Write the words “Great Leaders” on the whiteboard. As your students enter and settle in, engage in conversation about who they think the greatest leaders (past or present) in the world are. Have the students write down the names of the leader(s) on the board while you discuss.
Defining great leadership can be difficult because we may all have different ideas about who makes a good leader and what leadership traits are effective. Let’s watch a video from leadership expert Simon Sinek to see what he has to say about good leadership. While we watch, try to notice what characteristics he seems to value in a leader.
Share this video with your students [5:24]:
Leadership Explained in 5 minutes by Simon Sinek
- What did Simon Sinek say is important for leaders to be effective? (Accept all reasonable responses, which may include building good habits, being consistent, and caring about the people they serve. Write the students’ answers on the board as they share them.)
- What do you think? Do those traits make a good leader? What traits would you add or subtract? (Answers will vary. Write any additional traits on the white board or screenshared document.)
- What kinds of leaders are there in the world? (Presidents, pastors, teachers, coaches, military leaders, leaders among peer groups, etc.)
- What other traits would you add to the list if we include these types of leaders as well? (They’re kind, thoughtful, willing to work hard, fair, charismatic, etc. Write these traits on the board as well.)
Different people, cultures, and time periods have valued different traits in their leaders. In God’s view, though, the most important trait is always that the leader trusts in Him. Today’s lesson will teach us about a leader that trusted God, even when those around her didn’t.
