by on 21/02/2018 8820
Many of today's most inspiring leaders create their mark in the world by having outstanding vision, confidence, tenacity and thinking out of the box. The ability to bring their vision to fruition while adding massive value to others and pursuing change is one of the skills that can take leaders from good to great. Few are born with such essentials. It is the little seeds we plant in the children's minds that will help their minds to grow. Every bit of knowledge and every experience is a seed planted in the mind but without water, the seed may just remain a seed. In order to bring out the potential in each child, we must nurture and guide these young minds into the future where all possibilities can blossom from the collective seeds that we helped to plant. With the future uncertain, it is vital to start with a firm foundation. The garden begins to grow at HANKidz Academy.
Harnessing the inspirational vision of a more synchronized and peaceful world, the founder Mr. Hank, or more affectionately known as Coach Hanky, contributes to the whole germination process by bridging the gap between what is learnt in school and what is possible. So, if you want to give your child the best possible opportunities in life, simply praising them may not be enough, it may even be harmful and counterproductive. Letting children know their self-worth from within is a better way of boosting their self-esteem and building self-confidence, which will then help them become competent in the world.
Somewhere between the planted seed and the colourful blossomed petals, there are important lessons to be gained through experiences. It may be learned the hard way through individual life events; or it may be experienced within a controlled, simulated environment like that of HANKidz Academy. Coaches begin to guide young minds through their two signature programmes, namely Mirador's Guide and Leaders' Path.
Programmes are facilitated through experiential learning, which is proven to improve long-term knowledge retention. Through activities, such as games, magic and storytelling, children discover their mode of being, how it operates and learn through reflection by applying their understanding in authentic situations. They learn to lead themselves first; they acquire the knowledge, tools and resources to master emotions and manage thoughts. As children are particularly vulnerable to outside voices telling them they are not good enough, fostering a solid foundation, one with a strong sense of self-esteem, courage, focus and responsibility, and equipping them with that indestructible grit, is key to cultivating their resilience to future life challenges.
During the journey of exploring the potentials, it is important to provide children with the necessary tools to stimulate growth and excavate deeper into creative solutions. Coaches at HANKidz Academy empower children with Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) techniques. NLP techniques are invaluable tools that help accelerate children's ability to capture the learning process; it gives children the drive to get things done, to create results in their lives and to build quality relationships with the people around them.
For those looking for an extra boost, HANKidz Academy designed another programme called the KidzCEOClub for children to gain additional exposure. Children will learn to manage their resources and find ways to lead themselves as well as others in predesigned situations.
Time and again, children do not adequately express what they need when they need it. Children oftentimes are in need of a role model to believe in them, to challenge them, to inspire them and to guide them. This is when adult involvement steps in, that of parents, educators and coaches. Adult involvement is a cornerstone in a child's development and achievement. Much research exists to show that consistent adult involvement is positively associated with a child's performance and achievement.
However, without the right mindset and necessary tools, the ship is not going to sail very far. Likewise, for educators. Hence, HANKidz works in conjunction with parents and educators through workshops and leadership training camps to provide utmost support in bringing out the best in children, as well as themselves. Parents and educators will walk out with new perspectives on parenting and coaching children, which will then lead to worthy outcomes. With the right mindset, leadership principles, skills and tools, alongside strong support, comes courage and endurance, and that is what makes a sea-worthy captain who can survive the stormy seas of life.
It is no secret that children are great at modelling others. So, HANKidz gives them something great to model from – their team of outstanding coaches. The dynamic team comprises principled leaders who are well-trained, resourceful, passionate, and the biggest bunch of fun and whacky personalities. There is no pretension in the air and no need to dig through a facade. Everyone, including the children, are encouraged to be real, be who they are and remain true to themselves.
Any parent, educator and coach can teach children basic leadership principles and raise them as leaders. However, there is a difference between an average leader and a self-aware, enlightened leader. At HANKidz Academy, coaches are here to make a difference through enlightened leadership. Children will learn to take purposeful actions that lead to results while emanating strength and confidence, considering the welfare of others, creating an environment where others can develop their own inner potential, and being aware of compassion, goodness, love and the truth. Little by little, one travels far.
The world turns a page with the help of enlightened coaches from HANKidz, starting in Japan. The final test of a leader is the legacy that he or she leaves behind, one that will live on in the hearts of the people.
As advised by the legendary Gandhi, “Be the change you wish to see in the world”.
