Leadership 101
It is often said that leaders are born, not made. However, research and practice have contradicted this notion time and time again, showing that anyone can learn and exhibit good leadership skills. As with any other professional or personal skill, leadership takes time and effort to develop, but is crucial for individuals striving to make a difference in their workplace.
Leadership takes commitment.
The first step to becoming a good leader is committing to it and retaining that commitment over time. Even when leaders have won a promotion or raise, or been assigned to head a large team, they do not stop and rest. Instead, they continue to focus on the work that needs to be done. Good leaders are lifelong learners, and will apply themselves to the task at hand by communicating with others about it, reading and listening to relevant media, attending workshops or seminars, seeking advice from experts, and waking up the next morning to do it all again.
Good leaders know when to say no.
It is difficult to rise to the top when constantly accepting any project or assignment. Leadership involves being thoughtful and selective about what work to take on. It is an ongoing process of separating the wheat from the chaff, and knowing when to redelegate a task, ask for help, or refuse it outright – even if it was assigned by a superior. This selectivity is part of good time management skills, and it helps leaders cut down on the noise and focus on what is truly important.
Leaders support their team.
Even if leaders are the head of a team, division, or organization, the best ones do not have a “me-first” attitude. Instead, they realize that work only gets done when everyone else is on board, and make sure that their teams are cohesive, communicative, and feel supported. Leaders take the time to listen to those working for them and implementing suggestions for improvement. This is especially important since leaders tend to have a high-level overview of their organizations, but may not always know what is happening on the ground.
Leadership is goal-oriented.
Though good leaders are often described as “visionary,” visions and dreams still need a path for implementation. The best leaders not only set long-term goals for what they hope to accomplish, but also develop concrete steps to achieve these results. Leaders embody purpose in every task they do, taking control over certain tasks or projects because they have a firm idea in mind of what the end result will be.
Good leaders are self-aware.
The best leaders get to the top because they are in a constant process of seeking feedback, whether positive or negative, and strengthening potential areas of weakness. In addition to self-reflection, they collect this feedback from supervisors and subordinates alike. They put aside their egos to improve themselves when they have been criticized, and play up their strengths when praised. A realistic self-image helps leaders know what traits will help them succeed and what still needs to be worked on.
Leaders come in all forms. Often, the leaders in our lives are the ones who resonate the most with us and embody the attributes we would like to see in ourselves. These leaders could be someone close to us, like an admired businessperson or even a family member. Choose your mentors carefully and make sure to be surrounded by good influences.