[November 23, 2019] Since the 80s of the 20th century, leadership has become the subject of sociological, psychological, and economic disciplines, exploring the ways and means of developing leadership qualities of the individual. Of course, sociology discipline studies this topic more deeply. Lots of sociology papers are written, and sociology projects are done on this topic because it is relevant nowadays.
In recent years, a special area of extracurricular work with students has been the development and implementation of leadership programs. Particular attention is paid to them in the system of work with students at US universities. Leadership, the need to develop leadership qualities are considered as one of the main tasks of US higher education.
Extracurricular, Community Work
Extracurricular, community work creates optimal conditions for the formation of leadership qualities of a young person. And in this case, leadership means social activity, or “active life position.” “Active life position” is extremely useful for a young American. First of all, employers are interested in such a position as a young specialist. It represents a guarantee of fresh ideas, innovative approaches, bold decisions, which has always ensured the development of the economy. In addition, these qualities are the basis for instilling managerial skills. The employer is interested in getting a potential manager. Therefore, all universities and colleges in the United States have special departments that offer a variety of leadership programs.
Most often, such departments fulfill the tasks of developing moral consciousness, leadership qualities, and the desire for voluntary service to society among students. (For example, the Center of Leadership Development.) It is believed that a person should possess these three qualities: an active life position, morality, and a desire to serve society.
Such centers offer a wide variety of programs for developing leadership skills, from the formation of a university team to participate in inter-university competitions in ethical debate and ending with special courses. Their students learn about volunteering, gain knowledge on how not to be afraid to take risks, plan for the future, get help from other people, develop cooperation, help other people, etc.
Volunteer Work
Serving the society is expressed primarily in the willingness to volunteer, which is extremely popular among American students. A future leader must harmoniously combine “management skills” and “obedience skills,” have developed empathy, and be sensitive to other people’s pain. A student can do what he or she has a great penchant for.
These are areas such as the environment (animals, recreation, disaster relief, cleaning the territory), health (donation, elderly people, people with disabilities, hospital assistance), upbringing/education (public school, extracurricular program, college, adult education), advocacy (voter registration, electoral assistance, activities related to the judicial, criminal system, publicity), homeless and starving (providing and organizing meals, collecting food, working in shelters), families and children (critical situations), campus (decoration, publicity), staff assistance, fundraising, etc.
The formation and development of leadership qualities of students involve targeted pedagogical activity in the educational process of the university. It results in positive qualitative changes in the leadership position of students, from the individual (self-assertion of individual leadership ambitions) to professional one (mastering professional management skills through the prism of personal leadership), contributing to improving the quality of general studying.
So, the question has to be asked, if the universities do not teach or encourage leadership development, then what?
Well-developed article, Mr. Longuire. I agree with your premise but I’m not so sure U.S. Higher Education is actually making any of this happen. Yeah, they might be “encouraging” students to volunteer but they are not giving them the skills nor are they following up to see how its working out. Strike this as a failure of momentous proportions.
Agree, but the failure of the US higher ed programs is not just there but at all levels. From K thru 12, there is a serious failure to develop thinking skills.
I agree with you Thornie that there should be a program to develop leadership in students. But that requires some level of self-responsibility before leadership can be developed appropriately. If, for example, you are a liar, thief, and scoundrel, you are likely not an ethical leader. Keep up your writing and I hope to see you back in Gen. Satterfield’s leadership pages in the future.
Yes, but (and this is a big but) colleges and universities have dropped this as their mission. If you look into how students are being taught, they are being taught WHAT to think, not HOW to think. This is no small difference. Thus, it is not surprise that higher ed administrators and professors see their new mission as turning out students just like them yet not able to function in the real world.
If the US educ system was designed to teach leadership and they actually did it, we would be better off all around. Thanks Ken. By the way, welcome on board this leadership blog by Gen. Satterfield.
Hi Thornie, I enjoyed your previous article also.
Me too, Thornie is doing a good job.
Yes, good job Thornie. Thanks for publishing here. General Satterfield has provided a forum for those who have an interest in leadership development and you are helping us stay on top of the field.
“Leadership, the need to develop leadership qualities are considered as one of the main tasks of US higher education.” I agree completely with you Thornie. But I also believe US higher ed has failed to deliver.