Nature or Nurture?

What is leadership? What makes a person a leader? Is she born a leader, or does she gain leadership abilities as she grows?

Well, so far, scientists have yet to identify a "leadership gene." But there is plenty of evidence to show that girls can -- and do -- acquire and hone the skills they need to become leaders throughout their lives.

That's why girls' schools place a premium on creating opportunities for leadership in the classroom, the science lab, the playing field or court -- everywhere, in short, where there are valuable life-lessons to be learned.

In a formal survey of 4,200 girls' school alumnae, fully 93% rated their schools tops in providing leadership opportunities. And they carried these skills with them long after graduating: 86% have volunteered their time for community service, compared to a nationwide average of just 39%.

Leadership: Advice For Girls, From Girls

NCGS regularly turns the spotlight on leadership at our International Girls' Forum, the segment of our Annual Conference dedicated to bringing girls together from around the world. Over the years, they have shared a great deal of wisdom!  

"The key to leadership is not what you do, but why you do it. To lead oneself is to inspire others."

    -- Katie K., Walford Anglican School for Girls, Hyde Park, SA, Australia

"There are different ways to be a leader, but all leaders have a passion, a purpose and a perpetual curiosity."

    -- Leah F., Ashley Hall, Charleston, South Carolina, USA

"A leader recognizes and accepts that, as the saying goes, if you want the rainbow, you have to put up with the rain."

    -- Jenny J., Kingsmead College, Johannesburg, South Africa
 

"A leader doesn't have to be visible to lead. Sometimes the strongest leaders are unacknowledged."

    -- Kathryn B., Ashley Hall, Charleston, South Carolina, USA

"They call us the 'Y' generation. And whilst growing up to be the leaders of tomorrow is a difficult and sometimes painful journey, with humble integrity we can become generation 'Why Not?'"

    -- Lesoko S., Roadean School, Parktown, South Africa

"Leadership is living as an example. They key is choosing the right example."

    -- Anna R., St. Margaret's School, Tappahannock, Virginia, USA

"Leaders aren't necessarily the best at things. Rather they are those who can bring out the best in the people around them."

    -- K.O. C., Girls Preparatory School, Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA

"Being in a position of authority is not what makes a good leader. An effective leader is passionate about what she does and displays her passion by honouring the values and the opinions of the people she leads, and by placing their wants and needs above her own."

    -- Danna Z., St. Clement's School, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

"Respect is key to any situation, but before you can respect yourself, you need to be able to respect your peers."

    -- Mary L. W., Ashley Hall, Charleston, South Carolina, USA

"Leadership should not be a monologue, but a dialogue."

    -- Naomi H., Methodist Ladies College, Australia

"Always know how and when to compromise, but do not lose sight of your own goals and what you are ultimately trying to achieve."

    -- Marianne M. , Ashley Hall, Charleston, South Carolina, USA

"Each and every student possesses an infinite potential to be a leader, whether it be in their school or in their community. The best leader is one who recognizes this potential in everyone."

    -- Lindsey K., Ashley Hall, Charleston, South Carolina, USA 

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