Kids Yoga and Basketball Leadership Program

President’s Day: How To Develop Great L.E.A.D.E.R.S


Press PLAY to listen to this post.

President’s Day is the third Monday of February. On this day, we remember and honor all presidents in American history for their work in making America the country it is today.

What makes a great leader today? For the last eight years, It’s Yoga Kids (IYK) has partnered with Empower ME Academy (EMA). Together, we help student-athletes achieve, and lead, like STARS. With Coach Gumbs, here’s how sports and yoga develop L.E.A.D.E.R.S.:

L: Listen - leaders listen to their inner guidance, also known as, intuition. Driven by their vision, success requires them to pay attention to those involved so they are heard and feel valued.

E: Empathetic - leaders are understanding and have compassion for others. This is a skill we often cultivate when we are humbled by errors and falls. Empathy connects us to one another.

A: Accountable - leaders actions must align with their values and words. We all make mistakes. Leaders are willing to own them, learn from them and commit to doing better.

D: Daring - leaders take on challenges. They are willing to dream big and they dare themselves to go for their goals - even when they are afraid. Leaders face fears to reach their highest heights.

E: Energy-Giving - leaders are not takers, they are givers. They understand the glory comes from the collective not from their self-serving needs. They are positive and up-lifting. High vibes!

R: Resilient - leaders bounce back when things don’t go their way. They overcome obstacles with agility. They are adaptable so they can handle whatever adversity arrives in order to grow.

S: Self-less - leaders are mindful of others who look up to them as role models. They put the needs of their team above their own. They are focused on the greater good.

There is no better place to learn these skills than on your own yoga mat and in team sports. Everything we learn on the mat, court or field can be applied to everyday life. Being a leader takes persistence, patience and practice.

Join IYK + EMA for holiday camps & clinics in San Francisco where we develop leaders to achieve and lead like STARS. Get the FREE Coaching Guide.

Learn all sorts of useful tips about Yoga for Kids!