Leadership: Introduction

Each of us comes to this topic with ideas and experiences that shape our understanding and actions. If we think of leadership as abstract ideas or personality driven characteristics, we won’t get very far.

At Outward Bound, we believe that leadership can be taught, and that it is a vital skill for everyone. It is leadership skills that give us the courage and competency for action–and it is action that is needed to make the world a better place.

Understanding our collective ideas of leadership is a vital place to begin. Analyzing our own ideas and experiences with leadership, as well as looking at the lives of leaders from the past, help us to frame our way forward. When we have a clear idea of where we are headed in developing our leadership skills as individuals and groups, we will make great progress toward realizing our leadership goals!

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

Essential Questions allow students to keep the main idea in mind. They can provide the motivation to keep asking, learning, and being curious, in pursuit of answers to big questions. Use one of the following Essential Questions to guide this Leadership Unit:

What is leadership?
How is leadership different when defined by a set of actions rather than a position?
What makes an effective leader?
Why are some influential people called leaders, while others are ‘famous’ or ‘influential’?
Can leadership be defined?

FACILITATION TIPS:

Introducing Leadership allows students to reflect on their own ideas and experiences. Silent Line Up is a great companion to this lesson--it gets students up, moving, and using leadership skills in real time. Students may find themselves acting in alignment or contradiction to their ideas and values. This may make for a lively discussion!

Leadership: Introduction

Next Step:

Leadership: Introduction

LESSONS INCLUDED:

EXPLORING LEADERSHIP

SILENT LINE UP