At Delbarton, the Leadership course is a History Department semester-long class offered to juniors and seniors taught by teacher and coach Brian Bowers who examines the nature and significance of what makes an effective leader. During the course, the concept of leadership is viewed from multiple perspectives -- moral, social, political, economic -- and group dynamics is also considered. A leader cannot lead without others who are persuaded and willing to be led.

Students study the fundamentals of leadership, learn about various leadership styles and what skills are necessary to lead successfully. They examine the actions of leaders who achieved successful outcomes and those who failed. To augment the course, students also hear real life experiences from Delbarton alumni like today’s guest speaker, Jake Williams ’97 (pictured here on left with Brian Bowers) who is now a senior consultant with Kearney and Company after a successful 22 year career in the US Navy as a pilot and executive officer. Previous Leadership speakers this semester included Dave Tully ‘04, Vice President, Government Relations at the American Academy of Family Physicians and Joe Colangelo ’03, P'29, entrepreneur and founder of Boxcar who also served as a Naval officer.

In today's class, Williams spoke with the class pointing out that “you can’t be a leader without followers.” He talked about leadership as being driven by a willingness to act and pointed out that being a leader doesn’t just mean you’re empowered to do something. Williams told students, "As a leader, you need to have some skin in the game and be ready to stand up to say 'I have your back' when mistakes are made under your watch." Of course, things don't always go according to plan, even when a good leader has a good plan.  “When things are challenging," said Williams, "A smile or word of encouragement towards your peers is unbelievably powerful."

The Delbarton Leadership class empowers effective leadership by endowing our young men with a deeper understanding of effective leadership skills, attitudes, and mindsets. After the course, students are both equipped and encouraged to pursue leadership opportunities with new courage and confidence, inspired by lessons from older brothers like Jake Williams '97.