Learn to appreciate the good characteristics that go along with shyness and remember that some of today’s biggest influencers started out as shy teenagers. In a 2013 Vogue interview, CEO of Yahoo Marissa Mayer described herself as painfully shy and said she has had to discipline herself to overcome it. Ruth A. Peters Ph.D. says, “Often, shy children become excellent observers of people and situations, and therefore tend to be sensitive, caring, compassionate—with the uncanny ability to understand others’ feelings. So, respect your child’s nature as you work to help him or her to feel more comfortable in social situations.” We’re taking her advice to heart and have come up with 15 leadership development ideas to help turn your teen wallflower into a leader in a gentle, respectful way.
