5 Leadership Tips Inspired by Hall of Famers

Strong leadership skills are vital in everything from group projects at school to being on a sports team and even inventing the next big thing that will change the world! For students in grades 7-9, the Leaders-In-Training (LIT) program offers the perfect opportunity to build these skills.

As an LIT, you’ll guide K-6 Camp Invention^® campers through high-energy STEM experiences, while encouraging their creativity and reminding them to dream big! You also will be introduced to our Hall of Famers – world-changing inventors and impactful leaders. Keep reading to uncover tips inspired by these extraordinary role models as you set off on your own leadership journey!

1. Stay Curious

When you lead with curiosity and creativity, you allow others to ask questions and think outside the box in pursuit of collective goals. As an LIT, you act as a leader when helping campers feel comfortable being curious as they explore the world around them, giving them the opportunity to take healthy risks and try new things.

“Curiosity and exploration are the essential starting points of innovation. Without those two, nothing really begins. So, we have to cultivate that in ourselves, and in young children, because that’s where it starts.” – Hall of Famer Sumita Mitra, inventor of nanocomposite dental materials

2. Empower Others

Before achieving a goal, you must first believe in your ability to do so. By helping others embrace their own strengths and unique talents, you can empower them to accomplish incredible things. As an LIT, you can help make sure campers create confidently as they explore solutions to real-world problems and hands-on challenges. 

“You have to stand on somebody’s shoulders before you can see far. And so, it’s very important that I have a strong shoulder for others to stand on, so they can see far and they can do greater things.” – Hall of Famer Victor Lawrence, inventor of signal processing in telecommunications

3. Be Inspiring

A good leader reminds others to dream big and set high goals because they know inspiring others to shine contributes to a brighter future for all. LITs make sure each camper understands that their ideas have value, and that they have the potential to one day change the world with their actions and innovations. (And remember – so do you!)

“The future of the world is in the hands of the people we’re training today. It gives me fulfillment to contribute to creating the next generation of scientists who can make the world a better place.” – Hall of Famer Carolyn Bertozzi, inventor of bioorthogonal chemistry

4. Work Together

Have you heard the phrase “two heads are better than one”? Well, it’s true. Great leaders understand that you can combine your knowledge, perspectives, backgrounds and experiences to create the most impactful solutions – and the happiest teams! LITs ask campers questions when they have a hard time coming up with solutions and offer campers help if they look like they’re stuck. They may even encourage campers to team up with friends to share ideas and build awesome inventions.

“I don’t think anyone makes anything today without help from others.” – Hall of Famer George Alcorn, inventor of the X-ray spectrometer

5. Model Persistence 

While leaders are not immune to challenges and don’t have all the answers all the time, they provide the encouragement needed to keep trying. It’s important for an LIT to show campers that they learn the most when they persist despite setbacks or mistakes. By using “I wonder” statements to see challenges from a new perspective, LITs can give campers the confidence they need to try something new!

“‘I wonder if you could do this.’ It’s such a wonderful phrase, and a great way to start the day. You have to see if your ‘I wonder’ statement propels you into thinking a different way or looking at a problem differently.” – Hall of Famer Jacqueline Quinn, inventor of EZVI (emulsified zero-valent iron)

Be a Leader This Summer

Boost your confidence as a leader this summer at Camp Invention. Not registered yet? Now is your chance – sign up to become an LIT at a camp near you!