How To Get Out Of That Chair And Lead!
Leadership is a tremendously prized form of intelligence. The ability to provide direction to others is useful in many aspects of life, especially business. High-quality leadership is at the core of all successful companies. Individuals who express quality leadership skills are more likely to move up within a company and find success in starting their own business. No matter what form of work you do the power of leadership is beneficial, but becoming a leader is no easy task.
The term “natural born leader” is deceiving. Leadership is a learned skill, not an innate personality trait. Some individuals may have a more outgoing personality and fall into roles of leadership at a young age while others develop leadership later in life. Every path to leadership and leadership style is unique. This means you are in charge of your personal development. Through diligent work and an open-minded view of personal progress, anyone can become a strong leader.
There is no perfect formula to become the world’s best leader, however, there are ways to grow your skillset. The following exercises are sure to get you out of your chair and prepare you to take the lead.
– Lead With Passion
Passion is a powerful motivator. If you are passionate about the position you are planning to take a leadership role in then learning to fit the role will be easy. A strong sense of passion makes it simple to put in any extra work that is required. If you are new to directing a group there will be at least a few late nights spent reading up on things you are unfamiliar with or correcting mistakes. When you feel eager about reaching goals and seeing results, all the extra effort you complete will feel more enjoyable than burdensome.
It is also important to note that true passion is contagious. Groups led by passionate individuals are more likely to bond and reflect on your diligent work. Start identifying the things in life that spark your passion and then search for careers that provide the opportunity to work with it.
Tip: Some passions do not have easily defined career paths. If your passion for something is strong, but you can’t find a job in that field consider creating a business idea that supports it. Starting a small business based on a topic you love is a great opportunity to experience passion’s effect on leadership.
– Attend Leadership Training Events
Some companies offer leadership classes or longer-term programs to employees. If you have the opportunity to attend one of these it is highly recommended. If you do not have access to leadership events through a business, don’t worry. There are plenty of conferences, speakers, and courses you can attend across the world. All you have to do is find ones with good reviews and secure your seat.
Executive coaches and mentors are a more personalized alternative to large leadership events. If you are just starting or want help planning a personalized leadership development plan search for coaches that offer leadership building.
Tip: During any form of leadership training pay attention and take notes. Information is best remembered when a bit of personal research is done and leadership tips are most beneficial when you take the time to experiment with them.
– Lead In Multiple Areas Of Your Life
Leadership is not just for the workplace. You can be a leader in your family, your community, or an even bigger organization. Leadership positions in non-profit groups are a low-pressure option for testing out your skills. You will get the opportunity to do good while feeling good about the experience you are gaining. This also provides the opportunity for you to involve yourself in a community or organization you are passionate about.
When certain roles become comfortable, put in the effort to take on more guidance and decision-based responsibilities. Constantly pushing towards a more demanding form of leadership is the best way to keep improving.
Tip: Plan a trip! Planning and executing a vacation with family or friends is a rewarding way to experience leadership in your personal life. All of the aspects of leadership are present and you need only to be mindful of the experience to learn valuable lessons.
– Know Your Strengths And Weaknesses
Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, however, not everyone is comfortable acknowledging them. Take the time, to be honest with yourself about personal strengths and weaknesses. Some may be personality-based, like stubbornness, while others may be skill-based, like organization.
Once you recognize your traits and skills it becomes possible to build a team that balances out any weaknesses. Personal assessments can also be used as an opportunity to highlight qualities you can improve upon. Personal reflection and development should always be welcomed on your journey to becoming a leader.
– Learn How To Build A Team
Behind every successful leader is a qualified and well-constructed team. Sometimes that team will be designed by you. Other times, it will be chosen for you. Regardless of your team’s origins, it is crucial to understand and implement practices for team development. Team building is a skill that grows with practice and education. No team is perfect and when complications arise the responsibility to find a solution is put on the team leader.
Part of building a team is building a team environment. As a leader, you will set goals, create the tone, mediate conflict, and put guidelines into place for multiple team members. Do your research beforehand because all of these responsibilities leave little time to be confused or indecisive.
Tip: Being a team member can provide insight on how to be a better team leader. Leading is important, but exercising your ability to follow can benefit your understanding of leadership as well.
– Exercise Decision Making
Making decisions is a team effort that requires the management of a leader. There may be times where being in a leadership position means you will have to make decisions on your own, but more often than not they are the result of collaboration. Finalizing impactful decisions can lead to intense discussions. Leaders must ensure the discussion remains constructive and fair while also deciding the most beneficial option.
– Sharpen Communication Skills
Clear communication is a requirement of any productive team and it starts with the team leader. All leadership positions require communication and better communication leads to better team performance. Practice making points clearly and facilitating productive communication between other individuals.
Citations:
- 5 Essential Leadership Skills for the Workplace of Tomorrow. (2019, September 05). Retrieved October 20, 2020, from https://www.northeastern.edu/graduate/blog/essential-leadership-skills-for-tomorrow/
- 7 Ways To Start Building Your Leadership Skills Today (No Matter Where You Are On The Ladder). (2015, November 19). Retrieved October 20, 2020, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/dailymuse/2015/11/19/7-ways-to-start-building-your-leadership-skills-today-no-matter-where-you-are-on-the-ladder/