Saltus students got a study session on leadership this week from Michael Weber, a Boston based motivational speaker.

The core lesson was that leading meant the success of the group, rather than the individual, as well as working with others towards a common objective.

Mr Weber, who coaches influential leadership with corporations, educational institutions, managements groups, was at Saltus this week to talk to talk with SGY1 students.

The talk was arranged by Nicole Chichon, the deputy principal.

She said: “We want to prepare our young people for the work environment and help give them the tools they need to lead and be successful.

“There is so much more competition now that it is vital that they are able to master both academic and non-academic skills.”

Mr Weber has been coming to the island for five years to work with independent schools on leadership development.

He said he tried to concentrate on two main issues — how students define what a leader is, and how to get them involved in leadership.

Mr Weber said: “I teach systems — how to plan, how to follow through.

“Often, someone says what should get done so students don’t plan, they just ‘do’. I want to help them to understand how to get things done.”

During the workshop, Mr Weber told the students that “leadership is not about you”.

“It is not about what you want, it is about the success of the group, it is about working together towards a common objective. If you are going to lead, you have to figure out how to work with others”.

He added: “Our world needs more leaders and you, as students, have an opportunity to find ways to work with your peers and make good choices.”