ABSTRACT
The term "leadership" has many definitions, but generally those definitions have the following characteristics in common: the ability to inspire and influence people. Regardless of the leader's breadth of influence, all the executive function skills are critical in supporting the development of leadership skills; however, they combine into the super-skills of empathy, confidence, vision, courage, integrity, intuition, and systems-thinking. For many students, executive function skills are strengthening at home or through daycare centers and preschools before they begin kindergarten. Assuming they live in socially and emotionally healthy environments, these students may exhibit confidence. Students need confidence and courage in attempting more difficult academic challenges. Vision will help them persist in their academic pursuits. empathy, intuition, and systems thinking are key skills for problem-solving. Integrity will steer them toward putting in the time and energy to mastering content.
