LeadYoung: What Young Leaders Need to Know to Develop Their Influence Potential

by Alan E. Nelson

LeadYoung is the first concentrated leadership book written for teens and collegians, focusing on the specific issues young leaders need to be effective. The last part of the book introduces 16 of the most desired leader qualities, reflecting the executive caliber training curriculum in LeadWell (www.kidlead.com). This book is a culmination of Dr. Alan E. Nelson's work with young leaders the last several years. Nelson is a lecturer of management at the Naval Postgraduate School, the founder of KidLead Inc., author of " Growing Great Leaders," and is a global expert in young leader development. LeadYoung training systems are being used in some of the top schools around the world. After reviewing the 700-plus books on leadership that Dr. Nelson had in his personal library, he concluded that practically none of them focus on the unique age and stage issues that young leaders face, who typically lack signficant life experience, are relegated to less influential roles in organizations, and yet who are often highly capable of leading well. The book also dispels the popular American idea that everyone can or should be a leader, in the narrower definition used in the book, focusing on organizational leadership. The book includes a free assessment on estimating young leader aptitude. LeadWell is a must-read for teens and collegians who possess a mid to high aptitude for leading, and those who currently serve in student government, as team captains, entrepreneurs and club presidents. LeadWell is not a dumbed down version of adult leadership books, but rather focuses on the strategic environment that young leaders find themselves. The goal is to give young leaders a 10-20 year head start in leading socially and corporately. Nelson has a doctorate (EdD) in leadership from the University of San Diego and MA in psychology-communication. He is the author of 15 books and over 200 articles, most dealing with leadership and developing human potential. He is the father of 3 sons, has been married over 30 years, and lives in Monterey, California.

252 pages, Paperback

First published November 17, 2011

About the author

Alan E. Nelson, Ed.D., is a social entrepreneur, professor, and young leader expert, who lives near Los Angeles, California. He has a graduate degree in psychology-communication and doctorate in leadership (University of San Diego). As an adjunct professor at USC Marshall School of Business, the Naval Postgraduate School, and Pepperdine University, he teaches leadership, org behavior and change, and related topics.

At midlife, Alan came to the conclusion that the best leadership development is used on adults, after they're set in their ways. He began his pioneering work on identifying and developing 10-18 year olds, gifted in leadership. "The goal is to get to leaders while they're moldable, not moldy," Nelson quips. He is the founder of LeadYoung Training Systems (www.LeadYoungTraining.com) and KidLead Inc. (a non-profit).

Dr. Nelson is the author of 20 books, over 200 articles, and 150 hours of young leader training curricula. He's a corporate trainer and keynoter, focusing on an array of topics, usually related to his writings. He lives with his wife of 36 years, Nancy, in Thousand Oaks, CA.

Reviews

[Todd Mckeever · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book for those who are young and want to grow in their leadership. I also feel it was valuable for me to read as well seeing it was packed with great stuff that I can now use to help young people to grow.

I read this book as part of my certification for being trained in the Lead Well program.