NOBLETON, Ont. — Leaders are not born, they’re built, senior 4-Hers were told during their National Members Forum workshop in Nobleton earlier this month.
Emily Brown, program manager with 4-H Canada, used Disney characters to help members recognize their leadership styles.
While Woody involves all in decision-making, his Toy Story movie pal, Buzz Lightyear, expects everyone to follow him and comply. Winnie the Pooh is everyone’s friend, Tigger is an enthusiastic helper and Mulan wants to solve problems herself without asking for help or recognition.
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“Leaders come in all shapes and sizes, and the jobs we are doing require different leaders,” Brown said.
She wanted members to discover what kind of leaders they are or that others are who are playing important roles in their lives.
Brown said most had an easy time identifying with the characters and pinpointing leadership gaps in their clubs.
She hoped members would take those insights and lessons back to their clubs and projects, helping to identify people with skills needed to fill those gaps and collaborate to make improvements for the club and its projects.
“It goes to show that you just need to articulate stuff, and it becomes that much easier to reflect on,” said Brown.
Other leadership lessons drawn from Disney shows included:
- The Lion King: It’s your kingdom. If you don’t fight for it, who will?
- Beauty and the Beast: Don’t force love and respect — earn it.
- The Incredibles: Don’t let the mediocre silence your awesomeness.
- Monsters Inc: Innovation powers your world.
- Aladdin: Just be yourself.
