This advice - and much more - was imparted to 700 pupils, parents and teachers from 76 schools who packed Dunedin's Regent Theatre during a motivational day for young school leaders yesterday.
Organisers said the Dunedin Young Leaders Day was aimed at motivating primary and intermediate pupils to find ways of setting and reaching personal goals, and inspiring them to be better school leaders.
Former television presenter Catherine Silvester and television documentary-maker Rob Harley gave talks relevant to the day's "Own Your World'' theme.
Balmacewen Intermediate pupils Howie Hunter (12) and Courtney Hill (12) said a highlight was a speech by Mark Inglis, a paralympian, author and double amputee who had climbed Mount Everest.
"Leadership is about listening to the people - and don't be too bossy... but you still have to know when to step in and make decisions,'' Howie said.
Howie, who was house leader, captain of several sports teams, and a class councillor, said he was inspired by Inglis's "amazing story'', and the way the adventurer made his experience of overcoming adversity entertaining.
The pupils also enjoyed a question and answer session with Highlanders rugby players Alando Soakai, and Steven Setephano.
Soakai encouraged pupils to "play fair, but play hard'', while Setephano's advice was to "give 100%, if you are playing sports, at school, or even doing the dishes - give 100%''.
The day was organised by the Halogen Foundation, a national non-profit organisation.
