This week, across America, schools are celebrating Red Ribbon Week. Held in the last week of October each year, Red Ribbon week, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency’s website, is the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention program.

To complement Red Ribbon week, my daughters’ school is also highlighting various character traits – two each day.

Tomorrow the class will be discussing leadership, and my daughter asked me if I would come in and talk to her class.

I’ll have a few minutes, at the end of the day, to share some leadership thoughts with an energetic bunch of third and fourth graders.

My instinct is to keep it simple. More than anything, the leadership lesson I would want these kids to grasp – and remember – is this basic definition:

Leadership is making a difference wherever you are, every day.

No matter who you are, no matter where you work, whether you are 9 or 90, you can choose to be a leader by serving others and being a positive presence.

What can 9 year olds do to make a difference?

Nine year olds can be kind and encouraging to others; nine year olds can be polite and attentive at school, following the rules and setting an example for others.

Nine year olds can help!

Nine year olds can look for needs in the world around them and enlist others to help them meet those needs. Nine year olds can share their ideas and vision with others.

Nine year olds can think of creative solutions to the issues that concern them.

Nine year olds can work behind the scenes or in the spotlight. They can include others, build community among their peers, and create community among their peers.

Nine year olds can lead at home, at school, and in their communities.

Nine year olds can make a difference wherever they are, every day, in ways both large and small.

So can you!

What will you do to make a difference today?

This was originally posted at Mountain State University LeaderTalk and is reposted with permission.