The Research

What is Transformational Leadership Development?

Tomorrow's Present programming is based on Dr. Lisa Calderone-Stewart's doctoral research, completed in 2002, which identified five important factors that would encourage young people to want to be leaders. In other words, when a school, church or organization operates in this way, with these five characteristics, not only would youth want to participate, they would also be willing to take on leadership roles and become actively involved. It is these characteristics that all of Tomorrow's Present programming is based on and teaches.

Shared Leadership
People in charge listen to the needs and ideas of people "at the bottom." For example, the bank president would listen to the janitor's ideas, since the janitor has experience in areas the president does not. Everyone has something to offer, and everyone has something to learn. When teens are treated as true partners in leadership, they know their contributions are significant.

Learning
Diverse ideas and perspectives challenge people to think more deeply and learn more fully. Because this is sometimes threatening, many people end up hiring a staff of people who think alike and sometimes even look alike, which doesn't encourage new learning at all. Diversity often brings on conflict, but it's that conflict that leads to better thinking and to the best ideas and solutions. Young people enjoy learning new skills and knowledge they can immediately apply to real life.

Reflection
Sometimes, people tug the group toward different goals because of different agendas and unexpressed assumptions. Mindful reflection (including reflective prayer) and honest communication moves everyone to the same page so trust levels increase, and people go the extra mile to accomplish as much as possible. Young people feel more comfortable spending their time and energy on projects and activities when they care about the purpose and agree with the goals.

Service
A group needs integrity. Everyone needs to hold each other accountable. When the members of a group don't practice what they preach, it hurts everyone. Integrity means you live out your values and you serve the world by making it a better place - when no one is looking, and when everyone is looking. Teenagers will only respect those adults who have integrity; they are willing to serve when they know adults and youth will both be held to high standards.

Community Support
Teens are willing to take responsibility when they get the "stuff" they need: physical stuff, like tools, supplies and a place to make it happen; as well as emotional stuff, like support, affirmation, and care. In fact, they need support from two sources: from a skilled mentor who will call them forward and give them direction, as well as from peers who will share the experience and provide balance and perspective.