There are definitely two sides to the on-going debate as to whether great leaders are born or made. Here’s where we, at SuperCamp, fall on this issue.
Yes, certain people are born with, or intrinsically develop, various traits that help them become good leaders. However, for the most part, we share the opinion of legendary football coach, Vince Lombardi, who famously said:
“Leaders are made, they are not born. They are made by hard effort, which is the price which all of us must pay to achieve any goal that is worthwhile.”
SuperCamp instills many of the critical traits and behaviors that help our graduates evolve into great leaders. Let’s take a closer look.
Confidence and High Self-esteem
Students at SuperCamp gain confidence both from the new skills they learn and the success they experience at camp applying these skills in a supportive environment in which they receive productive feedback on how to perform at an even high level. In turn, these positive results help students to believe in themselves and increase their self-esteem.
Strong Character and Ethics
Learning and practicing the 8 Keys of Excellence at SuperCamp and carrying them forward beyond camp as principles to live by gives students the basis to build a strong character and ethics. Not all leaders necessarily have good character and impeccable ethics, but great leaders do exhibit these qualities.
Articulate and Good Listener
Political preferences aside, most people would agree that Ronald Reagan was a great leader as President of the United States. It’s not a coincidence that he was called “The Great Communicator.” Great leaders are going to be strong communicators who can connect with people through strong interpersonal skills, including being good listeners. At SuperCamp, we teach students several communication and listening skills that they can apply immediately in school and throughout their personal and professional lives.
Focused, Driven and Motivated
At SuperCamp, it begins by instilling a love of learning in students. In turn, this produces self-motivated learners. We teach students about setting goals and, equally as important, how to overcome barriers in life, school, and work that can impede their ability or conviction to achieve goals. They experience success moments as they move out of their comfort zones and break through barriers, which helps inspire them with the knowledge that through hard work and commitment, they can achieve their goals.
Critical Thinker
Critical Thinking is defined as the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action. If this sounds like something a leader can do, you’re right. We show students at SuperCamp that success requires more than basic knowledge of facts; it also involves the ability to process information and interpret outcomes from past experience to effectively problem solve in the moment. Acquiring this critical thinking skill enables our graduates to distinguish themselves from others.
Role Model and Mentor
Students who return to SuperCamp learn more specific leadership skills and get the opportunity to mentor other students. In our Junior Forum and Senior Forum programs, returning students can be part of the Leadership Track, which incorporates specific leadership skills training that help them develop their personal leadership style. Students who complete the Senior Forum Leadership Track can return to be on the Leadership Team, where they model their personal leadership style while learning how to empower themselves and others.
Summary
The skills learned and qualities gained at SuperCamp certainly position our grads well for leadership roles in the future, whether it be a leadership role in business, politics, the community, charities, or other organizations.