21st-century skills: fostering leadership among students

21st-century skills: fostering leadership among students Only a generation ago, students were required to perform academically, athletically and ideally also artistically. A healthy dose of rebellion was tolerated as part of their maturation process. Now globalisation has made the world substantially more competitive.

Only a generation ago, students were required to perform academically, athletically and ideally also artistically. A healthy dose of rebellion was tolerated as part of their maturation process. Now globalisation has made the world substantially more competitive. Not counting on Artificial Intelligence, adding robots to the number of competitors for the same jobs! Hence the emphasis on core human skills: creativity, out-of-the-box thinking, a sense of initiative, leadership and so on.

At first, the word leadership might sound a bit off the table for young minds, however, I believe that leadership is actually a life skill, a character attribute which can be learnt early and developed. 

Leadership entails the intrinsic will to move forward with a defined community. It starts with an idea, a vision or a project. It nurtures self-confidence and draws from inner strength. It entails empathy and respect, teamwork, communication skills and empowering others. In short, leading is about wanting to have a positive impact on society. It starts with knowing oneself and becoming conscious of all our potential.

There is no universal measure of leadership: like ambition, it is measured against one’s own domain of activity. A young musician wanting to organise a music festival in her neighbourhood is a leader. A member of the accounting services of a large multinational corporation who strives on improving efficiency or wellbeing at the workplace fulfils the criteria for being a leader. Father Stefano, the priest fighting every day to sustain an orphanage, a hospital and a school in northern Madagascar is a true 21st-century leader.

 

Best regards

Philippe de Korodi, Directeur général