“Leadership is about taking responsibility, not making excuses” – Ratan Tata.
Leadership isn’t just for boardrooms and political arenas; it begins much earlier – often within the classroom walls. Leadership skills in students are to shape character, build confidence, and make a strong foundation for future success.
February 20 is National Leadership Day and is often celebrated in the top IB PYP schools. The day highlights the importance of leadership and its impact on the success of individuals and society.
Are leadership skills just for CEOs and politicians, or are the skills also essential for a student’s success? Let us explore why leadership skills are so important for students and their successful future.
The Core of Leadership: More Than Just Being in Charge
The biggest misconception about being a leader is about having authority or holding a title. However, true leadership is about responsibility, influence and action. The significance of leadership is to inspire others, make thoughtful decisions and create a positive impact on the surroundings.
When students learn to lead, they don’t just grow themselves but also guide others to achieve their dreams. Leadership skills also make students resilient, adaptable, and proactive learners.
Leadership Skills in a Student’s Life
1. Builds Confidence and Self-Esteem:
Leadership skills encourage students to step out of their comfort zones. Whether it is public speaking or leading a project, these opportunities build confidence in students. As students learn to trust their capabilities, their self-esteem also naturally grows. The developed confidence and self-esteem enhance their academic performance and social interactions.
2. Develops Communication Skills:
Many schools understand the leadership skills importance in developing excellent communication skills. Students learn how to express clearly, listen actively, adapt freely and value non-verbal communication with an understanding of empathy in conversations. These skills not only help in achieving academic excellence but also develop positive personal relationships and future workplaces.
3. Encourages Responsibility and Accountability:
Leadership skill teaches students to take ownership of their actions. It is not about blaming others but to step forward, take lead and find effective solutions to grow from the setbacks. The sense of responsibility promotes maturity and prepares students to handle all future challenges with integrity.
4. Fosters Teamwork and Collaboration:
A good leader knows and understands that success is rarely achieved alone. Through leadership skills, students discover the importance and power of teamwork. They learn the art of delegating, valuing diversity, and resolving conflicts. These experiences make students more collaborative and inclusive to succeed in today’s globalised society.
5. Develops Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills:
By taking leadership roles, students enhance their analytical skills and learn to evaluate and value different perspectives before making decisions. Quick thinking and strategic planning – these skills developed in the top international primary schools are invaluable in academics and beyond. These skills help students become more thoughtful and resourceful individuals for life.
The Role of Educators and Schools
Teachers and schools play an essential role in developing leadership skills among students. Recognised as the first Lighthouse School in Telangana, Glendale International School creates an environment that encourages and respects student’s voices. The school incorporates the globally renowned ‘Leader in Me’ programme based on Dr. Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
Glendale continues its commitment and dedicated efforts to nurture well-rounded individuals with the right skills, mindset, and values. The school’s continuous initiatives, like Leadership Day, reinforce its commitment to excellence, innovation, and community engagement.
The popular ePaper, The Hans India, also recognised Glendale’s efforts to cultivate leadership in students at every level.
The school prioritises student leadership skills to make their students capable changemakers – not just in the future, but today.
Leadership Day: A Platform for Growth and Preparing Students for Future
Glendale Academy hosted the Annual Leadership Day Celebrations with Honourable IT Minister Shri Duddilla Sridhar Babu as Chief Guest. The celebration started on April 5, 2025, from 10 AM to 5 PM, with many engaging and meaningful activities.
The celebration included a Student-Led Conference guided by the renowned life coach and Leader in Me expert Dr. Kannan. Students were given a platform to present their leadership journey and learning progress. The school also continued its commitment to community welfare with a Blood Donation Drive in association with Shadhan Institute of Medical Sciences.
The esteemed presence of Shri Duddilla Sridhar Babu, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Industries & Commerce, and Legislative Affairs, Telangana, graced the events.
“Leadership traits must be nurtured in students from school level: Minister Sridhar Babu.”
The celebration concluded with a Felicitation Ceremony recognising leaders from various walks of life.
Conclusion
Leadership is not a destination but a lifelong journey to develop the qualities of a student leader. Leadership Day is an important milestone to remind students of their potential and abilities. It encourages them to grow through experiences, reflections and actions.
By including leadership development into the student experience, Glendale prepares them for exams and to shape their future. Take the first step to make your child a leader by securing admission in preschool at Glendale Academy!
