Dear Members of the MJS Family,

I am often asked “Why did I put Leadership at the core of Milton Junior School?”. Well, I believe there is more to leadership than simply ‘being in charge’ and that the qualities of a good leader are essential to leading a successful life.

We are all familiar with the definition of leadership “the action of leading a group or organisation”  but many of us only associate this definition with a position of power or authority. We don’t often stop to think of the ‘qualities’ that make up a good leader.

We see examples of leadership qualities in all walks of life – when someone steps up to the challenge of taking on a difficult task or who makes a difficult decision when no-one else will, the person who volunteers to do the task no one wants to do or chooses the right path over the easier path. I believe that these qualities are essential in guiding our children to be the best that they can be – responsible human beings with the attitude and skills to make our world a better place!

I encourage leadership development in all aspects of teaching at Milton Junior School and I would like to share some ideas of how you can support this process as a member of the MJS family.

1. Team activities

Is your child a member of a team? No doubt ‘team’ initially conjures up a sports team but I am referring to any club or society. We offer a range of extra-curricular activities so ask your child what they might enjoy and encourage them to give it a try.

Being involved in team actvities offers children the opportunity to observe the leader of their group. They learn how different personalities interact, how rules and guidelines are enforced, how conflict is resolved and how each member of the team is valued and respected. Being with their peers means they can observe these processes at their own pace and apply it to their immediate environment.

2. Strengthen negotiation abilities

 We all know that children like to push the boundaries when it comes to what is and isn’t allowed. Instead of simply stating yes or no, offer your child some alternative options. Rather than simply seeking permission from a parent or teacher, they can start to develop their negotiating skills to get the answer they really want! For older children, ask them for a solution. The ability to create imaginative solutions for problems in the future is essential for any leadership role.

3. Practice confident decision making

I’m sure we have all had the experience of feeling paralysed by too many options – sometimes it’s easier to make a decision when you only have two or three choices! It is the same for children. Help them to make decisions by narrowing their options to two or three and then allowing the child to choose freely between them. Guide your child through the good and bad outcomes of each choice – this shows them the process of decision making – and, most importantly, allow them to make their choice independently. The natural consequences of their actions will inform their future decision making. This will develop the skills necessary to confidently make the right decision in the future.

4. Encourage hard work

I believe discipline to be the cornerstone of success. A good leader knows the value of hard work and we need to ensure our children have realistic expectations of what it will take to achieve their goals. It is helpful to encourage them to set smaller goals as stepping stones to reaching their dreams. Be on hand to encourage them through the difficult days when their dreams feel too out of reach. Problem solving and finding solutions along the way increase a child’s sense of accomplishment, proud moments for both child and parents!

5. Instill optimism

As adults, we know that sometimes we just have to take a leap of faith and see what happens next! Fear of failure can be stifling but it is from failure that we learn some of our most valuable lessons. It is essential that our children understand the difference between optimism “to expect the best in everything” and pessimism “to expect the worst in everything” and to understand how to manage these thought processes. Encouraging them to frame their world in an optimistic way will develop a ‘can do’ attitude and motivate them to be the best versions of themselves!

 I know that not every student at Milton Junior School will become a leader in the traditional sense of leading a business or large group of people. However, I firmly believe that the development of leadership qualities through childhood will enable them to take control of their lives as they approach adulthood and become independent, self reliant and responsible members of our community.

Very best wishes

Tony Milton

Founder and Director