Figuring out how to notice leadership in your teen can feel so overwhelming, but you’re not alone! Check out these 5 Fresh Tips to help notice leadership in your teen with teen leadership coach Lorraine Connell.

You can learn more about Lorraine Connell on her Fresh Starts Profile.

1. Notice the Small Moments of Initiative: Leadership isn’t always loud. Pay attention to when a teen takes action without being asked—whether it's helping a peer, asking thoughtful questions, or problem-solving on their own. These moments reveal natural leadership tendencies that often go unnoticed.
2. Encourage Decision-Making: Give teens the space to make choices and own the outcomes. Whether it’s picking their classes for next year, leading a group discussion, or making a personal decision, every choice builds confidence in their ability to lead.
3. Redefine Leadership Beyond Popularity: Many teens (and adults) think leaders are only the loudest, most outgoing, or the ones with titles. True leadership comes in many forms—from quiet resilience to leading by example. Help teens see leadership in themselves by pointing out strengths like empathy, problem-solving, and persistence.
4. Celebrate Mistakes as Learning Opportunities: Teens often fear failure, but mistakes are where real leadership growth happens. When they try, fail, and try again, they build resilience. Encourage reflection by asking, “What did you learn from this?” instead of focusing on what went wrong.
5. Give Them Opportunities to Lead in Everyday Situations: Leadership isn’t just for student council or team captains. It happens in group projects, family settings, friendships, and online spaces. Ask them, “How can you lead in your own way today?” and watch their confidence grow!

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