Despite years of research and endless theorizing, little is known of what leadership really is. A distinction is made between leadership and the related constructs of creativity, management and group dynamics. A useful definition of leadership is provided, and a four-stage program for actually providing for the emergence of leadership is described. The program is drawn from theories and models in many disciplines, developed over 6 years, tested and found to enable gifted children to become leaders, not merely to teach them "about" leadership. Stage 1 encourages familiarity with leader characteristics, and use of creativity, expecially divergent thinking. Stage 2 includes role playing, observing and analyzing the leadership of others and doing creative thinking exercises. In stage 3, ambiguity is created and shortcuts are removed to allow students to struggle for solutions. The fourth stage consists of real life experiences with leadership. Four tables contain: traits of leaders; behaviors of leaders; a comparison of management, group dynamics, and leadership; and a model for fostering the emergence of leadership. A 33-item bibliography is included. (CL)