Learning to lead

Despite snowy conditions, 12 students from Barnes Wallis Academy found their way to RAF Cranwell for their fourth session of Blue Skies 2. This session was particularly focused on getting the young people to reflect on their own leadership preferences and development needs.

Since the first session, the young people have had many opinions about what makes a good leader, how one can be most effective, motivating and inspiring to their teams, but today putting the theory and perceived ideals into practice was put to the test. As a group they are very aware of how their own character and confidence impact them and their abilities to adopt the leadership role. Today was therefore a big session for development and reflection.

To begin the day Cpl Conwell began with a teamwork exercise where each member of the team had to touch the ball in turn and say their name as quickly as possible. Without a leader the group found they were talking over one another and lacked clear direction. A suitable plan was then put into place by nominated leader Charlie, once she had managed the group’s sharing of ideas. The challenge was then increased with the requirement for them all to touch a cup of water in turn without it spilling! The group re-thought their strategy but with the clear direction from a nominated leader the challenge was swiftly accomplished.

Discussing confidence communicating and asking questions, Charlie said:

“I find it easier to ask questions as a team member than as a leader at the minute.” Charlie, 14

Next, SAC Skerrett led a thought provoking session where the young people completed a questionnaire about what their preferred leadership style may be. This then developed by looking into the strengths and weaknesses of their style.  Further group discussions and presentations on what makes a good leader led to the conclusion that leaders need to be ADAPTABLE to the situation and needs of their group. Callum’s questionnaire revealed that he preferred a democratic style of leadership and when asked how he managed his team during a group discussion exercise said:

“I asked them who felt they had some good ideas for each aspect and sorted them that way.” Callum, 14

JETLO Nicola then led an MTA kit session where groups had to compete to build the tallest tower. This was not without a few stipulations: the leader was not permitted to touch the equipment and the team could only build and do what the leader wanted them to. Interestingly these rules brought about varying responses to the task, with some leaders taking it upon themselves to become quite authoritative, whilst others found ways to consult and use a lot of questioning. Each group experienced change as a different team member then became leader and had to find their own method of maintaining and helping the team complete the task. The task brought about lots of reflection on leadership, followership and respect; respect for a leader and their decisions and respect for team members and what they have the potential to contribute. The winning team with a height of 173cm included Brandon, Charlie and Sam – much taller than our JETLO Nicola!

Lunch in the Mess was followed by a thorough debrief with time to reflect upon one’s own ability to lead and receive and accept feedback. Sadly the snow prevented the afternoon’s Trim Trail activity and served an early departure for the students’ safe arrival back to school. However snowmen and snowballs were awaiting their return…!

“It’s good to see them outside of the school environment.” Accompanying teacher