Great leaders don't set out to be a leader, they set out to make a difference. Its never about the role its always about the goal.
Being a leader isn't just a title, as a matter of fact, its not a title at all. Because you were granted with title of manager, vp or even president doesnt automatically make you a leader. Becoming a leader is much more complicated than that, becoming a leader is about how far you will go to rally your troops, stand in the line of fire or be the voice of the people that look up to you.
I'm not talking about a live war theater, I'm talking about corporations and companies. Although sometimes working in an office environment is certainly like working in a war zone.
Having spent a good part of my life working in a corporate setting, I have seen some really amazing leaders and some truly bad people turn great companies into a wasteland of unmotivated & lackluster employees.
I believe a true leader will always exhibit the following 5 qualities.
A true leader will lead by example. They will walk the walk they preach. How can you ask your employees to do something that you feel is beneath you? Whether its how you dress or even address people, it matters. Smile and remember peoples names. It does go a long way.
A true leader will listen and assess the situation without judging. A leader of people will not base their reasoning on preconceived notions or things that other employees may have gossiped to them. They will listen and ask questions and show that they care about the outcome.
A true leader will be honest and have integrity. There is no way to build a successful team without trust. If you are not honest or have integrity you will never build that essential trust.
A true leader will motivate people to do better. Its not just telling people "do better" its inspiring people to do better. Its about making people feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves.
A true leader never stops learning, and they do not act as though they already know everything. A know-it-all is just that, a spoiled person who thinks too highly of themselves so they never open themselves up to learn. A closed mind is a follower not a leader.
A leader is a person who not only has the courage and perseverance to succeed on their own but also to lift up those around them to succeed too! We see all levels of leadership every day, they may not be the CEOs or VPs but they are the people in your life that you know you can go to when you need guidance and reassurance.
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
A true leader will lead by example. They will walk the walk they preach. How can you ask your employees to do something that you feel is beneath you? Whether its how you dress or even address people, it matters. Smile and remember peoples names. It does go a long way.
A true leader will listen and assess the situation without judging. A leader of people will not base their reasoning on preconceived notions or things that other employees may have gossiped to them. They will listen and ask questions and show that they care about the outcome.
A true leader will be honest and have integrity. There is no way to build a successful team without trust. If you are not honest or have integrity you will never build that essential trust.
A true leader will motivate people to do better. Its not just telling people "do better" its inspiring people to do better. Its about making people feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves.
A true leader never stops learning, and they do not act as though they already know everything. A know-it-all is just that, a spoiled person who thinks too highly of themselves so they never open themselves up to learn. A closed mind is a follower not a leader.
A leader is a person who not only has the courage and perseverance to succeed on their own but also to lift up those around them to succeed too! We see all levels of leadership every day, they may not be the CEOs or VPs but they are the people in your life that you know you can go to when you need guidance and reassurance.
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
