I had the opportunity to meet the Youth Councils for both Bountiful and North Salt Lake cities today. They were at the Capitol as part of some training provided by the Utah League of Cities and Towns. I know many of these youth and can assure you they are well rounded, interesting, and inspiring. The Youth Councils in both cities provide great service for the community and also are given opportunities for learning leadership. Today’s focus for them was on what it takes to be an effective leader. They spent some time at the Capitol observing elected leaders, heard from Dale Murphy, former major league all-star baseball player, and also heard from Rudy Giuliani, former mayor of New York City. Legislators were invited to attend the Giuliani speech. It was a treat. Having lived in New York City for some time I know how well respected and loved he is by New Yorkers, especially after the attacks of 9/11.
Giuliani shared the six essential skills a leader must have:
1. Operate from a sense of purpose.
2. Be an optimist.
3. Have courage–the ability to overcome fear, their own and the fears of others.
4. Turn fear away by relentless preparation.
5. Have a clear understanding of the importance of teamwork.
6. Be able to communicate–care about and love the people you lead.
As I discussed his six characteristics with a colleague following an afternoon Transportation Appropriations Committee meeting I realized the youth council members I met earlier are well on their way to becoming the very type of leaders Giuliani described in his speech. They have what it takes!
