An important part of success in life is the ability to lead. It is important that we not only be able to lead others but be willing to lead ourselves. No one succeeds in life by simply following others. Sometimes we simply must strike a bold new path for ourselves.
Being a good leader is more than simply being at the forefront of a team. A leader must act. Too often as women leaders, we simply accept that someone looks or sounds like a leader and too rarely do we actually look at the actions that a leader performs.
However, in order to become good leaders, we need to concentrate on actions rather than simple appearances. So let’s review four keys you can take to elevate your leadership. Don’t think of these as keys as progressive steps like so many recipes or instruction manuals describe. Instead, think of these as actions that you must take on in a regular basis.
Key #1 – Learn something new
First, learn something new and promote it in new ways every day. This means you must continually seek to expand your horizons, internally and externally. Feed your mind with new lessons and knowledge, but constantly expand your social horizons as well. Seek out and meet new people and immerse yourself in new social situations. You never know when these new experiences will help you in your leadership role.
Key #2 – Improvise When Possible
Second, improvise if no existing solutions are available. Make no excuses. Necessity is the mother of invention. How do you know it won’t work if you’ve never tried it before? Remember, not all approaches need to come from the front. Look at your problem from all sides and systematically attempt different solutions in various combinations.
Key #3 – Pay Help Forward
Three, offer help, even if there’s no apparent advantage to you. This means more than writing a check. It means giving of your time, energy, and yourself. Sometimes it will mean helping someone you don’t know and sometimes it can be a very personal action.
Key #4 – Avoid Negativity
Finally, never let negativity be your last word on the subject. If your final words are negative, then no matter how hopeful you may be about the potential of a project or action, the lasting impression you give to others is one of negativity. Accentuate the positive and you are more likely to see a positive outcome.
If you put into keys into practice, not only will you be a better leader; but also lead yourself to a more successful life.
What’s Next for YOU?
Want to discover how you can exceed as a leader and put these keys and other strategies into practice? Take advantage of the Leadership Strategy Session with Karlyn D. Henderson, M.A., CEO of Poimena Consulting. Learn more at Leadership Breakthrough Strategy.
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