Here are five practical ways that will transform you from a follower to a leader …
Self-leadership
The first step of leadership is the ability to lead yourself. Leadership requires people who are able to act without any authority figure telling them what to do each step of the way. My point is, if you do not show self-leadership which enables you to grow and expand your current role, you are still trapped in the mindset of a follower.
Spot opportunities, get involved
Followers do their jobs, and that’s it. They rarely extend themselves beyond their immediate scope of responsibilities. Leaders, on the other hand, see their job descriptions as the bare minimum, the foundation upon which they build greatness. Are you a follower? Are you just satisfied coming in, do what is expected of you and then go home at the end of the day? Leaders think ahead, they just do not stumble into a position. Spot and grab opportunities that will expand your sphere of influence.
Discover your voice, develop the courage to speak up
Develop personal and professional relationships with people all around you. Seize opportunities to test your ideas in one-on-one encounters. Ensure your hard-thought ideas find an audience with the relevant people. You have to speak up and let your opinion be noted.
Self-motivation
Followers are only motivated by external factors – the next title, the next raise, the next gain in status. Leaders are internally motivated. They don’t work for status or possessions. They are motivated to excel because it’s who they are. True leaders keep pushing forward even when there’s no carrot dangling in front of them.
Be a positive character
Staying positive, being approachable, and expressing positive thoughts and feelings through verbal and non-verbal communication will help you build affinity with those around you. Be tactful with what you communicate to others. Be a positive influence to all around you – leadership is all about that, influence. Pessimists and those who always complain do not make great leaders.
Leadership is no longer about having power over others – leadership and ‘followership’ are simply mindsets. I believe we were all created to be leaders in our domains. Leadership is not a corporate appointment or reward given after some sort of achievement. It is also not something reserved for a particular group of people. There is an inborn leadership capacity in all of us. So don’t wait for some sort of leadership title. Leadership isn’t something that anyone can give you – you have to earn it and claim it for yourself.
Details: www.theseedsa.org
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