Empathy
Critical thinking
Communication
Collaboration
Bias to action
Question asking
Listening
Mindfulness
Creativity
I’m sure there are many, many more. How many classes teach these things? How many tests evaluate for these things?
When we work with young people who are embarking on a journey to help someone and add value to the world, they are missing these skills. They’re not missing the ability to memorize something, or regurgitate an answer. They’re missing the combination of critical thinking, empathy, bias to action that are all key components required to add value to someone else’s life.
If you can add value, you are valuable. What more important reality could we prepare young people for? What is more fundamental than adding value?