Feb 6, 201211:38 AMBlog: The Leadership Geek
BLOG: Resolve to become a better leader in the new year
Effective leadership is a key component of success. Whether it’s leadership within an organization, your family or other group, leaders who are able to inspire others through word and deed will lead their team and themselves to astounding success.
Everyone wants to be the person in charge. If you are the boss you have power, prestige, and authority, not to mention a nice office, a healthy paycheck, and a parking place out front, right? Well, maybe not; however, this is the vision many people have of people at the top. But what does it really mean to be a leader in your organization, your community or your family?
No one sets out to fail as a leader, but it happens. For instance, “Judy” is a top performer in her department. She is prompt and efficient and always gets the job done. Senior management is happy with Judy’s work ethic and performance and decides to promote her to a management position.
“Congratulations, Judy! You are now a manager! Here are the keys to your new office. Oh, and, good luck!”
Judy soon discovers that being “the boss” is not what she expected. She receives no training or guidance and soon becomes discouraged in her new role. Sound familiar?
Organizations sometimes set managers up for failure without even realizing it. The simple act of being promoted does not magically turn someone into an effective leader. Unfortunately, many organizations do not see the value of leadership training. Fortunately, however, more and more individuals are seeking out leadership training activities on their own.
There is an old Afghan proverb that says, “If you think you are leading and no one is following, then you are simply taking a walk.”
Take a second and glance over your shoulder … is there anybody following you? If you are great leader, the line behind you will go on and on! If no one is there, you can make a decision now to become a better leader. The good news is, leadership skills can be learned and leaders can be made!
So what makes someone a leader? Initially, it may be strictly based on the position they hold. If you are the boss, then people will follow to some extent, because they have to. However, the goal is to become the kind of leader that people follow because the want to. You want them to follow you because of who you are and what you represent. That’s a great place to be as a leader. True leaders have a positive influence on others and provide inspiration to so many!
Many folks ask if leaders are born or made. Although some people are born with more natural leadership traits than others, leadership skills can be learned. Transforming yourself into a great leader is a complicated process and will not happen overnight. It takes commitment and time.
The more you learn about leadership, the more you will realize how much don’t really know! You may even become a leadership geek!
It’s important to know that you don’t have to be at the top of the corporate ladder to become a leader. In fact, the sooner you start developing you leadership skills, the more opportunities you will see come your way. So, where do you start? Make an investment in yourself. Commit to develop your leadership skills and become a better leader. Begin by taking inventory of your current leadership skills and weaknesses. To be successful you not only need to establish where you wish to go (goals) but also where the starting line is!
Here are a few questions to honestly ask yourself in assessing your current leadership skills.
Do you:
1. Serve others or expect to be served?
2. Take responsibility or assign blame?
3. Coach your people or drive them?
4. Inspire enthusiasm or inspire fear?
5. Say “We” or say “I”?
6. Act or React?
7. Give credit or provide criticism?
8. Seek respect or demand respect?
In February’s blog, we will touch on these questions and differentiate between a manager and a true leader.
This is the time of year many of us choose to make a New Year’s resolution. Why not consider resolving to become a better leader in 2012?
Andrea Manning is a successful entrepreneur, leadership coach, nurse and nationally recognized speaker on the topics of leadership and healthcare. Her work can be found on the Alaska Journal of Commerce website at www.AlaskaJournal.com, under the Opinion dropdown.
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