Art of Leadership Lesson Plan
Art of Leadership
60 Minutes
Teens
Active Learning
Why This Lesson?
This lesson engages teens in exploring leadership qualities through art. By participating in a discussion and a collaborative art activity, students will learn to express leadership traits creatively. This approach helps students understand leadership in a tangible way, fostering both personal growth and teamwork skills.
Learning Objective
Students will define and express leadership qualities through collaborative artistic creation and reflective discussion.
Materials Needed
- Leadership Discussion Guide
- Art Supplies (paper, markers, paints)
- Canvas of Leadership Worksheet
- Leadership Vision Slides
Instructional Plan
10 MINS
Introduction
- Welcome students and set the creative tone for the day.
- Introduce the topic: "What does leadership look like?"
- Explain objective: exploring leadership through the medium of art.
- Outline the roadmap: Discussion → Creation → Reflection.
15 MINS
Discussion on Leadership
- Use the Leader Portrait Discussion Guide to spark conversation.
- Ask students to identify admired leaders and specific traits.
- Discuss the concept of "Art as Influence"—how visuals move people.
25 MINS
Collaborative Art Activity
- Divide into small groups (3-4 students).
- Each group receives art supplies to create a collaborative "Leadership Mural."
- Challenge: "Create an art piece that represents your group's collective vision of leadership."
- Monitor groups to ensure everyone is contributing and collaborating.
10 MINS
Group Reflection
- Groups present their artwork to the class.
- Explain how specific colors, shapes, or symbols represent leadership qualities.
- Distribute and complete the Canvas of Leadership Worksheet.
05 MINS
Closure
Summarize key insights. Challenge students: "How will you bring this artistic vision of leadership into your school or community tomorrow?"
Leadership Vision Slides
Art of Leadership
Visualizing Influence, Creativity, and Impact
What does leadership look like?
Vision
Action
Connection
Leadership Qualities
Think about a leader you admire.
- What qualities make them effective?
- How do they make others feel?
"Leadership is the art of giving people a platform for spreading ideas that work."
— Seth Godin
Can Art Be Leadership?
1
Expression
Art gives voice to shared values and future goals.
2
Inspiration
Like a leader, art can move people to act or think differently.
3
Collaboration
Collective art requires listening and shared vision.
The Activity
The Leadership Canvas
Your Mission:
In your groups, create a collaborative art piece that symbolizes one core leadership trait your group identifies with most.
Every member must contribute.
No right or wrong—only creativity.
Reflection & Presentation
"What leadership qualities does your piece represent, and how did your group navigate the creative process together?"
Prepare to share your canvas with the class.
Leader Portrait Discussion Guide
Teacher Resource
Leader Portrait Discussion Guide
This discussion helps students explore the abstract concept of leadership and bridges the gap between traditional leadership roles and artistic expression. Use these prompts to facilitate a deep, inclusive conversation before the hands-on art activity.
1
What qualities make a good leader?
Prompt for Students
Facilitation Tips:
- Encourage students to think beyond famous historical figures; ask about coaches, teachers, or family members.
- Ask: "Is leadership about being loud, or can it be quiet?"
- List traits on the board as they are mentioned (e.g., Empathy, Resilience, Strategic Thinking).
2
Can art be a form of leadership? Why or why not?
Prompt for Students
Facilitation Tips:
- Discuss how art can influence and inspire others, similar to leadership.
- Mention examples: Protest art, inspirational murals, or music that started a movement.
- Ask: "How does a painting or a song lead people to think or feel differently?"
3
How can teamwork enhance leadership?
Prompt for Students
Facilitation Tips:
- Explore the idea that effective leaders often work well with others and value collaboration.
- Ask: "What happens to a leader if they lose the support of their team?"
- Connect this to the upcoming activity: "How will you lead and follow while creating your art piece?"
Preparation for Activity
Before moving to the art supplies, remind students that their "leadership style" will be evident in how they handle group dynamics during the project. Encourage them to be "leaders in the studio" by being encouraging and inclusive.
Canvas of Leadership Worksheet
Canvas of Leadership
Artist Name
Date
Group Name
Group Reflection
This worksheet will guide your group in reflecting on your collaborative art activity and the leadership qualities you explored. Reflect honestly on your process and your product.
1
Describe the leadership qualities your group's art piece represents.
Think about the traits you discussed in the group and how they are depicted in your artwork (colors, symbols, shapes).
2
How did your group work together to create the art piece?
Consider the roles each member played and how you collaborated. Were there moments of leadership within the group?
3
What did you learn about leadership through this activity?
Reflect on any new insights or understandings about leadership that surprised you or your group.
