Developing leaders has a lot of parallels to developing a 3 year old. Leadership skills for kids are essential for their growth and future success.

For the past fifteen years, I’ve had the honor and privilege of coaching and developing leaders worldwide. This experience has taught me a lot about what motivates people to act (and what holds them back). Leadership skills for kids can be nurtured from a young age.

When I decided to write this article, I wanted to see how many “leadership development models” already existed. I was surprised to find over 9 million results in less than .39 seconds!

I then decided to Google “parenting models” and in less than .46 seconds, there were close to 2 million results.

As the proud father, dad and co-founder of the greatest son on the planet (insert biased humor), this got me thinking…

However, at what age does leadership development begin? And more importantly, what can I take from my professional life and apply it to being a parent? Teaching leadership skills for kids at an early age can make a significant difference.

I don’t have an instruction manual for raising my children! Every day, I challenge myself to model good behavior and keep my word, all while trying to be kind to myself throughout the process. Let’s face it; being a parent is one of the toughest (and most rewarding) jobs on the planet.

So what fundamental leadership lessons work to support growth and development in anyone and help parents develop future leaders?

Here are the 3 core lessons in leadership:

1) The Yes Factor

Leaders as well as children learn quickly that in life, there will always be people who tell them they can’t do or be something. It’s easy to take this to heart and lose site of your own personal goals, whether it’s learning to ride a bike or asking for a raise. A leader learns to remain positive; stay focused on the goal and be willing to stand up for what they believe in. Encouraging leadership skills for kids by nurturing a positive mentality is key.

• Lesson: Teach and model what a “Yes I can” attitude looks like and the
  power of being positive.

2) The Glass Half Full 

Leaders and children face problems daily. Well, what if they weren’t problems but rather opportunities to grow and develop. Challenges are just that….opportunities for growth. Encouraging leadership skills for kids to see challenges as opportunities is important.

When unsure about what’s being asked of them, both children and adults often say, ‘I can’t.’ 

This is normal and it’s also an opportunity for you to support them in not giving up. A simple reframing of the situation can allow that “power of yes I can” attitude flourish.

• Lesson: Teach them to be curious in asking questions and creative in
  discovering solutions to their challenges and the value of the
  lessons to be learned.

3) The Power of Perseverance

It’s easy to give up or simply stop when the going gets tough. Quitting is an easy out and in fact, a habit we learn at a young age. We all know that the easiest path doesn’t always prove to be the best. And building positive confidence and self-esteem will come from the power of persevering. Reinforcing leadership skills for kids by teaching them perseverance can build lifelong resilience.

• Lesson: Teach them the importance of not quitting but rather pushing
  through in the face of adversity or uncertainty.

The Role of a Creative Leadership Coach

A creative leadership coach can play a crucial role in nurturing these leadership qualities in both children and adults. By fostering a safe and supportive environment, they can help individuals identify their strengths, overcome limiting beliefs, and develop effective strategies for navigating challenges. Through creative exercises, mentorship, and personalized guidance, a coach empowers individuals to embrace a “Yes I can” attitude, reframe problems as opportunities, and cultivate the power of perseverance. This, in turn, not only strengthens their leadership skills but also promotes personal growth and resilience.

Final Thoughts:

I realize there are many many more and this is by no means the next “happiest toddler on the block” chapter to leadership development but rather a reminder on what we should be teaching or at best be aware of when it comes to developing another persons leadership skills. Instilling leadership skills for kids from a young age sets the foundation for their future success.

Your turn: What is one lesson you learned growing up that you now apply as a leader in your professional life?