MODULE EIGHT

Leadership Skills

Objectives:
Participants will: Develop effective public speaking skills. Define the qualities of an effective leader. Be effective team leaders and team members. Understand how to effectively manage a project and their peers. Develop peer educator skills.

Presentation Skills
Adapted from: Core Curriculum Guidebook Project Jump Start AZ AHEC

The Verbal Element

Replace non-words (uh, uhmm) with pauses Use language that is simple and direct Use words that feel natural People remember what is said first and what is said last

The Visual Element Element

Stand erect with shoulders back, suggesting confidence and enthusiasm Use movement to add energy and variety Use eye contact to establish rapport Generally maintain eye contact for 4-5 seconds Gesturing adds emphasis

Visual Aids
Visual aids can be used to support main points, but:
Keep them out of sight until they are to be used They must be seen easily They should be simple and interesting When referring to a visual, face the participants

Other Skills
Be

flexible and adaptable to the group

Keep

presentation light and enjoyable

Excerpts from: Presentations and Facilitation skills Trainer manual. Center for substance abuse Prevention, 1992

Important qualities of a leader:

Honesty, integrity, and responsibility are important qualities in a leader. Effective leaders are also inspirational, caring, hard-working, self-aware, confident, adaptable, and service-oriented. They also have the ability to communicate well. And, they appreciate those who are under their leadership.

Skills inventory:
What are your strengths?

How can you use your strengths when working with others?
What areas need strengthening or improvement? How can you be aware of these areas when working with others?

What is peer education:

A peer is a person who belongs to the same social group as another person or group. The social group may be based on age, sex, sexual orientation, occupation,socioeconomic and/or health status, etc. Education refers to the development of a persons knowledge, attitudes, beliefs or behavior resulting from the learning process.
*Adapted from the Peer Education Training of Trainers manual UN Interagency Group on Young Peoples Health Development and Protection in Europe and Central Asia Sub-Committee on Peer Education

Where does peer education take place ?

Peer education can take place in small groups or through individual contact and in a variety of settings: in schools and universities, clubs, churches, workplaces, on the street or in a shelter, or wherever young people gather.
*Adapted from the Peer Education Training of Trainers manual UN Interagency Group on Young Peoples Health Development and Protection in Europe and Central Asia Sub-Committee on Peer Education

Why use peer education?

A young persons peer group has a great influence on the way he or she behaves.

Youth peer educators are less likely to be seen as authority figures preaching about how others should behave from a judgmental position.
Young people get a great deal of information from their peers on issues that are especially sensitive or culturally taboo. Peer education is also a way to empower young people: it offers them the opportunity to participate in activities that affect them and to access the information and services they need to protect their health.

*Adapted from the Peer Education Training of Trainers manual UN Interagency Group on Young Peoples Health Development and Protection in Europe and Central Asia Sub-Committee on Peer Education

What do good leaders do?

Help others Ask for help Motivate other people Achieve unity within their group Guide those who need guidance Establish goals and begin to work toward them Hold themselves accountable for their groups actions Listen to those they are leading

How do leaders lead?

They lead by example They lead because they have a passion to lead and passion for their cause They have good communication and listening skills They are aware of and deal with their strengths AND weaknesses

How do leaders learn?

Listen to those they work with. Step back from each experience to appreciate the lesson learned. Are open to change and improvements whether from peers or supervisors. Seek guidance and advice from a community or program leader.

Project management involves:

Setting goals. Being ready to take risks. Setting timelines. Sticking to the timelines. Evaluating the project. Modifying plans if necessary. Maintaining the groups motivation. Encouraging completion of the project. Thanking those involved when the project is completed.

Setting goals:
Your goals must be specific and clearly defined before beginning work. You must be able to measure the outcome of your goals. Your goals should be flexible and adaptable. Keep your goals realistic and attainable. Is your goal reachable within your time frame?

How a leader motivates others:

Utilize an individuals natural talents when assigning tasks. Understand that everyone does not have the same strengths. Make people feel as though they are contributing something unique to the group. Make people feel as though their time and efforts are valued. Make people feel appreciated for the job they have done.

Effective leaders motivate by:

Making suggestions, not demands. Making sure everyone is contributing. Making sure others understand all viewpoints and the details of what is being said.

Problem solving:
First, create a comfortable atmosphere. Determine and clarify the problem and issues. Make sure everyone is aware of the problem. Plan a solution as a group. Have everyone agree on the solution and ensure their pledge to working toward it. Implement the plan as a group. Evaluate the solution as a group. Determine how to avoid new conflicts in the future.

How do leaders improve their leadership skills?

By LISTENING to suggestions of those they work with. By constantly reviewing their own skills and work. By being open to constructive criticism. By continuing to read and educate themselves on what it means to be a good leader.

Who is a leader?
YOU ARE!

Qualities of a Peer Educator:

Openness Honesty Confidence Committed to researching facts Maintains confidentiality

How to be a Peer Educator:

Have knowledge of the subject you will be discussing. Research the topics you are interested in or already have experience with. Dont be afraid to admit you dont know something or to have to research something new. Be confident in your ability to discuss personal, private, social, and ethical issues that affect yourself and your peers. Be able to lead a free, open, and HONEST conversation on the topic you will be discussing.

Resources for the Peer Educator:

Libraries Schools Teachers World Wide Web Your local Area Health Education Center Textbooks Parents

Summary: Congratulations on completing all 3 tiers of the Health Service Corps!

You should be very proud of yourself!