The Importance of Leading with Kindness
July is a time when I tend to reflect on citizenship and the importance of freedoms, advocacy and civic engagement. This year, I have been thinking a great deal about the importance of leading with kindness.
Research shows that acting with kindness is an important quality in leaders. While it is not often a largely discussed quality in leaders, we know this to be true. Great leaders care about people and are thoughtful and compassionate in their actions that they take.
Thinking about leadership styles with your kids and having meaningful conversations about the leaders you embrace, value and respect helps kids to link strong leadership skills with values. This July, as you reflect on our nation, engage your kids in important civic conversations that link the importance and value of listening, reflecting, kindness, giving back and volunteering to leadership.
With gratitude,
—MiaLisa Millares, Executive Director
ACTION
Kindness.
Kindness is more important than ever. Here are some ways to share kindness this summer.
Opinions Matter.
In particular, the opinions of children matter. Teach your child to lead by sharing their opinion, so they know it's important to speak up on matters of significance. Check out this power of speaking up packet.
Appreciate Community Helpers.
One great thing that good leaders do is appreciate those around them. They remember to say thank you and to share in successess. Teach your kids appreciation by saying thank you to community helpers that work hard for our communities. Find a thank you template here.
Civic Engagement.
Broaden your child’s perspectives by giving back to the community. This guide helps you to make a difference in your community by laying out a 12-week program to activate citizenship.
Practice Civil Disagreeing.
Having respectful conversations feels sometimes like a lost art. Let’s re-engage in the practice of learning how to listen to one another in respectful and civil ways. Here are some resources to practice civil conversations.
Volunteer Together.
Spend some valued time with those you love volunteering for a cause that is important to your family! If you want to really engage the children, let the youth help decide what you want to volunteer for together! Check out our free volunteer listings.
CONVERSATIONS
Help kids understand the various roles and actions of leaders they see around them with these questions designed to get kids thinking.
What qualities do you think make someone a great leader?
Can you name a leader you admire and explain why you look up to them?
How do you think leaders make important decisions?
Why is it important for leaders to listen to the people around them?
How can kindness and respect help someone become a stronger leader?
Can you think of a time when you showed leadership at school or with your friends? What did you do?
Why do you think it’s important for leaders to give back to their community?
What does it mean to lead by example?
How can leaders handle disagreements or conflicts in a positive way?
Why is it important for leaders to accept feedback and learn from their mistakes?
READ
Sharice’s Big Voice: A Native Kid Becomes a Congresswoman by Sharice Davids
Sharice's true story of speaking up, staying determined, and using her voice to make change is full of hope and inspiration. It also has a strong message of service.
INSPIRATION
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has."
—Margaret Mead