Developing social competence [Reprint]

Social competence is an important positive youth development attribute for adolescent development and effective leadership. In this chapter, the definitions and approaches of social competence are introduced. The antecedents and consequences of social competence are highlighted. Moreover, the relationships between social competence and effective leadership, as well as adolescent development are also addressed. In particular, egocentrism as the barrier of social competence is discussed. To enhance social competence of university students, a lecture on social competence is designed in the curriculum of a university subject entitled “Tomorrow’s leaders”. The objectives, intended learning outcomes, lecture content and special features of the lecture are presented in this chapter.