Florida 4-H Grows Leaders

Leaders – Born or Made?

Many of us have heard the saying, “oh, that young man or woman is such a natural born leader.”  But are leaders born that way, or do they develop into leaders?  These Gadsden County delegates took advantage of 4-H University this summer – an awesome Florida 4-H state event designed to grow leadership skills. Many of them have also served as volunteer 4-H camp counselors during the summer.  They understand that leaders are developed and not born.

What Defines a Leader?

Sometimes people confuse charisma with leadership abilities. Charisma is a special magnetic charm or appeal (Merriam-Webster Dictionary).  Many of our local to national leaders have some level of charisma.  In addition to charisma, leaders should have the more important skills such as communication, problem solving, critical thinking, managing, and self-awareness.  There are many definitions for leadership because there is no universal definition.  Leadership involves a process while a leader is the one who carries out the process.

How Does 4-H Unlock Your Leadership Potential?

One of my favorite teaching tools used to develop my Gadsden County 4-H leaders is the “Unlock Your Leadership Potential” by UF/IFAS Extension.  It has influenced how I would define a leader. The overall goal of a good leader is to move the group or organization toward its goals while building a sense of togetherness and well-being.

Florida 4-H grows leaders at the club, county, district, and state levels by creating safe and nurturing environments and providing quality experiences. Knowledge and skills are great, but being able to apply them through experience is what fortifies and matures youth as well as increases their confidence. The 4-H slogan, “Learn by Doing”, is why the 4-H Experiential model is important to UF/IFAS-Extension 4-H Youth Development Program.  The more active the youth and the duration of a their engagements in 4-H positive youth development the greater the benefits not just for them but also their communities (2013, National 4-H Council).  It takes a whole team of Extension professionals, staff, 4-H Seniors, and volunteers to make the “magic” happen.

Call to Action:

1. Begin the journey as a youth or volunteer: http://florida4h.org/getinvolved/
2. Engage in local and state 4-H programs: http://florida4h.org/programsandevents_/
3. Give to Florida 4-H: https://www.uff.ufl.edu/give-now/?fund_id=003603
4. Read and share the other great blogs by my colleagues here: https://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/4hn/
5. Join the “30 Days of Doing” 4-H Movement: https://4-h.org/inspire-kids-to-do/

References and Further Reading:

• Rutledge. J and et. All (1997). Unlock Your Leadership Potential. UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, Florida.
• 4-H Experiential Learning Model
• The Positive Development of Youth:  Comprehensive Findings form the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development