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One of our aims in giving our children a Leadership education, is to instill in them a set of values and ethics that will stand them in good stead to become leaders of their generation.
Education
Firstly, and as explained elsewhere, we don't believe that the current US education system is geared to building leaders. The current ideal of 'No Child Left Behind' is a wonderful ideal to aim for - IF you are the child who might otherwise be left behind. But if you are a front-runner, you WILL be held back. A good analogy is a group of cyclists on a day out - the group has to move at the speed of the slowest cyclist, as otherwise everyone is strung out; the racers can end up miles ahead of the 'lantern rouge' (look, it's a technical cyclists term for the chap at the very rear with the red light).
We are building our children using the Seven Keys of Great Teaching, as taught by Oliver and Rachel DeMille in the book A Thomas Jefferson Education. These are:
- Classics, not Textbooks
- Mentors, not Professors
- Inspire, not Require
- Quality, not Conformity
- Structure Time, not Content
- Simplicity, not Complexity
- You, not Them (i.e, let them see you learning at the same time they are learning)
Note that there is nothing in there about 'Everyone at the same speed', or 'No Child Left Behind'. It's interesting to see how this list of seven keys can also be the basis of a set of values, along with the basic tenets of Honesty, Integrity and Loyalty.
In addition, we have incorporated the curriculum outlined in
The Well Trained Mind by Jessie Wise and Susan Wise Bauer. This has been a great inspiration in our home and the results have been incredible. For more information and ideas, check out our Homeschool Page.
Values
Our Values indicate what we consider really worthwhile. This is what draws our attention, captures our energy, and excites our imagination. Values motivate us, despite what might be politically correct or beneficial. Values indicate the things that are of VITAL importance (value) in getting our core needs met. Values influence how we see the world and relate to others, how we behave and ultimate how others behave around us.
Character
Our Character is the "REAL" person - the one we are when no one is looking. It is the result of our natural temperament, modified by childhood training, our education, environment and basic attitudes, values, beliefs, principles, habit patterns and motivations. Our character is made up of our mind, emotions and will.
Personality
It's rare for someone outside of close family to see Character in many people, as they try to mask their true character with their personality. In a few rare people, their Personality is an accurate reflection of their Character, but usually a persons Personality is 'what other people expect from us' - not our character, but the 'Politically correct' version of our character, which is what we think that the other people want to see.
In giving our children a set of values to use as a base, and expecting them to show true character (rather than 'personality') when in situations of conflict or temptation, we believe that we are building leaders.
Leadership
A leader is a person with values, temperament and character. Leaders use their personality to express themselves in their leadership role. If that personality does not accurately reflect their character, the result will be tension and stress internally, and mis-judgement externally. 'Walking the Talk' is something more than a trite saying for a true leader.
So, is it hard to live by a set of values and become a leader? Yes, very - if it were easier, there would be many more leaders. And don't make the mistake of confusing Leaders with Managers. A Manager can be made by training, and can leave the job behind at 5pm every day. A Leader is a more solitary animal, nurtured over many years, living the role 24 hours a day, because being seen to fall off the 'pedestal' of leadership will have ramifications both personally and professionally. Pete has written an excellent article on Leadership - you can read it here.