You’ve probably heard that colleges love to see leadership experience on applications. But leadership isn’t about having a fancy title or being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about knowing who you are, how you work with others, and what kind of impact you want to make.
The best part? You don’t have to wait until college to figure that out.
Now is the perfect time to start discovering your unique leadership style, and leadership programs for high school students can help you do just that.
Why trying leadership programs for high school students can help you find your voice
What Is a Leadership Style, Anyway?
Your leadership style is the way you naturally lead others. It mixes your personality, values, communication style, and strengths. Some people are bold and visionary. Others lead by listening and building trust. Some love taking the spotlight. Others lead by example quietly.
None of these are “better” than the others. They’re just different. The key is knowing how you show up as a leader, so you can develop that style in ways that feel authentic and effective.
Why It’s Worth Discovering Now
Understanding your leadership style before college can give you a huge head start:
- You’ll show up more confidently in group projects and activities.
- You’ll make stronger first impressions in interviews and applications.
- You’ll be more prepared for leadership roles on campus.
- You’ll understand how to work better with people who lead differently.
Discovering your style allows you to grow it with intention, trying, learning, and adjusting along the way.
Different Leadership Styles
Here are a few common leadership styles. See which ones sound like you:
- The Collaborator – You make sure everyone feels heard and included. You’re great at building consensus and creating a positive vibe.
- The Organizer – You love a plan, a checklist, and clear responsibilities. People trust you to keep things on track.
- The Visionary – You dream big, take bold steps, and inspire others to follow your lead.
- The Quiet Leader – You lead by example, show integrity, and earn respect without needing the spotlight.
- The Empath – You’re tuned in to how others feel and lead with kindness and emotional intelligence.
Of course, you might be a mix of a few styles, or develop a new one as you grow. That’s part of the journey.
How to Explore Your Leadership Style in High School
Here are five ways to explore and shape your leadership style before college:
1. Join Leadership Programs for High School Students
There’s no better way to build your leadership skills than by jumping into tangible experiences. Whether it’s a weeklong summer program, a weekend summit, or a student leadership conference, these immersive opportunities help you practice teamwork, decision-making, public speaking, and more.
Look for programs that align with your interests in STEM, medicine, government, and entrepreneurship and give you access to mentors and hands-on activities.
2. Take On a Role That Scares You a Little
Leadership doesn’t always feel comfortable. That’s the point.
If you usually work behind the scenes, try leading a class project. If you’re used to speaking up, try listening more and letting others lead. Growth comes from stretching yourself.
You might volunteer as the team captain, organize a fundraiser, or lead a club meeting. The goal isn’t to be perfect. It’s to learn how you respond in different situations.
3. Get Feedback From Others
Sometimes, the people around you see things you don’t. Ask a teacher, coach, or friend:
- “What do you think my strengths are as a leader?”
- “Have you seen me lead in ways I didn’t realize?”
- “Where could I grow?”
You don’t need to take every opinion to heart, but staying open to feedback is a powerful leadership skill in itself.
4. Reflect on Leaders You Admire
Think about a coach, teacher, famous figure, or even a friend you look up to. What do they do that earns your respect? Is it their confidence? Their empathy? Their ability to stay calm under pressure?
Jot down what you admire and how you might bring more of that into your own style. Leadership isn’t about copying. It’s about collecting ideas and making them your own.
5. Start a Passion Project
Want to test your leadership muscles? Build something from the ground up. Start a tutoring club, launch a school podcast, organize a beach cleanup, or plan an event that brings people together around a cause you care about.
These kinds of projects force you to plan, communicate, problem-solve, and motivate others, real leadership in action.
And guess what? Passion projects also look great on college apps because they show initiative and follow-through.
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being willing to learn, listen, and try. The more experiences you have, the clearer your leadership style will become.
So raise your hand. Step up. Try something new. Your leadership journey starts right where you are, and leadership programs for high school students can help you take the next step with confidence.
Envision by WorldStrides is passionate about guiding students each step of the way as they rise to their highest potential through transformative experiences. Our programs offer hands-on experiences that allow high schoolers to test the waters of possible career tracks in:
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