My youngest is what I would call a natural leader - which I define as someone who possesses the innate ability to inspire others to follow suit despite expending little or no effort towards that effect.
I see this as very different than someone who learns leadership skills and may become a very effective leader through great effort, planning and training. And I honestly think that many of our gifted children who do not possess natural leadership abilities would do well with leadership training. I sought out experiences for my older son for him to gain leadership experience because it did not come naturally.
And for my youngest, he doesn't really care whether others follow him, think he's cool or do what he's doing. He just does what he likes, and other kids follow him. He's been like that since he was tiny. And because he often does not consider the consequences that others may suffer because of following him along some idea he's dreamed up, I have had to find opportunities to try to teach him to think of others and consider what is best for the group - because it doesn't come naturally to him. And, yes, it is this type of leadership that can be used for good or for ill. And, thus, I work with him continually about morals and ethics and compassion so that his is hopefully always used for good.
