Leadership Begins with People

Every successful project, business, or community has one thing in common: people working together toward a shared purpose.

Many young adults believe leadership means taking charge or making every decision. In reality, the most influential leaders know how to unite people around a common goal, encourage different ideas, and create opportunities for others to contribute.

Whether you organize a school project, volunteer in your community, or prepare for your future career, your ability to lead others will shape every opportunity that comes your way.

This week at Cumorah Academy, students explored what it truly means to lead groups effectively. Through practical lessons and mentorship, they discovered that leadership depends less on authority and more on communication, trust, and collaboration.

Meet the Mentors

Layne and Carly Thompson brought unique life experiences that helped students see leadership from different perspectives.

Layne owns Layne Thompson Real Estate at Keller Williams. Before entering real estate, he spent years at Vivint Smart Home, where he recruited, trained, and mentored thousands of sales representatives. Working with people from different backgrounds taught him that success comes from developing individuals, not simply achieving results.

Throughout his career, he discovered that every conversation offers an opportunity to help someone gain confidence, improve a skill, or recognize their potential.

Carly shared lessons from another form of leadership.

She has dedicated her life to raising her family and creating a home centered on love, service, and faith. Her experiences reminded students that influence does not depend on a job title or professional position. Every person shapes the lives of others through daily choices, consistent example, and genuine care.

Together, Layne and Carly demonstrated that leadership reaches far beyond the workplace. It grows wherever people choose to serve, encourage, and help others progress.

Building Strong Teams

Throughout the week, students learned practical principles they could immediately apply in their House movements, service projects, and future careers.

Monday’s classes introduced Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats, a decision-making framework that encourages teams to examine challenges from multiple viewpoints instead of relying on a single perspective.

Rather than jumping to conclusions, students practiced asking better questions and considering every angle before making decisions.

The framework encouraged them to think about:

• Facts and available information
• Feelings and emotional responses
• Possible risks
• New opportunities
• Creative solutions
• The overall direction of the discussion

By approaching problems this way, teams avoid unnecessary conflict and make wiser decisions together.

Wednesday’s classes shifted the focus toward delegation and productive meetings.

Many first-time leaders assume they need to carry every responsibility themselves. That mindset often leads to frustration, burnout, and missed opportunities for others to contribute.

Effective delegation creates the opposite outcome.

It builds trust, develops new skills, and allows every member of the team to take ownership of meaningful responsibilities.

Students practiced assigning tasks clearly, communicating expectations, and supporting teammates throughout each project. Instead of controlling every detail, they learned how to guide people toward shared success.

These experiences helped students understand that collaboration produces stronger results than individual effort alone.

A Lasting Impact on Students

The week’s lessons inspired students to reflect on their own leadership styles and identify practical ways to improve.

Emma Palma from Venezuela appreciated how approachable the mentors were throughout the experience.

“I could match with them and they could give me advice that I can put into practice and I can learn better.”

Rather than listening to abstract theories, Emma received practical guidance that she could immediately apply in her daily life.

Camila Antileo from Chile connected with the mentors because of their personal stories.

“I really liked them. They seem like people who went through hardship and were able to progress.”

Their experiences showed that resilience often becomes one of a leader’s greatest strengths. Challenges can shape character, deepen empathy, and prepare people to guide others through similar situations.

Andrea Márquez from Venezuela found a new perspective through the Six Thinking Hats framework.

“I love the hat theory. It is super creative. It made me analyze myself a little bit more and understand my own motivations and feelings in leadership.”

Her reflection highlights an important truth.

Self-awareness forms the foundation of effective leadership. Understanding your own thinking patterns allows you to communicate more clearly, make better decisions, and work more effectively with people who see the world differently.

Leadership Starts with Daily Choices

You do not need a management position to begin developing leadership skills.

Every conversation, assignment, and relationship provides an opportunity to practice habits that influence others in positive ways.

Consider applying these principles this week:

• Ask thoughtful questions before offering solutions.
• Listen carefully to understand different perspectives.
• Share responsibilities instead of carrying every task yourself.
• Encourage teammates as they learn new skills.
• Welcome creative ideas, even when they challenge your assumptions.
• Reflect on your decisions and look for opportunities to improve.
• Focus on helping others succeed alongside you.

Small actions repeated consistently create lasting influence over time.

Discover Your Leadership Potential at Cumorah Academy

Leadership develops through experience, mentorship, and meaningful opportunities to serve.

At Cumorah Academy, students learn directly from mentors who have built successful careers, strengthened families, overcome personal challenges, and dedicated their lives to helping others grow.

Every week introduces new ideas, practical leadership experiences, and personal mentoring that prepare students for life far beyond the classroom.

If you want to build confidence, strengthen your character, and discover how you can make a difference in the lives of others, Cumorah Academy provides an environment where those goals become reality.

Your future leadership journey starts with one decision.

Come to Cumorah Academy and discover what you are capable of becoming.