At Strive: How You Lead Matters, we believe leadership begins long before someone steps into a formal role. It begins on playgrounds, sports fields, classrooms, and community spaces – where young people learn to navigate challenges, express emotions, and connect with others. That’s the heart of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). And it’s also the foundation of character-driven leadership.
Research shows that children who develop strong SEL skills, like empathy and self-awareness, are better prepared for life’s complexities. These skills promote academic success, healthy relationships, and personal resilience. They’re cultivated through consistent experiences, and one of the most powerful methods for building SEL is through play.
Play creates natural opportunities for children and teens to explore emotions, solve problems, practice collaboration, and develop their own moral compass. Whether it’s a preschooler learning to share toys or a high school athlete navigating team dynamics and tough losses, play becomes the training ground for leadership. As Maurice Elias points out, athletics, when approached with intention, can be an extension of the classroom – teaching life lessons like humility, integrity, and perseverance. (Elias, 2016).Â
That’s where Strive steps in.
For over two decades, Strive has delivered research-based curriculum focused on developing character and leadership through SEL. Our programs like Sports Challenge and leadership workshops are specifically designed to meet students where they are. Whether on the field, in the classroom, or at work, we build up core competencies such as empathy, communication, self-awareness, motivation, and energy.
These aren’t just buzzwords. They’re the fuel for leadership. They’re the traits of someone who knows themselves deeply, lifts others up, bounces back from failure, and leads with fairness and heart.
In today’s fast-paced, constantly evolving world, we don’t just need more leaders – we need better leaders. Leaders who prioritize character. Leaders who understand people. Leaders who have been shaped by meaningful experiences, intentional guidance, and the transformative power of play.
Strive is proud to stand at the intersection of SEL, athletics, and youth development, helping students find the best in themselves so they can inspire the best in others.Â
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