Congressman Bill Huizenga hosted the Youth Leadership Summit with high school juniors from 42 schools across the Second Congressional District Monday, as the Michigan Representative was joined by executive and education leaders to offer wisdom and advice to the West Michigan leaders of tomorrow.
So what characteristics do effective leaders possess?
“Almost all of them are lifelong learners, they are pushing themselves, and they have got this character about them that really compels people to follow," Huizenga said. "And I think that is certainly what we are trying to do here, is expose kids to some others who have great character, who have been demonstrated leaders, so they can see for themselves how that might work in their own life.”
For Muskegon North Middle High School Principal Ken Byard, the ability to listen is key in becoming a leader. A skill he says, is severely lacking in today’s youth.
“And it’s a lot of what is missing in the kids that are in school now," Byard said. "Just the patience to listen and figure things out before you act.”
Joining Rep. Huizenga at the event was Mark Murray, Vice-Chairman of Meijer; and Austin Hatch, a former Michigan Basketball player and two-time plane crash survivor.