In our childhood, we often heard about the story of the Pied Piper, where a young man goes to a village and starts playing his flute. Whilst playing the music, children are mesmerised and follow him blindly as he walks away from the village…

That is not the most ideal way to lead; however just like the music from the flute was so influential, leaders can have a great influence on those around them through their behaviour and actions. Oftentimes, we may find ourselves being influenced by someone’s opinion and behaviour or we may be a very strong influence in someone else’s life. This does not apply only for leaders in a specific role but also for every person who develops leadership skills as part of their lifestyle.

What defines a leader?

There are many studies and definitions of leadership. However, leadership may be defined as a situation where influence is exerted, motivation is stirred up and a group’s potential is enhanced. In fact John C. Maxwell (2001) defines leadership simply as ‘influence’. This is rather interesting as it implies that leadership is not primarily linked to a role but to a particular behaviour. There might be a person in the role of a leader who is not very influential to the group but on the other hand, another might be extremely influential to those in this same group without possessing a leadership role.

It is easy to identify a leader, with or without an official title or role. People gather around that person and if there is an issue to be decided, the leader’s opinion is valued and sought. Who is the person others refer to the most when an issue is being discussed? Who is the one with whom people quickly agree? Most importantly, who is the one the others follow? Answers to these questions help us identify a leader in a particular group. These are particularly observed in youth groups and in other informal settings. Although the environment in these groups varies from that of a formal setting, these settings nonetheless provide an excellent opportunity for children and youth to strengthen their personality and develop their skills.

There are many leadership styles, however a good leader is capable of bringing others’ potential to the fore, valuing their abilities and empowering them. Some leaders are seen abusing of their role, overpowering others and being disrespectful in their approach to others. But the truly successful leader inspires trust by colleagues and leads mostly by influence and example.

How do leadership skills help youth?

With the definition of leadership as being that of “exerting influence”, one can understand how important it is to understand and acquire this skill in youth. Youth are faced with many opportunities to experiment situations and environments, likes, values and beliefs. They want to belong to a group, to find their identity and to realise their full potential. This is all part of their development. Leadership skills in youth help them to stand firm against peer pressure as they realise that they can influence others as much as they are influenced by others and therefore do not have to rush into decisions that they would regret later on in life. Leadership skills help them go against the tide, if needs be, and stand firm to their values.

Developing leadership skills also improves the youth’s self esteem as the person realises that he/she has self worth and that what he/she says and does is important and matters to the people around them. They also develop a sense of responsibility towards those around them and an attitude towards healthy lifestyles.

What do parents say?

Many parents observe that as their children grow into young adults, they seek less guidance from them and turn to their best friends instead. The parents fear that youth seem to approve more of what friends say than what they say. This is a normal development for the teenage youth, however all the values taught by the parent are not lost if a good, solid foundation is established throughout previous developmental years. In this regard, positive peer influence can have a remarkable importance in the adolescent’s life. It does make a difference if the youth has learnt to exert leadership skills by accepting only positive influence in his/her life and has become aware that they themselves have a right for their own choices and can be a positive influence in their peer group. A youth can be in a group and follow blindly what the group suggests, even if this is unhealthy, or may be able to express disapproval to the unhealthy suggestion and instead suggest alternatives, thus making a positive difference in those around him or her. That requires leadership skills.

Developing leadership skills

In this regard, Aġenzija Sedqa seeks to encourage the youth to be more reflective about their influence on peers and be motivated towards preventing unhealthy lifestyles.

Aġenzija Sedqa focuses on enhancing the positive influence that youth have on each other, especially in informal youth groups or peer groups. In fact, the Agency organises seminars and activities through which the participants could learn important skills to use when facing challenging life situations as well as practicing these skills in organised informal workshops. This would encourage the participants to reflect on the positive influence that they can have on their peers towards a healthy lifestyle, away from addictions and other destructive behaviours.

Why does A[enzija Sedqa identify this intervention as important?

Friendships are very important in youth and oftentimes peers are the point of reference that youth seek when they face a difficulty. They have many challenges in their life, they may face hard choices and are still maturing and trying to understand life situations. It is thus very important that Sedqa encourages youth who are of influence and equips them with the knowhow to react when someone seeks their help and the ability to transmit positive values in the life of their friends. They may be the first point of reference when a youth is struggling. It is therefore important that leaders and potential leaders are aware of organisations from where they can acquire further support for their peers in delicate situations and the services available for them.

There is a leader in each one of us. It may have already emerged or still needs to be explored. Be a positive influence in someone else’s life and live life to your full potential. “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader”. (John Quincy Adams)

For further information about Aġenzija Sedqa and its services, one may visit the website www.sedqa.gov.mt

References:

25 Great Quotes on Leadership. Available: http://www.positivityblog.com/index.php/2007/07/06/25-great-quotes-on-leadership/. Accessed: 29th August 2012.

Leadership definitions - What is a Leader? Available: ://www.leadership-with-you.com/what-is-a-leader.html Accessed: 29th August 2012.

Book Review – “Developing the Leader Within You” by John C. Maxwell, part 1 Available: http://www.startbeingyourbest.com/2009/05/book-review-developing-the-leader-within-you-by-john-c-maxwell-part-1/ Accessed: 28th August 2012.

How to find out your style of leadership Available: http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sk/leadership.htm Accessed: 28th August 2012.

Maxwell, J.C. (2011). Developing the leader within you. Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Margaret Abela, Team Leader, Prevention Services, Aġenzija Sedqa

Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2011.

www.project-syndicate.org

Aġenzija Sedqa (www.sedqa.gov.mt) forms part of the Foundation for Social Welfare Services (www.fsws.gov.mt) which incorporates Aġenzija Appoġġ (www.appogg.gov.mt) and Aġenzija Sapport (www.sapport.gov.mt).