The Secret to Raising Children Who Are Leaders

Many different explanations have been made for how a parent can raise their children to be leaders.

First of all, leadership itself can mean many different things to many people. But I would define a leader as a self driven person who inspires her people through her will and deeds (rather than the threat of punishment).

So as such, it is important to begin by fostering in your children a sense of independence. Encourage them to do as much as they can for themselves as early as possible. They must know that trying to do things for themselves is important. Some kids take to this more easily than others, but most kids have natural inclination to try new things if they haven't had this instinct trained out of them.

Early on, of course, they will fail. This can be mitigated by giving them good explanations of what to expect and how to deal with this. Even as adults, we find that the best teachers will not only instruct on how to do something, but these great teachers will also explain what to expect and what to look for (indicating that they are experienced in what they are teaching). In addition, they might even share their own failure or mistake. This is the most precious information of all.

Knowing what to expect and what are the potential pitfalls gives children the proper guidance and preparation, allows them to proceed confidently, and allows them to reach success faster. 

And when they succeed earlier, it will rapidly build their self-confidence.

This is also a golden opportunity to teach them that failure is part of the process leading to success. Never make them feel bad about their failure. Reinforce that failure is part of the process and that trying and failing is better than not trying.

This golden cycle of trial, failure, try again, succeed, and build self confidence is quickly self-reinforcing. They not only build up their own confidence, but also their confidence in you as their mentor.

This leads to the final secret of raising children who are leaders. YOU!

At the end of the day there is no substitute for the profound effects of modelling. If you want to raise children who are leaders, you must invest the time to cultivate leadership behaviors in yourself. When your children model themselves after you, it simply multiplies the investment you have made in yourself. So DO IT!

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