Course 1: The Past, Present, and Future You

If people do not know themselves, then it is difficult, if not impossible, for those people to know what they can offer to others and the world. Opportunities course by unbeknownst to people because they never took the time to understand themselves, know their current place in the world, and develop a game plan for purposefully moving forward. The Ten facilitates the critical assessment of the past and present as a means for planning for the future.

Through guided reflections about the people and experiences in life (good and bad) that have made a lasting impact and evaluations of personality traits, The Ten positions high school students to come to a better understanding of themselves. Building on this understanding, the students are encouraged to think about their short-term and long-term goals, why they have chosen such goals, and how they plan to systematically move towards achieving those goals. Continual self-reflection and reevaluation of goals over time is a must in order to stay calibrated in a world that is constantly changing.  

Course 2: Leadership Theories and Styles

There is no one way to be a leader and leadership is not exclusive to a particular subset of people. The Ten provides a comprehensive overview of the major leadership theories and styles. As the students come to a better understanding of themselves, they are contemporaneously presented with the wide array of ways to be a leader.

The Ten is encyclopedic in its communication of these theories and styles. The value of any one theory or style will be personal to each student. One leadership style may appeal to a student because it makes use of an existing strength. Another leadership theory may stick with a student because it highlights the need to improve a current weakness. The teaching of these leadership theories and styles serves as a building block for the students to develop into the leader that is consistent with their own personality and vision.  

Course 3: Case Studies

For those that must see to believe, case studies serve as helpful illustrations of leadership theories and styles. Students are not left to imagine what a particular leadership style looks like when put to use.  Individuals, businesses, belief systems, and arts & culture all serve as potential examples to facilitate discussion and foster a deeper understanding of the varying ways that leadership impacts the world.  

The case studies also serve as valuable demonstrations of certain skills and qualities that are common among leaders. The fact that there are many ways to lead, does not mean that leading is easy. Becoming a leader requires dedication, practice, and hard work. The case studies reiterate that leadership development is a lifelong journey but one that is worthwhile for those that commit to the challenge.