What They Forgot To Tell You About Leadership

WhatIt Means To Be A Leader

To be an effective leader, one must first understand just what it means to be a leader. Simply put, a leader is someone who takes action and leads a group of people or an organization. A good leader must display qualities and values that align with the principles of ethics and excellence.

As I sat in a Leadership Conference, it suddenly began to make sense. There is assumably a standard go-to cheat sheet on how to be a good leader; however, leadership take much more than memorizing key traits one should obtain. Anyone can lead but good leaders are born. Leadership is an art and one that is acquired. These key points will help leaders evolve from individuals who lead, to embodying the characteristics every great leader inherently possesses.

It's Not What You Know, It's Who You Know

The statement, It's not what you know, it's who you know holds true in leadership. Yes, who you know can in many ways help you advance in your career and in life; however, how you know can also drastically deter you from success. As you evolve as a leader, you will learn that everyone does not have mirrored goal sets and simply everyone cannot go where you are going. At some point, you must make the decision to evaluate the individuals in your life and your immediate circle and determine if there are people in your life who should not be. It is of extreme importance to have an executive board for your life. Essentially, these are the people who play specific roles in your life and add to your success. These individuals can hold you accountable to your goals and help you in achieving them. This executive board should consist of roughly 5 key individuals each of whom should play a specific role on this board. There should be various individuals for the various areas of your life (i.e work, school, family, faith, etc.). Treat the executive board of your life as you would your company and hold these individuals accountable for the roles you have assigned them. It is important to think about who these individuals are and regularly evaluate if they are fulfilling this set role in your life. If the answer to this is no, just like any paying job it is okay to fire these individuals. As you grow and continue to evolve as a leader, you will see these individuals may begin to change based on the various stages of your life and that, is okay.

Exposure Aspect

With being a leader (and basically anything in life) comes great adversity and trying challenges. This, however, is what tests ones ability to lead. It is fairly easy to go through the motions of leadership when all is well. It takes a special individual, however, to navigate the map to leadership when things do not go as expected. As a leader there will always be obstacles but handling these obstacles in an effective manner is what will set you apart. Even in the midst of obstacles, a good leader does not make excuses rather deals with what they are given. Excuses are nothing more than the tools of incompetence and lies stop lying to yourself from obtaining success. Remember, can't is a conscious decision not to and a distractor from achieving goals. The choice is always yours but this choice comes with sacrifice and the potential for adversity. Once you realize your affliction is your opportunity, you can be progressive in your purpose and in your leadership.

Surviving Spiritual Standstills

It is important to remember above all else to maintain a positive mindset and a clear vision of your goals as a leader. If God gives you the vision, he will grant you the provision to accomplish what you set out to in leadership. If you find yourself unsure of what it is you should be doing in leadership, God will unveil your purpose so you can be progressive in it. As a leader, in order to be excited about where you are going you must first be happy where you are. It is vital to embrace your current space in time and not rush the process. Great leaders do not develop overnight. Much like anything else, there is a process that entails loss, growth, and renewal. Leaders, rather than sitting in complacency, become mad enough to do something effective.

Situational Self Leadership

As a leader, it is important to evaluate your personal belief set to determine just how believable is it or what will inspire others to believe in what you do. This comes down to who will believe you based off your life style and what the things you say. To be an effective leader, you must be the right kind of an example and in turn, know who it is that you influence. Essentially, to be a leader people must be able to follow you. Think of it this way; do not choose your leadership skills the way you would build your friends. This is professional not personal and it is important to always, always be mindful of this concept. Great leaders are always prepared and recognize that prior preparation prevents poor performance. Leaders must be fearless and cannot be afraid to stand out and make decisions that may be contrary to what is common. Be bold, sharp, hardworking and overall amazing at what you do. Above all else, leaders must be master the art of effective communication with the people you lead as well as your stakeholders.

There are so many ways to become a great leader but all in all, it starts with you! A great leader is someone who is approachable and always open and available to those they lead. Maximize your time, potential, resources, and the people under you. Leaders, you must be accountable to your goals as a leader, to those under your leadership, and to yourself to go after everything that was destined for you.