The inspiration behind

Authentic Teen Leadership

We would never imagine giving a student the lead in the school play, an athlete a starting position on a team, or a field commander the honor of leading the band without a season of equipping and preparing.

Then why should we expect teen leaders to lead without preparing them to be educated, equipped, and engaged in leadership on the road to empowerment?

We understand students need to be shown the right attitude, motives, and passion, and taught the skills to excel.

That is why I wrote this book.

·   I believe teens have amazing abilities to be great leaders. They need to develop their own vision, mission, and a strategy as they begin.

·   Too often, students have been given titles and responsibilities of leadership without adequate preparation and coaching.

·   Throughout this book, you will learn about building a winning culture. You will read stories about leadership success, overcoming obstacles, and successful student initiatives.

·   This book will be the most help if you take time to stop and think about your potential as a leader.

·   Write things down, take notes, and most of all, talk to others about leadership as often as possible, especially after each topic.

·   “Leadership Reflections” throughout the book help you to take breaks from reading and start thinking about different aspects of yourself as a leader.

·   Since becoming a leader is a process, take time everyday to think and study and learn about leadership.

·   You will read stories about leadership success, overcoming obstacles, and successful student initiatives. These will be told through journal entries from myself (Coach Nygren), my co-author Lorien, and many other amazing contributors.