If you work for a company or other organisation, have you noticed that there are "leaders" and there are "followers?"
The whole infrastructure seems to revolve around 'who's the boss'.
Whilst this is the default structure for companies and organisations, in many companies the concept of 'leadership' is not necessarily taught to the lower echelons of the company.
After all, why create a host of competitors to your own job!
If you want to be a leader, you have to learn to lead yourself, first and foremost.
So what is a leader, and more importantly, how do you learn to be a leader?
In general a leader is someone who serves his or her company or organisation - either by example or by direct instruction to their subordinates.
If you lead yourself, you simply apply this to your own behaviour.
Qualities of a Good Leader
Firstly, you need to believe in yourself. Most people placed in senior positions, and those who are successful at that position all have a certainty about themselves.
And those who don't, generally don't last long! You will not be an effective leader if you lack self esteem or self confidence!
There are plenty of vehicles/courses etc. that you can used to improve your self esteem and self confidence. Furthermore you can use them without descending into arrogance, of course!
1. Good leaders have well advanced practices of self discipline.
They are able to control and regulate their own behaviour despite distractive influences.
2. All competent leaders are able to influence the people they lead.
- whether it be by persuasion or by example setting. However, bad leaders try and influence others by threats and force.
3. All effective leaders clearly have a visible sense of purpose.
Their goals and ideals are blatantly manifest in everything they say or do.
This in turn influences the people they lead. People will follow someone who has a clear sense of purpose.
4 All good leaders are totally in tune with the goals and aspirations of the company they work for.
They are not running their own agenda. They are running (and serving) the company's agenda.
5 Good leaders set an example for those that they lead.
If it is necessary to start early in the morning, then sure as not they'll be there at 5 am if necessary!
6 Good leaders are also good communicators.
If your orders cannot be understood than 99% of your followers won't be able to carry them out effectively!
7 Good leaders have good judgement.
They are able to quickly assess a situation - the pros and cons - and come up with an effective response.
8 Good leaders also recognise the talents and skills of those they lead.
A good leader knows how to bring forth those talents to the benefit of the team and to the company as a whole.
Having said all the above, good leaders are not 'do-it-all' heroes.
They do not pull rabbits out of hats! They are as mortal as the next bloke!
They didn't suddenly become a leader overnight - it took them time to develop their skills and talents.
If you are seeking to become a leader, both learning and experience play a vital role.
You can learn informally from the leaders in your organisation or you can learn formally in a course or workshop. Your own organisation is the best place to start when it comes to leadership training.
A combination of both types of learning is the most effective way to enter the leadership continuum.
So, do you have the drive and the desire to serve that is required of leaders? Do you have the desire to work cooperatively with other people?
If yes, then start now. Take your stand and be a leader today!