This document discusses how to develop leadership skills and qualities. It begins by stating that leaders emerge during extraordinary circumstances that allow their potential to shine. It then outlines some challenges of leadership, such as rejection, criticism, loneliness, pressure, mental/physical fatigue, and impacts on family. The document provides steps to develop leadership, including planning, finding a mentor, volunteering for leadership roles, improving communication, and exhibiting admired leadership traits like integrity and confidence. It emphasizes acting with integrity, listening, keeping commitments, building relationships, and working hard to begin the journey toward leadership.
This document discusses how to develop leadership skills and qualities. It begins by stating that leaders emerge during extraordinary circumstances that allow their potential to shine. It then outlines some challenges of leadership, such as rejection, criticism, loneliness, pressure, mental/physical fatigue, and impacts on family. The document provides steps to develop leadership, including planning, finding a mentor, volunteering for leadership roles, improving communication, and exhibiting admired leadership traits like integrity and confidence. It emphasizes acting with integrity, listening, keeping commitments, building relationships, and working hard to begin the journey toward leadership.
This document discusses how to develop leadership skills and qualities. It begins by stating that leaders emerge during extraordinary circumstances that allow their potential to shine. It then outlines some challenges of leadership, such as rejection, criticism, loneliness, pressure, mental/physical fatigue, and impacts on family. The document provides steps to develop leadership, including planning, finding a mentor, volunteering for leadership roles, improving communication, and exhibiting admired leadership traits like integrity and confidence. It emphasizes acting with integrity, listening, keeping commitments, building relationships, and working hard to begin the journey toward leadership.
HOW to Become A LEADER Leaders are ordinary people who accept or are placed under extraordinary circumstances that bring forth their latent potential, producing a character that inspires the confidence and trust of others
True leadership is born out of guiding vision and a passion to
accomplish a given task and to inspire others to develop and release their potential. It derives its fulfillment from the success of others.- Personal sacrifice CHALLENGES OF BEING A LEADER REJECTION
One of the most common costs of leadership is
the experience of rejection. If you are willing to accept the call to leadership, at times, you may be rejected and misunderstood CRITICISM No leader is exempt! The very nature of effective leadership involves taking a position on issues, making decisions, and determining direction. These will always result in some form of reaction from ones environment. LONELINESS
Leadership, at times, is lonely because you must
be out front, ahead of the followers. Also, because the leader is the one with the guiding vision and purpose, he/she sees the end from the beginning and must live both the process and destination, all at the same time. PRESSURE Leaders must face the challenge of the responsibilities and demands that come with leadership. These involve the need to make critical decisions, often under constraints and external pressure. MENTAL AND PHYSICAL FATIGUE Leadership places heavy demands on the individual who fills the position. There is no way to become an effective leader and not be affected by its stress, physical demands, and mental toll. PRICE PAID BY THOSE CLOSEST TO YOU
You must be aware of the tremendous cost
which will be born by those closest to you (for example, family members). Because leadership demands the giving of oneself to others, your life becomes the property of those whom you SERVE. Are you ready to accept the challenge? HOW TO CREATE A LEADER WITHIN YOU Step 1 The path to finding yourself in a leadership position begins with planning. Know your objectives and have a plan how to achieve them. Read books written by individuals respected for their leadership prowess. Attend lectures and listen to motivational material designed for students on a managerial career track. No matter how knowledgeable or experienced you become, continue your professional development. A respected leader realizes the value of self- improvement. Step 2 Enlist a mentor to help you grow your career. A mentor is instrumental in helping you over hurdles by providing tried and true wisdom. Find a respected, experienced manager who will provide advice and offer candid thoughts on how to hone your leadership skills. Trust is a key factor in a mentoring relationship. Show your mentor that you are trustworthy and deserving of the time spent with you. Be respectful and above all, show your appreciation. Step 3 Take the initiative and volunteer whenever leadership is required. If your manager is looking for a team leader, make yourself available. To get more experience, join an outside organization that offers the opportunity to take charge. Become a problem solver. Show your leadership capabilities by optimistically looking for solutions to roadblocks. Do not make the mistake of thinking you must have all the answers. Listen to and learn from others. Value the opinions and knowledge of fellow workers. Step 4 Polish your communication and interpersonal skills. One of the most important assets of a successful leader is the ability to communicate with individuals at all levels. Fine-tune your verbal and written communication by focusing on clarity. Share your work by keeping others informed. Most importantly, show appreciation and acknowledge others in a genuine manner. Share the credit and the limelight whenever possible. Step 5 Exhibit the characteristics you admire in a leader. Build a solid reputation by making honesty and integrity your core values. Adopt an optimistic can do philosophy. Your value will soar if you lead by example. Be diligent about taking on your fair share of the work. Self-confidence is vital when performing in a leadership role. Believe in yourself and take responsibility for your actions. Balance your self- confidence with humility. If you make a mistake, admit it, fix it and move on. ACT LIKE A LEADER To reach that next level of success act like a leader. With small baby steps, you can develop, modify or grow your habits, attitudes, skills, and characteristics that may limit you. Live With Integrity: Actions and decisions based on honesty and sincerity creates trust and credibility. People who are trusted and credible are given opportunities.
Listen Be Observant: In silence you can learn a lot;
whether youre silent and carefully listening to someone else speak or youre literally in silence and listening to your own thoughts. If you received nothing beneficial from listening to another person, youll still be perceived as likeable and reliable. Commitment Consistency: Say what you mean and do what you mean to. Saying something you think people want to hear, to make people feel happy or to falsely shed yourself in good light has zero positive consequences. Deliver what you promise. Hold yourself accountable. Be consistent.
Form Relationships Connections: As you meet people, youre
increasing your network, and theres always the likelihood that you can help someone or vice versa. Plus, meeting new people provides you with different perspectives, experience and stories that can help you grow. Be someone whos confident and whom youd like to be around. IF YOU ARE WILLING TO WORK HARDER, LONGER, AND MORE INTENSELY AND BEYOND THE CALL OF LEADERSHIP YOUR JOURNEY TOWARDS LEADERSHIP STARTS NOW