Leadership, teambuilding, and communication are all key elements that lead to successful leaders. The following activities help students develop these skills.

 To effectively lead several leadership activities in class for all students to participate in, to teach them communication, teamwork, and the qualities of being a good leader.  Communication skills are essential for both effective leadership and good teamwork. Those in a team have to know each other's views, strengths and weaknesses so as to be able to work together. For this, they need to communicate. Communication games form a part of leadership activities because leaders need to possess communication skills to be able to lead a team effectively. Team Building activities demonstrate that difficult problems can usually be solved through teamwork, collaboration, and taking them one step at a time.

Activity 1 February 15th Activity 2 February 22nd Activity 3 & 4March 14th Activity 5 & 6March 28th Activity 7 & 8April 4th

On-line survey for the first two activities In-class survey immediately following completion of the last activities. The In-class survey worked the best because a larger audience was reached, which led to more participation and feedback.

River Crossing – Favorite(65 pts) Indian Poker & One Minute Praise - Second(54 pts) Change Change – Close Third(53 pts) Tangled – Fourth(46 pts) Standing Up – Least Favorite(26 pts)

1st Activity Silence (Intended to bring out leadership capabilities) 2nd ActivityUses For A (Creativity, Problem Solving, Strategic Planning) 3rd ActivityChange Change (Team Building Activity) 4th ActivityOne Minute Praise (Demonstrate how quick and easy it is to give positive feedback) 5th ActivityTangled (Demonstrate as a leader how quick and easy it is to give positive feedback) 6th ActivityStanding Up 7th ActivityIndian Poker (To observe trust, honesty, and bluffing in a group setting) 8th ActivityRiver Crossing (Cultivate team dynamics in a competitive setting)

Good communication skills Communication is the key to be a great leader. The reason for this is simple: if one possesses all the other qualities, but fails to communicate well, one has a little chance of being a good leader. Communication helps in passing on valuable information, motivation, healthy criticism, and above all a clear idea on what the team is aspiring to do. Honesty The most valuable asset of a leader is honesty. He must be honest with both his followers. This quality is closely related to integrity. Once a leader compromises his or her integrity, it is lost. That is perhaps the reason integrity is considered the most admirable trait. The leaders therefore must keep it "above all else.” Ability to make decisions Although, there are a lot of advisors and analysts who help a leader with some valuable inputs on what action needs to be taken, the sails are always in the skipper's hands. The leader has to decide whether he wants to go for or against a plan. The call is his, and he has to accept appreciation or brickbats, whatever come his way after the decision is made. Ability to motivate people A good leader must always keep motivating his teammates for good work and strive towards maintaining a healthy environment. In a crisis situation, the morale and spirit takes a hard-hit, and it is the leader who has to motivate his team to fight against all odds.