Participation in the Context of Developing Pupils' Leadership Qualities on a Humanistic and Democratic Basis

Abstract

How can the leadership qualities of students be developed on a humanistic and democratic basis so that the next generation of citizens can continue the democratic development in Ukraine? This question is at the center of the presented article. The literature shows that a democratic leadership style has a positive impact on working atmosphere and coexistence if it is characterized by the skills of emotional intelligence such as teamwork and cooperation, conflict resolution and if a leader is characterized by active listening as a key strength based on a respectful attitude towards human rights and democracy. Leaders do this in order to achieve outcomes in the process of interpersonal interaction that are mutually beneficial to the social group. In order to underpin this foundation, the article goes on to discuss the concept of participation, a principle that forms the basis of democratic leadership and which must therefore be taken into account and placed at the center of the education of children and young people in formal and non-formal education. The literature makes it clear: democracy has no reason to exist without participation, but at the same time participation must be presented in a very differentiated way. A specially developed diagram illustrates that the transfer of power simultaneously means the assumption of responsibility by the person being led. The consequence for the school is that future leaders must have the opportunity to experience active participation experiences. This has an impact on the selection and further training of teachers already addressed in Ukraine.