I showed them pictures from the Avengers movies. No response. I tried a joke. No response. I knew I was in trouble. Yesterday I delivered the keynote speech to a Teens leadership conference organised by The Holy Innocents’ High School (HIHS). There were two hundred students from 14 schools from ages ranging from 12 to 15. This is how the organisers described the conference:
200 students. 14 schools. One shared conversation on intergenerational leadership.
Through inspiring sharings, thoughtful discussions and fresh perspectives, students explored how leadership can take shape through compassion, inclusion and action.
A day of dialogue, reflection and learning — and a reminder that every individual can lead with purpose and empathy. [1]
When they first approached me to give the keynote address, I was not sure. I give talks all the time but usually to young adults and older. I hardly ever address teens. But the principal of HIHS, Mrs Rebecca Chew, and the organising team believed I could do it. I have come to respect and like the organising team. They had worked so hard to put together this important conference. With mixed feelings I said yes.
So yesterday I was on. I didn’t feel I connected with the teens. The folks on the organising committee reassured me. They told me that this is how the students normally respond in class as well. And at their age they need more time to process the implications of what they hear. I certainly hope and pray so.
I remember that it was my Form 1 (Sec 1) form teacher, Michael Quah, who encouraged me to do public speaking. For some reason he felt I had the potential for it. But I recall the first time I stood up to speak in public — I was so nervous, saliva flooded my mouth and no words came out. Of course the other students laughed at me. I was so embarrassed. But Michael didn’t give up on me. He gave me tips on how I could overcome my fear of public speaking. He gave me opportunities to do it again. And I improved. Now, so much of my work involves speaking in public. But the seed was planted long ago, in Form 1.
Coming back to the present, one of the members of the organising committee, a teacher, reminded me that so much of teaching is sowing seeds and that we may or may not be there when the seeds sprout. Teaching is an act of faith. I wanted so much for these young folks to understand their potential to make a difference. I tried to define leadership for them and to let them know we need different kinds of leaders — Inspirational Leaders (“Let’s go”), Strategic Thinkers (“Where are we going and why”), Implementers (“Let’s get it done”), and Team Builders (“Let’s do it together, team”). I was encouraged when I invited them to put up their hands to indicate which kind of leader they might be. A number put up their hands for each of the four categories. I assured them that it was ok if they didn’t know yet and that life is for learning.
The organising committee was kind and assured me that my talk was ok. I hope so. I pray I sowed significant seeds for this group of upcoming leaders. Time will tell. I did get a response when I mentioned that I supported Arsenal football club, though. One student whooped. We later exchanged a fist bump. Maybe there is hope.
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[1] https://www.instagram.com/p/DY4FSQFD1oW/