Release the leader in you gives you some ideas, methods, and tips that will make you think and help let loose your leadership skills. So this article is not about a certain type of person or position of power, or one at the top of an organisation or board of directors. It is about YOU.
What is a leader?
What is a leader? Think about this question for a few minutes. What is a leader to you? What image does the word leader conjure up for you? Is it someone with charisma? Perhaps it is someone who is able to get others to do what they want. Or is it someone who is able to get individuals to do the impossible? Is someone born a leader or are they made? What about world leaders? Are they raised; made by their political parties or a reproduction of those they admire? Truthfully, it is a bit difficult to define a leader. But you all know when you see one or are in the company of one.
5 tips to release the leader in you
Let us define a leader as YOU because you are skilled and able to lead others. However, you may still lack the confidence and the determination to succeed. The following five tips will help release the leader in you:
Identify your wants and needs
First, spend a little time answering the following questions:
What are your priorities in life?
Do you know what you want or what you need?
Very often you confuse wants and needs. In order to differentiate what you want from what you need, try these exercises;
- Write down the things that you want without hesitating or editing.
- Repeat the process and write down the things that you need.
At the end of the exercises, you have a list of wants and needs. Then take a look at what you have written. What are you trying to tell yourself? Are there any themes? By now you should have a sketchy idea of what your priorities in life are and what you believe in. Also, you know what really drives you and is your passion. Similarly, you have a clear vision of what you are deeply passionate about. Therefore in order to be a successful leader, all you require is zeal and enthusiasm for your passion and the capabilities to put your passion into action.
Build your vision from your passion
It is crucial to build your vision from your passion and pave the way for the capabilities to flow in. If on the other hand, you build your vision from your capabilities it will only limit your vision. Because your passion is what keeps you going during the dark difficult times. So the more you follow your dreams the more experience you gain.
Action speaks louder than words
The most important style is either to be an example or a sample. Remember the popular saying “actions speak louder than words” or “walk your talk”. For instance, you soon lose confidence in someone who fails to do what he or she says. Consequently, you question their credibility and ability. So, to be an effective leader you just need to live with integrity and your passion. If people like what they see they follow you.
Believe in yourself
Likewise, you should lead by setting a credible example for others regardless of whether you have influencing skills or not. After all, if you believe in yourself you will generate believers. So keep believing in yourself.
Lead from a place of love
Showing love or empathy in leadership is equally important because it ensures you are not stuck in your own ego or arrogance. It keeps you focused on what you want to achieve and ensures you operate from a place of inner strength. When you operate from a place of love you tend to really listen to others and respond to their true issues and concerns. Rather than manipulate the situation to get what you want. Love ensures you use such qualities as self-confidence, self-respect, consistency, decisiveness, integrity, and honesty in your decision-making.
Bottom line
From today, start to release the leader in you by discovering what you really believe. Identify what your passion is then start speaking about it. Passion is truly infectious because your excitement will start to influence others and before you know it, you have followers.
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/demonstrate-leadership-skills
Photo Credit: Creative Commons
Abiola, PhD, is the founder of Indulge (TM), a healthy-living focused group. A graduate of Aberdeen, Oxford University, and the London School of Economics, she is also a part-time consultant who often advises on the role of international organisations in Africa’s socio-economic and political development.
