While “leadership” is a common term, how many people have a real understanding of it and can be an effective leader? The leadership skills development 4-H project area is designed for youth to identify and achieve the skills needed to be a good leader. These skills can be developed through experience in a group setting or leadership position or by participating in activities focusing on communication, organization, responsibility, and teamwork.
Ages and Stages of Youth Development
Beginners
Plan and lead a fun activity for your local 4-H club. Look for and participate in activities to work on responsibility, teamwork, and communication/public speaking. Teach another member about a new project area or skill.
Juniors
Run for office in your local 4-H club or join your county 4-H junior leaders group. Identify characteristics of a good leader. Give a public presentation. Learn parliamentary procedure and skills in decision making.
Seniors
Apply for the State 4-H Ambassador program. Attend a leadership camp or workshop. Learn about different leadership styles and identifying strengths/weaknesses. Build on interview and communication skills. Teach a workshop for 4-H members.
4-H Programming Priorities
Leadership
Take advantage of any opportunity to lead. You don’t have to hold an elected position; lead a service project or serve on a committee or team.
Health & Wellness
Pledge your health to better living. Be a role model for healthy lifestyles by promoting healthy habits, a balanced diet, and the importance of physical activity.
Science
Learn about the 4-H National Youth Science Day and lead a team to participate in the challenge.
Agriculture
Use your leadership skills to communicate about and promote the agriculture industry.
Get Involved
Youth Voice
- Speak about parliamentary procedure to be used in 4-H club meetings
- Demonstrate skills in communication, decision-making, and goal setting
Community Service
- Assess community needs, then plan and lead a service project according to those needs
- Lead team building activities for your 4-H club
Career Connections
- Sales
- Human resources
- Entrepreneurship
- Retail
- General management
Exhibit Ideas
- Display describing different leadership styles
- Scrapbook of leadership positions you’ve held
- Poster on parliamentary procedure
- Display describing a community service project you coordinated
- Written goals for developing your leadership skills
