Theme for Leadership Training - Back to Basics

By Stephanie Harbin

This article advocates back to basics as a leadership training theme. Why back to basics? Sometimes we stray from what matters most and fall off course. Consequently, momentum is lost. Back to basics, nevertheless, accentuates the core. You're challenged to revisit and acknowledge what matters most.

At length, the relevance of the theme in various settings is discussed along with strategies to employ it. You're bound to walk away with fresh ideas on how to use a common but noteworthy subject.

Back to Basics in Education

What an appropriate topic for school leaders. Even though we have advanced technologically, we've produced a generation of youth who lack critical thinking and problem solving skills. They've been trained to push buttons and use calculators.

When I was a youngster, my teachers hammered math and reading. They taught reading lessons around subjects like science or social studies. By the way, we did math drills at the blackboard, without calculators. The girls competed against the boys.

Equally important, vocational education deserves more attention. The reality is that all kids are not going to college. Despite the urge to steer youth in this direction, it is the wrong move. The trades, however, equip youth with valuable skills that command pay that often exceeds what a college graduate earns.

Along with the trades, school leaders have got to increase programs geared towards business. Stir up the creative juices of youth. Untapped potential will spill over into prosperous enterprises. As a country, we have gotten away from what made us great - inventing, building businesses, producing.

Back to Basics in the Family

Conversely, families have lost their way. In many cases, the blind are leading the blind. As leaders of the family, parents benefit from going back to the basics. Well, what are the basics in a family? How about respect, love, discipline, responsibility, faith, and self-control to name a few?

Parents are raising future leaders. What they deposit into youth is what's going to come out. Help them to give kids the right stuff (values, a sense of responsibility, a work ethic, respect for self and others)- not just material things that lose value.

Back to Basics in Religion

It is paramount that the church returns to the basics. A concerted effort must be mounted to go back to the teachings of Jesus and to reach the lost. In short, the thrust must be the B.I.B.L.E. Although the Word directs us to carry the message to the ends of the earth, I think we need to carry it next door, down the street, and around the corner.

Back to Basics in the Workplace

Like the aforementioned, the workplace is prime for Back to Basics Leadership Training. It will revive people and organizations. Leaders in many instances have lowered their standards and expectations. As a result, mediocrity has flourished.

Even getting workers to respect each other has fallen by the wayside. For instance, a woman was in her office and a co-worker was blasting music causing a disruption. The former requested that her supervisor ask the person to turn the music down. Instead the supervisor told the person making the complaint to close her door.

Back to Basics in Government

Finally, government has much to gain by going back to the basics. Sometimes I think our leaders have lost their way. What happened to teamwork? More time seems to be spent fighting and attacking. By the way, it sets a tone for the country. And, a country divided cannot stand.

You're invited to visit    https://www.everythingleadership.store to receive a FREE special report on resources for parents, educators, facilitators, and trainers. Stephanie Harbin, a motivational speaker and training specialist has developed and presented a wide range of programs for business, government, educational institutions, and nonprofits. Her focus is on leadership, strategy, training, career and personal development.