our busy lifestyles but great leaders know their why and love sharing that joy and enthusiasm with others. Renew and review that basic why  you do what you do on a regular basis.

• Create a time of quiet focus each morning:  It’s hard to inspire others to set goals and dream big if you don’t take the time to create an intentional life yourself. During your quiet time you can:
  • Review your goals for the day.
  • Read something inspirational.
  • Get centered. Breathe.
  • Meditate. Pray.

• Take time to listen: Leading others isn’t just about sharing your message, your why, your beliefs and goals with others.  It’s about helping others discover their own path and their own way.  Take the time to explore and listen to the dreams and goals of others.  Then see how you can encourage them along the path.

•  Keep learning and dreaming too:  Look for and create learning opportunities that excite you. Read inspiring books.  Attend creative classes and events.  Not only will you be a good model for children but your enthusiasm will be contagious.

 School Counselor Resources

Wyatt the Wonder Dog Learns about Good Manners

Wyatt is always wondering about something and lately it is how to get his friend, Max to change his bossy ways. What can he do? Join Wyatt as he considers some rather unusual options until he finally discovers that a heart to heart talk with Max can create a new friendship with an old friend.

Have you ever had a friend that did some things that you disagreed with? Wyatt does and he doesn’t know what to do about it. Join Wyatt as he learns that being honest with his friend is the best and only way to solve the problem. A great story! ~Lynn Hughes M.Ed. professional school counselor, Ball Ground Elementary

Grab your copy here:

Wyatt the Wonder Dog Learns about Good Manners

Teachers Pay Teachers: Lesson Plan For Good Manners                   

The Elementary School Counselor Book of Lesson Plans

Thirty-two lesson plans with activities, discussion starters, assessments and questionnaires to keep students engaged all year to develop critical thinking skills, social emotional learning and growth mindset.