Suzanne M. Bean - Developing Leadership Potential In Gifted Students

Some say that leadership is difficult to define but easy to recognize in people. Others say that America is suffering from a leadership crisis and that our nation has little confidence in the honesty, integrity, and ethics of leaders in all segments of society. Although the concept of leadership is often studied, researched, and discussed; the art of leadership is still misunderstood, debated, and often neglected. It is resolved, however, that leadership skills can be developed, and more intentional endeavors must be made to cultivate bright, young leaders for the future.

The process of becoming a leader holds many valuable lessons in life. Interpersonal skills are necessary in every aspect of human endeavorat home, school, work, and in the social arena. As ones leadership potential is nurtured, the ability to relate to others improves and skills in communication, conflict resolution, decision making, and goal achievement are refined. Initiative and responsibility increase, and self-concept and personal fulfillment flourish. Basic human needs of belonging, accomplishment, and reaching ones potential can be realized through the development of leadership. Leadership skills can make the difference between talents being fully utilized or unfulfilled.

Leaders for the 21st century must be able to face complex challenges in an ever-changing world. There are fundamental changes occurring in the economy, jobs, and businesses. According to the Partnership for 21st Century Skills (2008), the industrial economy based on manufacturing has shifted to a service economy driven by information, knowledge, and innovation. The Framework for 21st Century Learning (Partnership for 21st Century Skills, n.d.) organizes learning around student outcomes in Core Subjects and 21st Century Themes; Learning and Innovation Skills; Information, Media, and Technology Skills; and Life and Career Skills. Leadership skills are integrated throughout this framework. In his book, A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future, Daniel Pink (2006) noted that the leaders of the 21st century will be creators, empathizers, pattern recognizers, and meaning makers. Emerging technologies are also changing the way people communicate, and leaders of the future must be able to embrace these new forms of communication. From podcasts and online communities to Webcams and wikis, it will be necessary for leaders to communicate effectively, not only with the people in the same office building, but with colleagues from across the globe.

The personal rewards for developing ones leadership potential are many, but the societal benefits of effective leaders may be even more significant. The call for more effective leaders must not be ignored. Perhaps at no other time in history has there been a greater need for positive human interaction and ethical leadership. These goals are critical to the progress of humankind.