| Developing a theme for a training program is like | | | | internships, educational seminars, mentoring, etc. Then, |
| naming a baby. Although many choices are available, | | | | step back, and let the theme emerge. |
| you really only have one chance to get it right. This | | | | - Be creative. |
| article proposes to ignite your thinking and get you on | | | | Take the gloves off, and unleash your creativity. One |
| the right track. At length, you will create an appropriate | | | | company, for example, used the acronym |
| theme that distinguishes your youth leadership | | | | O.L.Y.M.P.I.C.S as the theme for its training program; the |
| program. | | | | organization wanted a theme that expressed its |
| - Review your goals. | | | | commitment to excellence and ongoing professional |
| The theme should relate to your goals. Therefore, | | | | development. |
| begin by reviewing your goals, and if you have not | | | | - Avoid mixed messages. |
| established goals, now is the time to do so. What does | | | | The theme conveys a message. Hence, the content |
| the leadership program aim to do for youth? Is it | | | | of the program must support the theme. If it does not, |
| designed to address a particular problem or need? | | | | make the necessary adjustments. Do not send mixed |
| - Examine your philosophy. | | | | messages by advertising something that you are not |
| Take a few minutes to write down your thoughts | | | | delivering. |
| about leadership. Why is it important? Moreover, why | | | | - Get others involved. |
| do think youth need leadership training? What are your | | | | Discover a way to get others involved in the process. |
| beliefs? I, for example, believe that leaders should have | | | | Holding a contest is one fun option. Reward people for |
| a strong foundation in the basics. Equally important, I | | | | participating. |
| believe that great leaders constantly seek | | | | In brief, the ideas mentioned in this article require you to |
| improvement. | | | | look within and to answer key questions. While other |
| - Connect the dots. | | | | techniques exist for creating a theme, these have |
| List all of the components of your program on a blank | | | | helped me over the years. I believe they will help you |
| sheet of paper. Include the key buzzwords, like | | | | produce themes that are exciting and on target too. |