The start of a new school year always feels like a fresh page: new classes, new notebooks, new routines. But if you’re stepping into a role as a class officer, club president, or team captain, it’s more than that. It’s the beginning of your leadership season.
I’m still figuring out what leadership really means. I don’t have it all nailed down, but here are a few things I’ve tried or seen in other strong leaders that might help as you start your year.
1. Define your team’s purpose
When I’ve been part of groups that really worked, they started by answering some basic questions:
- What’s our main goal this semester?
- What does success look like for us?
- Why does this group matter, and how can we make it more meaningful this year?
I’ve noticed that once people are clear on the “why,” everything else, like planning, decisions, and even motivation, falls into place more easily.
2. Make a simple plan
I’m not a big fan of super-detailed plans, but I’ve learned that even a basic one helps. A good approach is to set up a shared calendar or document where everyone can:
- Add important dates (meetings, games, fundraisers)
- See who’s responsible for what
- Build in prep time so you’re not rushing at the last minute
Even a rough outline shows the group you’re serious about staying organized.
3. Set the tone with communication
One thing I’ve seen good leaders do is communicate early and consistently. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just use whatever platform your team already checks.
At the start of the year, I like to send a quick message with:
- Our goals for the semester
- Key upcoming dates
- A reminder that questions and ideas are always welcome
It sets the tone: “We’re in this together, and I want to hear from you.”
4. Invite others to lead
This is something I’m still working on. My first instinct is to do everything myself, but I’ve noticed the best leaders make space for others.
Asking for volunteers, giving people small jobs, and matching tasks to strengths doesn’t just help you. It helps the whole group feel included and capable.
5. Pause and reflect
Life gets busy fast, and leadership adds another layer. I try to pause every couple of weeks to ask myself:
- What’s working well?
- What feels off?
- What adjustments might help?
Leadership isn’t about being perfect. It’s about paying attention, adjusting, and growing into the role.
6. Work with your advisor or coach
Behind every student leader there’s usually an adult (an advisor, teacher, or coach) who’s there to support the group. I think it makes a big difference to treat them like a partner:
- Communicate early. Share your plans and timelines so they know what’s ahead.
- Respect their time. Show up prepared and keep things focused.
- Ask for feedback. They’ve seen what works and what doesn’t.
- Take ownership. This is your group—you should be running it. Use their guidance, but don’t expect them to do the work for you.
- Show appreciation. A quick thank-you goes a long way.
When you build a good relationship with your advisor or coach, it makes leading your group a lot easier and a lot more rewarding.
Final thought
I’m learning that you don’t need all the answers to be a good leader. If you lead with intention, keep yourself somewhat organized, and support your team, people will notice, and they’ll follow your example. That’s how you make the year stronger for everyone.
FOR PARENTS >>>
Supporting your teen in a leadership role
When your teen steps into a leadership role, they’re gaining more than a title—they’re practicing skills that will serve them for life. Here are a few simple ways to support them:
- Ask, don’t direct. Try questions like “What’s your next event?” or “How’s your team feeling about the plan?” It shows interest without taking over.
- Encourage reflection. When something goes well (or doesn’t), help them think through what they learned. Leadership is all about growth.
- Celebrate effort, not just outcomes. Did they stay calm under pressure? Did they take initiative? These small wins build big confidence.
- Give space to lead. Even if things aren’t done exactly how you’d do them, let them take ownership. The experience matters more than perfection.
Teens grow a lot when they lead, and even more when they know they’re supported along the way.
Sources and further reading
- ACT. (n.d.). 8 habits of successful student leaders. ACT. https://www.act.org/content/act/en/blog/8-habits-of-successful-student-leaders.html
- Boys & Girls Clubs of America. (2022). Raising a leader: 10 leadership skills for kids to develop. BGCA. https://www.bgca.org/news-stories/2022/June/raising-a-leader
- Covey, S. (2014). The 7 habits of highly effective teens. Simon & Schuster. https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-7-Habits-of-Highly-Effective-Teens/Sean-Covey/9781476764665
- The Global College. (2023). How to learn leadership skills as a teenager. The Global College. https://www.theglobalcollege.com/how-to-learn-leadership-skills-as-a-teenager/
