by Tim Lautzenheiser

"You cannot teach a man anything.  You can only help him discover it within himself."  Galileo

Author’s note:

Over the past three decades I have enjoyed the tremendous opportunity to present leadership seminars to students, teachers, administrators, and business professionals throughout the nation.  Leadership, unlike many disciplines, is constantly shifting, evolving, changing, and “becoming.” In fact the more we learn about the art of leadership, the more puzzling and mysterious it becomes.  Modern day leadership experts continue to highlight the importance of developing leadership values along with the understanding of systemic leadership techniques.  The shift from people control to group empowerment is a common theme in today’s contemporary leadership training; ultimately, the welfare of the people is the primary concern.  The process becomes equally as important as the product. 


This article will be continued in future entries featuring the following sub-chapters:

* CHARACTER TRAITS OF A STUDENT LEADER
A view of the six character traits desirable (and necessary) for the selection of the leader candidate. 

* A PARADIGM SHIFT FOR TODAY’S LEADERS
The emphasis on intrinsic motivation as opposed to extrinsic rewards becomes the charge for every young leader; to this end, the expectations of the leader are outlined in a clear and concise approach.

* THE PERSONAL VALUES OF A STUDENT LEADER
Simply put, GIVING and FORGIVING become the key factors in creating a safe, encouraging, and challenging environment to foster the growth of the members of the band. 

* CHOOSING LEADERS:  MATURITY IS THE KEY
If there is one absolute in the leader-selection process, it is the measurement of the candidate’s maturity.  Is he/she prepared to assume the additional responsibilities and assigned tasks?  

* SOLUTION-DRIVEN LEADERS:  THE ULTIMATE CHOICE
Many people can recognize the problem, the successful leader is the person who offers the solution.  It is vitally important the student leader understands the key to quality is determined by the collective work ethic of his/her  followers.

Reading all these sub-chapters at one time may not be as valuable as looking at each one as a separate template of leadership training.  May I suggest you have your student leader candidates study these various areas of leadership development as they launch on their leadership journey; the benefactors of this exercise will be everyone. 

Strike up the band!


About the Aurhor: Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser