‘An army of sheep led by a lion is better than an army of lions led by a sheep.’ — Alexander the Great. This saying brings home one of John Maxwell’s sayings that “Everything rises and falls on leadership”.
Regardless of your position or current level, cultivating the right leadership qualities will help enhance both your life and career, setting the stage for success.
Here are tips on how to be an inspiration and encourage others to succeed:
1. Embrace a Mindset of Service
The position of a leader is offering help to enable others to flourish. Aim to excel while forging a course for others in your circle to do the same. Ensure to act in a way that instills trust and respect and gain a reputation for doing the right thing, while helping others rise to the challenge.
2. Develop the Right Attitude
Leaders keep their eyes on the goal, whether in a support or supervisory capacity. Leaders work to the best of their abilities and aim, no matter what their task may be, to add extra value to the things they do.
3. Make no Excuses
When things veer off track, a leader takes responsibility and finds a way to fix the situation. With power of character, they handle the fallout. They appreciate the importance of an apology and understand the best way to deliver one.
4. Act Decisively
Leaders do not fear making unpopular choices. Rather than go with what’s convenient, they assess the situation, deliberate quickly, decide what’s best for the common good, and follow through with a course of action.
5. Accept the Reality of Change
Most followers are on “automatic pilot”. When circumstances change, they resist rather than adapt. Leaders look ahead to see where things are going and prepare for the inevitable. They are calm when a storm hits. They accept change and willingly adjust their behaviour.
6. Never Stop Learning
A successful leader evolves. They look at every experience as an opportunity for growth. Not satisfied with “business as usual” they make sure they learn something new everyday.
