"How can I start developing my leadership skills at my age?" The students asking this type of question are already one step ahead of their peers who are not searching for leadership skills.

We cannot always avoid unintended consequences, but if we are proactive, we can decrease ripple consequences from striking like a giant wave.

Most importantly, teach them good online habits by having ongoing conversations. Build a trusting relationship with your child. Have discussions about what they are looking at online. Will they know what to do if they encounter harmful content? Can they identify harmful content? Teach online safety. Be a good listener and be open to discussions. Explain to them why too much social media and other excessive online activities can be addictive.

Most knowledge seekers are naturally curious. For others, proactively trying experiences outside of their comfort zones might open eyes to learning opportunities and fun.

Respect can enhance leadership and team relationships, but respect toward others should be normal behavior. It takes little effort to be respectful. The next time you are respectful, observe the response. It will likely bouse back as respect.

How can you help a young person not living to potential because of poor effort? Keep applying high expectations rather than lowering expectations. Life gives consequences when we do not meet expectations. Young people must learn this life principle.

Sometimes our habits are hidden. We do certain things out of habit without considering the possibility of improvement. It's like we are on autopilot. Self-analysis can help us identify opportunities to improve habits.

People that are unreplaceable understand that their obsession with quality and getting results will eventually lead to opportunities.

Difficulties will not stop the persistent person or chickadee. They continue despite the difficult circumstances to achieve something.

We need to be gracious and take advantage of teaching opportunities. As we work with mentees, we must creatively share knowledge - superior mentors balance listening and teaching.

As a high school principal, I observed students with tremendous work ethic. To be successful, they prepared in advance for upcoming tests. Cramming was not a part of their strategy. They knew that to get into the college or career of their dreams, they had to do well on academic tests. For that reason, they worked hard and prepared in advance.

Although it is simple, the rewards of courtesy are big. People notice. You will stand out from others, but the best reward is knowing that you are making an effort to be considerate.

The self-discipline of endurance is a life skill. It is not always the most talented person who succeeds. The people with a can-do attitude and the mindset that they will not stop until they reach their goal will achieve the most exceptional results. They will also know what it feels like to earn it.

Your words are important and powerful. If you think or speak in a fatalistic (no win, lacking confidence) way, your thoughts and words may lead to less than satisfactory results. If you talk and think positively, you have a better chance of influencing yourself and others – especially if you have a plan and skill.

When you find yourself in an area that does not feel or look right, make a wise decision. It may be best to leave.

As a mentor, using effective teaching strategies is essential. There are countless teaching strategies proven to work. When teaching a new safety life skill, sometimes you have to be direct - "Don't touch the top of that hot stove!" However, orders combined with sharing why the information has value will have a better chance of changing behavior.

A topic that always occurred in the assistant principal aspiring principals program was managing time.

I had a plan for the day. I was ready to go. I knew that my schedule permitted a lot of focus on my weekly goals. Nothing was going to get in my way - I was going to get things done.

Lifelong learning provides a foundation of knowledge. With knowledge, a curious mind, and a mission, chances for success expand infinitely.

When something changes in your surroundings, be curious. Ask questions. Specifically, ask the question, “Why?”