The 4 Types of Kids: Shepherd, Follower, Middle Pack, Drifter

Where does your child sit in this model?Are they growing - or drifting further away?

Why I Built This Model

After years of coaching rugby, I realised I wasn’t just building teams - I was coaching people. And to coach a person properly, you need to know where they’re at, not just what they can do.

That’s how the SharpEdge Leadership Model was born:

The Shepherd. The Follower. The Middle Pack. The Drifter.

It’s not about labels.It’s about understanding.Because once you see where a child sits - you can start leading them forward.

Meet the 4 Types

🟢 A – The Shepherd

The ultimate leader. They see the path ahead. They have a Plan B, C, and D and they know who in their circle needs a push, a hand, or a wake-up.

They’re proactive, reliable, and emotionally aware.They’re not always loud - but they’re always leading.

💥 The mistake adults make? Clipping their wings. Instead of helping them fly further, we tell them to tone it down, wait their turn, or be less “bossy.”

🟡 B – The First Follower

They’re steady. Reliable. They’ll lead when needed but prefer backing someone strong. They’re observant. Loyal. And when supported - they shine.

💥 The mistake adults make? Pushing too hard or not enough. These kids need gentle coaching and challenge not being forced into a spotlight they’re not ready for.

🔵 C – The Middle Pack

They blend in. Not disruptive. Not leading. Just “there.”Easily overlooked - but full of untapped potential.With the right guidance, they move quickly up. Without it, they drift.

💥 The mistake adults make? Misreading them. Adults either treat them like a Follower or a Drifter - missing who they really are. The key is getting to know them, not guessing.

🔴 D – The Drifter

The disconnected one. Always off-task, zoned out, or seemingly not interested. But don’t mistake quiet for empty - they’re not unreachable.

💥 The mistake adults make? Giving up too soon. Drifters don’t need a saviour - they need consistency. Not, “I’ll do it for you,” but: “What do you want for dinner? Cool. You’re helping make it.”

This Isn’t a Ranking

This is a snapshot.

Your child isn’t stuck in one spot - but we need to know where they are before we try to coach them forward.

The goal isn’t to turn every child into a Shepherd.Sometimes a strong B is perfect for life. Sometimes a C just needs one nudge to rise.And sometimes a D is exactly who we’re meant to reach - not abandon.

Real Talk: Movement Happens With the Right Adults

I’ve seen it in my program. A C becomes a B after they’re noticed.A Drifter starts owning their morning routine when given time, not tension. A Shepherd gets the space to lead without adults getting nervous about “control.”

The common thread? The adult adjusted - not just the child.

The Takeaway

You can’t coach what you don’t understand.And you can’t lead a child forward if you’ve already written them off.

This model isn’t about judging kids. It’s about giving them what they need - based on who they are.

And when you do that? They move. Grow. Lead. For real.

Want To Try This at Home or Work?

Here’s how to use the model this week:

1. Ask yourself: where does my child (or student) sit right now? Don’t guess. Watch. Listen. Be honest.

2. Adjust your response.

   • Shepherd: Let them lead. Don’t shrink them.

   • Follower: Back them quietly, guide with patience.

   • Middle Pack: Pull them closer. Ask more. Watch them rise.

   • Drifter: Be consistent. Don’t do it for them - invite them in with calm structure.

3. Name the shift. When they show growth - say it out loud. Don’t let it go unnoticed. That’s what pushes them forward.

This Is The Core of SharpEdge

My job isn’t to turn every kid into the next All Black captain. It’s to build young people who know who they are - and how to lead from wherever they sit.

I work with parents, teachers, coaches - anyone who’s ready to get it right for the next generation.

If you want the full breakdown of this model (with questions to spot where your child’s at), flick me a message. I’ll send it through - no fluff, just the tools you can use today. 0212597544