Developing Leadership

You have heard me say many times that everything either rises or falls on leadership.  Leadership, or the lack thereof, is the reason for growth, or the lack thereof.

Your growth as a leader starts right now, wherever you are at this very moment. You don’t have to be president of a billion-dollar company to be a leader. You can begin with your present relationships, your family and friends, your community associations, your school or your place of work. Developing your leadership skills can prepare you for larger challenges in the future.

It’s quite possible that, until now, you haven’t really considered yourself a leader of any kind. Whether or not that’s so, you may be surprised to learn just how many ways you, indeed, are a leader, especially to those closest to you. You could be a leader to a group or maybe only one or two people. It could be in your work, in a special interest you have or perhaps the quality of a relationship you have with someone, such as your children or loved ones. There are people around you looking up to you, believing in you as a role model and as a leader.

Believe me when I say you are already a leader in ways you may not be fully aware. Never underestimate the influence you have on the lives of others.

Never forget this: At least once every day, try to ask yourself whether your life is setting a good example for others to follow. This is part of the contribution you can make to change others’ lives for the better. The ability we have to make our world better starts with how we live our life and the example we set for others. Think about how your vision of the future may be pointing the way for others. Think about people for whom you might be a role model and in what ways you are setting examples for them.

I have developed a list of several other attributes identified in good leaders that I want to pass along to you. As you read each one, consider which ones already apply to you and those you’d like to apply:

A GOOD LEADER…

• Accepts responsibility and takes it seriously.
• Seeks out and listens to others, but makes up his or her own mind.
• Wants to leave the world better than he or she finds it.
• Has a genuine interest in others: their joys, sorrows, hopes, hurts, needs and fears.
• Learns from the past, but focuses on the future.
• Aims to be of service to others.
• Expects the best from others, as from him or herself.
• Learns from role models, but knows who he or she is.
• Knows the power of yes and no and when to say so.
• Knows how to set goals and pursue them.
• Is dedicated to his or her work and achieving goals.
• Is not deterred by detractors or naysayers.
• Admits errors, accepts failures, learns from them and moves on.
• Is not always right, but is right more than wrong.
• Imparts the moral tone to his or her enterprise.
• Is honest and strives to be fair.
• Is enthusiastic and optimistic about succeeding.
• Motivates others with trust and belief in them.

The demand for leaders is always greater than the supply, because most would rather be led than lead. So opportunities are always close at hand. Great leaders are motivated by purposes larger than self-interest.