Symphony Question: What is the most important characteristic for a world leader to have?

“"Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other."

-John F. Kennedy

This past week we posed a Symphony Question focusing on leadership. With the US Presidential Elections being held, and as of writing this still on going, the question of what type of person should be leading seems to be on everyone’s mind. Particularly, we wanted to hear what young people had to say about leadership and their thoughts on what is the most important characteristic for a leader to have. Giving students the opportunity to articulate their thoughts when such a closely watched event is happening is extremely important to us, and we were pleased to see that teachers around the country used this Symphony Question to foster meaningful discussions in their classrooms.

After, what we are sure were great discussions, this is what young people had to say is important in a world leader …

Question: What is the most important characteristic for a world leader to have?

Primary result:

Result: Listening and being a team player is key to leadership

Of all the options posed, young people around the country were very clear that they believe being a good listener makes a good leader. Following closely is the ability to be a good team player.

28% of students said that being able to listen, and being good at listening, is the most important quality in a good leader, 27% were keen on being a good team player. And, not to be discounted, 23% of students highlighted the importance of being friendly.

Young people have spoken, and there can be no doubt about the result.

What can we learn from these results?

The next generation of voters and their values

Seeing these results, we at Smart School Councils feel very encouraged by the next generation. What matters to the future voters of the world is having a leader who listens, who works well with others, and who is friendly. Those are such important characteristics, that sometimes seem to be missing in today’s politicians and world leaders.

There is no doubt in our minds that the coming generation will lead by example.

Should families spend this Christmas together?

With new restrictions coming in to place, and the rise of Covid-19 cases across the nation, there is particularly anxiety around health and the holidays. To ensure that young people are having a chance to not only articulate how they’re feeling about the holidays, but also to engage in meaningful discussions, were asking whether or not they think families should spend Christmas together. It is important to hear what students are thinking when it comes to this question that is continuing to come up nationally as December approaches.

Following the successful trial of this form in our General Election Question Series, for 2020 we’ll be recommending a blend of action-led & topical questions to ask each week.

Want to get involved or suggest a question? Send us an email at [email protected]