Invest in our young people

This summer, the UK fell in love with Gareth Southgate and his modest, patient and empowering leadership style.

As a nation, we’re waking up to the fact that leadership is not about being the loudest and most dominant person in the room – and that compassion and empathy are much more important.

The new study by the charity I lead, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), shows that young people recognise the value of emotionally intelligent leadership – 58% told us they consider listening or empathy as the most important leadership traits.

Young people have aspirations and dreams – 66% told us they would like to occupy a leadership role in the future, but a staggering 40% worry that a lack of confidence will hold them back.

This should inspire us to support all young people to build their confidence in their ability to become leaders – something that the DofE has been championing for more than 60 years.

Whether through the ‘Southgate effect’ or not, we want to see more businesses, schools and parents support young people in developing inclusive leadership skills.

This is an investment in our shared future as young people of today will be the leaders of tomorrow. Peter Westgarth, Chief Executive of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award