Interpersonal Skills Leadership Activity

Objective:

Students will be able to understand the importance of understanding others and will be able to describe personal traits that allow them to establish more effective relationships with other people.

Overview:

A successful student leadership program thrives on the ability of students relationships with one another. A comprehensive ASB program works diligently to provide meaningful activities for all students. Most schools are a microcosm of society filled with different cultural, religious, and personal beliefs. Being able to move beyond simply coexisting, relies greatly on the students’ ability to create meaningful relationships. 

1)       The first step towards building successful relationships is for the student leadership team to get to know the student body they represent. Take time to find out interests, likes, dislikes, values, etc… Students can easily accomplish this by taking time to introduce themselves to someone outside their own peer group or by conducting both formal and informal surveys.

2)       Step two is comprised of observing other students’ behaviors. How do certain people react to others? Why does one person volunteer for the Brunch Activity and another does not? Is there another way to communicate with that person? Remember, a good ASB program works to build activities for all students, not just the same 50 popular students over and over again.

3)       Step three involves the student leadership’s team ability to understand various types of body language. For example, a student who is being pushed by her friends to do an activity but is fighting them off the whole time is clearly communicating that he/she does not want to partake in the activity. Conversely, a student who is making eye contact or is showing general overall enthusiasm towards the activity may just be begging for his/her 15 minutes of fame.

 Once students have taken the time to get to know others, it is equally important for the student leadership team to model personal traits that warrant a meaningful relationship. The student leadership team must:

 1)       Demonstrate personal ethics (trustworthiness)

2)       Be creative (Use imagination to find new ways to get others involved)

3)       Take initiative (Do what needs to be done without having to be asked)

4)       Act responsibly (Being accountable for your actions and doing your job)

5)       Have a positive attitude (See the good in others, show interest, have enthusiasm)

6)       Demonstrate self control (Slow to anger and to react, builds confidence)

7)       Be open to change (Listen to feedback and don’t disregard good advice over pride)

8)       Exude self esteem (Treat others with respect to help build their self esteem.)

9)       Take time to listen (Understand other people’s problems, points of view, and opinions. Empathy will help you gain respect from others.)

 Student leaders need to understand that the aforementioned personal traits are instrumental to effective leadership, and more importantly, are effective traits to embody throughout their lives. A good leader works tirelessly helping others find their self worth. 

Exercise:

1)       Have the student list examples of different types of body language. Next to each listed item, have the students indicate if the body language is associated with a shy person, an angry person, defensive person, confident person, or a person with low self-esteem.

2)       Allow students the opportunity to interview two students who they do not know. Possible interview questions may include:

a)       What are your hobbies?

b)      What type of music do you listen to?

c)       Does your family have any fun traditions or celebrations?

d)      What are two new things you would like to see at our school?

e)       What school activities do you like the best and the worst?

f)        What clubs or organizations may you like to get involved in while in school?

g)      Who is your favorite teacher?

h)       What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream?

Conclusion:

Allow your student leadership team to digest and analyze the information they have gathered. Think of ways to take this information and incorporate it into some of your upcoming activities.

SHARE YOUR STUDENT ACTIVITY IDEAS

Share your student activity and leadership ideas! This site is intended to be an idea share resource for middle school / high school student body presidents, student councils, activities directors, school advisors and student leaders nation-wide. Tell us how we can make this guide more helpful to you. Send us tips on how we can improve this free online resource or convey us your very own student activities! Please submit your student activity and leadership ideas below!