Dear Alumni:
Leadership Toolbox: Growing the Next Generation of Community Leaders
Posted by John Weyer on June 5, 2008
The following are tips alumni can utilize to grow and develop the next generation of community leaders.
No. 1 - Become aware of who is around you and seek out leadership opportunities in others. Many people do not recognize their own potential. Growing the next generation of leaders begins with current leaders recognizing potential in others. For example, the simple gesture of a young child offering to give up his allowance to help save endangered animals is an act of leadership.
No. 2 - Be open to a wide variety of people and talents. We are not all bankers or accountants. Potential leader¹s skills are not only found in the local young business leaders association, but also exist in the arts community, the education field, the spiritual community, and the ranks of law enforcement personnel, just to name a few possibilities. Leaders also come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Look outside your own circle of acquaintances to develop relationships with other ethnic groups and people of different socio-economic backgrounds.
No. 3 - Build capacity. For young leaders, the knowledge that there are others in the community who believe in the potential they have to offer can be an important step in engaging them in community. We all gravitate toward community engagement that utilizes our individual talents and interests.
Civic groups, spiritual associations, special interest groups and social networks can serve a dual function as mentoring programs for young leaders.
No. 4 - Reinforce the accomplishments of others. We all need to know our efforts led to accomplishment. Making the contributions of others real and meaningful experiences will help bring young leaders to the table again.
No. 5 - Create opportunities. Developing talent will occur when there are multiple opportunities and venues for young leaders. When inviting community members to participate in a local task force or community initiative, take the time to be deliberate in inviting a wide spectrum of young leadership into the process.
