Activities on How to Be a Leader

Team Building Activities

• The ability to foster teamwork is an important attribute for any leader. He or she must be able to organize the members of the team to work together toward the same goal. Team-building programs are activities that teach group members to work in unison. Team-building programs such as "Four Tables" and the "Ropes Course" develop various aspects of effective leadership. For example, "Four Tables" requires that one individual be able to delegate important tasks in a timely manner and direct his group to their goal. The "Ropes Course" is a series of obstacles that a team must complete while under the direction of selected leaders for each obstacle.
  
  

Leadership Conferences

• Leadership conferences are organized events featuring seminars that teach various aspects of leadership. The workshops are run by people who are considered leaders within their industries or subject areas. Leadership conferences cover such topics as effective communication and how to select your staff. Conferences can be open to the public or exclusively for members of specific groups. For example, the National Association of Black Journalists provides leadership and development conferences for its members. Research what organizations in your area offer leadership-development conferences. Some require a fee to attend while others are free.
  
  

Mentor Programs

• Mentor programs are leadership-development activities used to grow effective leaders. These programs help new employees gain valuable advice from experienced leaders within the organization. The mentors are selected from various managers and other upper-level staff members in leadership positions. The mentor relationship may involve informal lunches to discuss career directions or larger engagements such as networking events. Employees do not need to be involved with a company-sponsored mentor program to learn from more experienced colleagues. Mentor relationships can also be developed through personal networking.
  
  

Professional Organizations

• Professional organizations help individuals develop into more effective leaders. The groups offer positions that provide valuable leadership experience to members. For example, college Greek fraternities and sororities have leadership positions such as organization president, vice president and treasurer; each of which has specific responsibilities. Serving in these roles will develop leadership skills. Other benefits to joining professional organizations are a strong resume addition and networking opportunities in a specific field or work or study.