Growing Leaders of All Ages:
Part of my mission for this blog is engaging leaders of all ages in the leadership conversation. Today, I present a guest post from Jared Herr, age 12.
2022 Update: Jared Herr (who was age 12 as of the writing of this post is now 22 and the producer of my Asking For a Friend video series!
If you’re interested in developing leadership in children, you might also be interested in our article: Developing Leadership Skills in Children: 11 Ways to Grow Your Kids.
Kermit is a strong leader in many ways:
- He works to make the muppets the best that they can be
- He is inspiring because he always tries his hardest
- He brings misfit animals together and makes them a team
- He always has a plan
- He is a collaborative decision maker
- He is self-reflective
What are Kermit’s leadership challenges?
- He takes things too personally
- He has trouble giving tough feedback
- He needs more work-life balance
Jared’s advice to Kermie
You are a caring amphibian and always try to make others the best they can be. You put the muppets in roles where you know the can succeed. You are a role model of hard work, and get all of those crazy animals pulling together as a team. You inspire them to care about one another.
Kermit, one of your greatest strengths as a leader, self-reflection, is also your challenge. For example, you will double and triple-check yourself to make sure every muppet is in a part of the show. But when things go wrong, you take it out on yourself. You always point out things you messed up with or things you should have done. I think you feel a lot of pressure being a leader.
I wish you could have more confidence in your decisions. Once when you fired Miss Piggy (she deserved it), you ended up face down on the floor (of course, that may have something to do with dysfunctional love, but that’s another post).
You are so nice. I worry sometimes you have trouble confronting or giving the tough coaching messages. You always lead to victory in the end. You might save some time if you could give more direct coaching along the way.
Kermit, you sure seem to face a lot of pressure as leader of the muppets.
I worry that you feel like as their leader, you need to be with them 24/7, and you don’t get much personal time.
All said, it is not easy leading green.
.And you have a nice track record of results. Keep up the great work. I know you will continue to grow into an amazing leader.
And if you like Kermit the Frog as a leader, you might really enjoy our children’s leadership book: Glowstone Peak.
It’s awesome Karin! Thanks so much for this experience.
Jared,
Well done. You seem to understand Kermit verrry well – perhaps even relate to him a bit.
PopPop
I like it!
Jared, excellent documentary… you are a 12 year old mastermind, just like Artemis Fowl. I am impressed.
Thanks! and I love the Artemis Fowl Series!
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Love this idea! Don’t we all wish someone would have peruod into us these skills earlier? My favorite Leadership book for children : The Boy Who Changed the World Andy Andrews It’s really about significance and service, but isn’t that real leadership?Have a great weekend!