The ability to influence and support others in a positive manner for a common goal is one definition of a set of leadership skills. These skills and attitudes are ones that can be developed and used to influence the actions of others.

Youth leadership development programs, like 4-H, incorporate not only instruction, but also action. Youth are engaged in collaborative actions with a set of goals or outcomes in mind.

A positive youth development leadership program includes some of the following components: collaborative experiences, personal character development, mentoring, role modeling, cultural and citizenship experiences, communication, management, group leadership, formal education, and other significant life experiences.

• How are we doing in 4-H with creating these leadership experiences for our youth? Here are some tips that can further enhance 4-H members' leadership:
  
  1. Treat youth as individuals; recognize their gifts, talents, knowledge, and skills.
• 2. Don't expect more from a youth than you would from another adult.
• 3. Be careful about interrupting youth.
• 4. Cultivate many opportunities for youth to lead and teach.
• 5. Reward and celebrate each creative effort and contribution by a young person.
• 6. Slow down! Working too fast in a you-adult partnership may be viewed as trying to control a group's actions.

Source: VRKC: Volunteer Research Knowledge competency Taxonomy

• 
  For more information contact your local Extension Office.
  
  Carla Kidwell
  Extension Educator
  4-H Youth Development
  Purdue Extension - Warrick County
  107 W. Locust, Suite 111
  Boonville, IN 47601
  Phone: 812-897-6100
  E-Mail: kidwellc@purdue.edu