How Hong Kong schools are mentoring the leaders of the future through opportunities to practise the skills in clubs, workshops, assemblies – even Model United Nations

Leadership training isn’t about learning to be the boss, but about developing attributes and attitudes that enable teams to perform well

Duff Douglas, at the Canadian International School, says they have ‘a moral obligation to equip our students with the skills and qualities to lead effectively’

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Even primary-age students, like these at the German Swiss International School, can benefit from basic leadership skills. Photo: Handout

Published: 11:00am, 1 Mar 2023

The concept of leadership clearly means different things to different people. For some, it is all about having the organisational skills to set targets, run teams, overcome challenges and achieve results.

For others, what counts more is the interpersonal aspect, in essence the communication and listening skills, plus the moral qualities and standing, to get the best out of others, whatever the situation calls for, and in doing so to serve as both example and inspiration.

Of course, when schools in Hong Kong talk about developing tomorrow’s leaders – a regularly occurring theme in their discussions with parents and students – they are in effect using the phrase as shorthand to cover all of the above.

In a borrowing from the world of business, they have adopted leadership as the catch-all term to cover the teaching of those nebulous yet vital elements which should be part of every curriculum.

Teachers at Malvern College Hong Kong view good leaders as those who serve their community – such as by asking tough questions on behalf of others – rather than simply building one’s own reputation. Photo: SCMP

These range from taking responsibility to cooperating with others, from effective planning to being involved in the community and in no doubt about what is right.