Leadership Learnings

Leadership Learnings
by Gigi Antoni, Big Thought President/CEO

I always enjoy watching the Academy Awards with my family. Though the hosts and dresses change with the years, the acceptance speeches have always carried a familiar theme that consistently emerges; in the menagerie of thank-yous and teary remembrances, the winning actors almost always praise a teacher, parent or other mentor who stood out as a supporter of creativity.


Imagine that! As experts in their craft, these Oscar winners attribute their success to some adult who made it all possible. I suppose that the sentiment isn’t at all uncommon. If I asked you to reach across the vast expanse of childhood memories to pull out an adult who impacted you, I am confident that you could do it in an instant. Because we all have that person who helped us realize our talent and potential, and in doing so forever changed the course of our lives.

Adults are crucial in developing the creative capacities of our young learners. It takes courage and diligence to create something and share it with others, especially for a child. Big Thought research has laid it out clearly: Students who are creative mirror the creative investment of caring adults. In fact, 50% of a child’s willingness to try and stick with an artistic endeavor depends on their family, while the other half depends on teachers, family members and other adults.

But developing creativity is only the jumping-off point for success when children have a mentor who cares about them. According to the Search Institute, teens who feel that others value their creative passions are three times more likely to have a sense of hopeful purpose, be actively engaged in school and take on leadership roles.

The most wonderful part about these encouraging facts is that the role of a supportive adult can come from anyone who has the time and desire to invest in a child. With creative organizations like Big Thought, too many would-be volunteers mistakenly believe that artistic ability is necessary to work with or mentor our youth. But kids don’t need someone with the magic hands of Picasso or the graceful feet of Anna Pavlova. All that children need (and want, for that matter) are adults who make them feel special and worthwhile. More than that, children desire that a grown-up really see and hear them, recognizing and validating their individuality, dreams and talents.

Big Thought serves thousands of children each year, and every single one can benefit from the kind words and encouraging nods of a supportive adult. Big Thought recently kicked off the SLANT 45 program in partnership with the North Texas Super Bowl XLV Host Committee. This ambitious program encourages parents, mentors, teachers and other adults to head a team of youngsters in their individually designed service-learning projects. SLANT 45 is not only a fantastic opportunity both for the adults and children who will participate, but it’s also a great way to proactively change your community. Look around. At schools, churches and in neighborhoods there are myriad ways to help out and make a difference in the life of a child who needs you. And who knows, maybe you’ll be thanked at the Oscars someday!

Visit http://www.slant45.org/ and sign up your team today.

This article was included in the April issue of The Big Idea newsletter. To receive e-news and updates from Big Thought, join our Mailing List.