Are leaders born, or are they made? That's a question and debate you hear often, and each side feels that it's right. In truth, though, both are right. You have everything inside you that you need to become a leader. You may not realize it, but you do. If you don't realize that you have the leadership qualities you need already, however, you can also go out and learn how to become a leader.
You already have everything you need to be the great leader you are. Find these qualities within yourself. Becoming a leader is a process, not an instantaneous occurrence. If you're not in a leadership position today, it's not likely that you're going to be in one tomorrow. Rather, it's a journey that you're going to take and that will need dedication.
Incidentally, it should be noted that those who are leaders in their industry or in their jobs are also leaders in their personal lives. It's not a quality that you turn on and off. Leadership isn't a job; it defines the person you are, who you are.
What qualities or attributes do leaders have? First of all, if you're a leader, you have integrity. In fact, this is the most important quality you have to have. If people are going to follow you, they are going to be doing what you're asking of them. You must be moral and ethical and follow through on what you're saying if this is true. Integrity can be thought of as having the wherewithal to be able to tell your children or grandmother what you do and not be ashamed of it.
To be a leader, you also need to be consistent. You need to weigh your options, decide on which way you want to go, and then go. Don't walk into your company one day and say that you're going to do something to increase your company's profile in the industry or bring in new customers and then the next week reverse direction and say that you need to cut the project budget and downgrade company technology. Establish a goal once you know what you want to do and then work towards that goal every day to achieve it.
Having a deep understanding of your business is important in being a successful leader. Educate yourself as people like to deal with other people that actually know what they are talking about, and can tell them what their company can do for them. You can't fake this. I am sure you know what I am talking about; you have talked to a "professional" that didn't really have a clue as to what they are talking about. You just shake your head and walk away. So make sure you know your business.
You're also going to make mistakes, and this is something everyone experiences. The key is not to necessarily avoid making mistakes in the first place (although prudence and being careful of course is important) but to own up to them when you do and then fix them. Admit mistakes and don't try to hide them. You'll lose respect if you do. It's not true that you're never going to be criticized, either. You are going to be criticized and have opinions thrown your way that you don't necessarily agree with. Again, sometimes, these opinions and criticisms are going to be warranted, and you're going to need to take them. Be able to listen to people and then make decisions. Listen to others, but make the final decision as the situation warrants. With a little bit of know-how, you can bring out your own leadership qualities already inside you and be on the path to true power in every area of your life.
You already have everything you need to be the great leader you are. Find these qualities within yourself. Becoming a leader is a process, not an instantaneous occurrence. If you're not in a leadership position today, it's not likely that you're going to be in one tomorrow. Rather, it's a journey that you're going to take and that will need dedication.
Incidentally, it should be noted that those who are leaders in their industry or in their jobs are also leaders in their personal lives. It's not a quality that you turn on and off. Leadership isn't a job; it defines the person you are, who you are.
What qualities or attributes do leaders have? First of all, if you're a leader, you have integrity. In fact, this is the most important quality you have to have. If people are going to follow you, they are going to be doing what you're asking of them. You must be moral and ethical and follow through on what you're saying if this is true. Integrity can be thought of as having the wherewithal to be able to tell your children or grandmother what you do and not be ashamed of it.
To be a leader, you also need to be consistent. You need to weigh your options, decide on which way you want to go, and then go. Don't walk into your company one day and say that you're going to do something to increase your company's profile in the industry or bring in new customers and then the next week reverse direction and say that you need to cut the project budget and downgrade company technology. Establish a goal once you know what you want to do and then work towards that goal every day to achieve it.
Having a deep understanding of your business is important in being a successful leader. Educate yourself as people like to deal with other people that actually know what they are talking about, and can tell them what their company can do for them. You can't fake this. I am sure you know what I am talking about; you have talked to a "professional" that didn't really have a clue as to what they are talking about. You just shake your head and walk away. So make sure you know your business.
You're also going to make mistakes, and this is something everyone experiences. The key is not to necessarily avoid making mistakes in the first place (although prudence and being careful of course is important) but to own up to them when you do and then fix them. Admit mistakes and don't try to hide them. You'll lose respect if you do. It's not true that you're never going to be criticized, either. You are going to be criticized and have opinions thrown your way that you don't necessarily agree with. Again, sometimes, these opinions and criticisms are going to be warranted, and you're going to need to take them. Be able to listen to people and then make decisions. Listen to others, but make the final decision as the situation warrants. With a little bit of know-how, you can bring out your own leadership qualities already inside you and be on the path to true power in every area of your life.
About the Author:
About the author: Rha K. Cardinale gives great advice on how to find the leader within. See the "Great Leadership" website for more information on transforming your organisation into powerhouses of wisdom Performance and Profit.
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