Building Decision Makers

By Doug Franklin April 15, 2013

Ever notice that when a student leader has to make a decision, they lose all confidence.  It’s like the power went off to their brain.  So how do we help a student’s confidence go deeper so they can make better decisions?

Three keys to growing students’ confidence

Help them know themselves
Students need an adult who will connect the dots for them concerning how God has wired them (gifts, skills, unique abilities, and personality) and how it can be used in real life.  This positive encouragement will help students begin to take risks.

Encourage risk taking 

Students also need adults to be risk takers that will offer positive support, while giving students leadership opportunities that safely allow success and failure to fall into their hands.  When a student senses you believe in them, their belief in themselves will also grow.

Consistently challenge 

Students need an adult who will be consistent through all the inconsistencies of being a teenager.  This adult holds students to a high expectation, but never abandons them when they’re going through failure.   This kind of relationship produces unshakeable confidence.