In each of our lifetimes, we will occasionally be faced with situations requiring someone to step up to the plate and take charge. It could be an unexpected challenge, such as navigating a group’s way back to the beaten track after walking off course, or it could be taking ownership of a complex project at work and project managing it to completion. Whatever the circumstances, someone having the ability to take control and lead the way is crucial. That’s why schools and cadets organisations often focus on helping young people develop leadership skills: they build confidence in problem solving and collaboration, and pave pathways into successful careers.
So how do you build leadership skills as a cadet? In this article, we’re looking at what makes an effective leader and naming four ways to build leadership skills in the Australian Cadet Corps.
One of the most important qualities of effective leadership is the ability to stay calm and think proactively when those around them become stressed or lose their way. The fact is that uncertainty and unfamiliar environments can be distressing for anyone, but you need a clear mind to make the best decisions.
While some people are naturally good at staying calm when things get tough, you can also build this leadership skill by exposing yourself to new situations and experiences. So, make the most of the opportunities you have as a cadet! Try different activities like orienteering, playing a new game, or trying out a flight simulator program to build resilience to stress and uncertainty.
Words aren’t the only way we communicate. Our body language also speaks volumes about how we feel and interact in situations. For example, people who are slouched, looking at their hands and fidgeting restlessly generally appear nervous to us. On the other hand, people who stand tall, hold their shoulders back and make eye contact appear more confident. That’s why using powerful, confident body language is important for leaders.
A great way to improve your body language is to participate in drill. You can both observe the body language of more senior officers and improve your posture and stance through practice.
Leadership might be about taking charge in a group situation, but being a team player is an important part of leadership too. This means thinking and acting in the whole team’s best interests rather than your own.
Participating in team sports can help you get into the frame of mind of a team player. Work on collaborating to score that point, and encourage others to work together to achieve better outcomes.
If you aren’t able to hear what others on your team are struggling with, you can’t help them overcome the challenge. The same goes with listening to what they’re succeeding with: if you can’t take in the knowledge and ideas of others, you could miss out on important insights. That’s why listening is a crucial leadership skill.
Practise your listening skills by participating in drill practice, or trying out a lesson from our aviation courses such as Air Traffic Control radio communication.
Ready to grow and strengthen your leadership skills as a cadet? Find your nearest ACC squadron and start becoming tomorrow’s leader, today!
