What is leadership and social justice?

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Some gifted and 2e children are not liked by their peers because they are bossy or domineering. They don't intentionally irritate their peers - they are simply strong-willed and have lots of enthusiasm and energy for their new ideas or new game. It is possible to take this passion and help you child to develop leadership skills. 

Matthews (2004) defined common themes that characterize youth leadership:

   (a) its social nature - expressed through relationships and exertion of interpersonal influence;

   (b) it's developmental aspects - appear more central to young leaders than among adults and involve 

building general and task-specific skills;

   (c) its particular context - including organizational setting, surrounding individuals, and other external structural features that influence the ways individuals express their leadership abilities (p. 79).

Common Characteristics of Leadership (Johnsen, 2011, p. 21)

• Is well-organized
• Can do backwards planning
• Is visionary with a holistic view
• Is a problem finder
• Is able to see problems from multiple perspectives
• Adapts to new situations
• Can manipulate systems
• Is highly responsible; can be counted on
• Maintains on-task focus
• Is self-confident
• Is a persuasive communicator
• Has a cooperative attitude; works well in groups
• Participates in most social activities; enjoys being around other people
• Influences the behavior of others; recognized as a leader by peers
• Is respected, liked, or both by others
• Is aware of verbal and nonverbal cues; has sophisticated interpersonal skills
• Is emotionally stable
• Is willing to take risks

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