Leadership Qualities According to 3rd Graders

For the past year and a half, I have been immersed in discussion and reflection around educational leadership, and leadership styles. I've looked at the role of teacher leaders, building leaders, and district leaders. I've read amazing blog posts, articles and books. I feel like I've learned a lot. But I think one of the experiences that is really going to stick with me, is an experience that I had in my own classroom this week.

It just so happened that one of the follow up questions in our anthology (HMH Journeys) asked students to reflect on the qualities that are important in a leader. So out of the mouths of babes (3rd graders), a list of some important leadership qualities:

• Leaders need to be honest. They need to tell the truth and not lie to people.
• Leaders need to be kind.
• Leaders need to do the right thing.
• Leaders need to sacrifice.
• Leaders need to share with others.
• Leaders need to care about others.
• Leaders shouldn't yell.
• Leaders need to be confident.
• Leaders need to be prepared for anything.
• Leaders need to have a lot of skills.
• Leaders need to be able to give good advice.
• Leaders can't be all about themselves.
• Leaders need to be good sports.

Yeah, I kind of think they nailed it. Next time you're wondering what it takes or means to be a leader, ask your students - they have incredible insight.