Leadership training programs for youth are too important to be improperly designed. After all they have the capacity to maximize the potential, productivity, and impact of youth. With this in mind, I’ve suggested 3 things to avoid during the planning and development stage. You’re guaranteed to get off to a good start and prevent a headache or two.
1. Avoid recruiting unskilled facilitators.
The facilitators make or break the program, so avoid recruiting ones that are unfit. Your goal is to recruit instructors who have the skills and personality traits to get the job done. At the same time, make sure the instructors enjoy working with youth. How do you determine the suitability of potential instructors? One way is to conduct interviews. Determine the competencies to be evaluated, check references and conduct background checks.
Another way to ensure that the instructors are prepared for duty is to conduct training. Whether your facilitators are volunteers or paid, training always helps. You’ll know firsthand what you are working with, especially if the training requires facilitators to do both a short (20 minute) and a long (1 hour) presentation.
2. Avoid using a cookie cutter approach to design the program.
Don’t simply copy what someone else is doing, even if it seems to be working. Instead, study the program and explore how it can be tailored to meet the needs of your youth group. Pay close attention to programs that employ best practices. Remember, each group or organization is unique. The one size fits all mentality does not apply when it comes to program development. Equally important different formats work better with different groups. To this end, borrow what makes sense, and abandon the rest.
3. Avoid thinking too small.
A great leadership program goes all out to maximize the potential of youth and you should too. With this in mind think big, but move strategically. Begin by drafting a budget. Every good leader first counts the cost. Act like money is no object. Remember, scaling back is easier than trying to breathe life into dry bones. Make a list of everything you need to achieve your objectives. Leave no stone unturned. Search for the best deals and by all means negotiate! That’s what great leaders do. Be creative and resourceful!
