Looking to Lead?

To Lead or Not To Lead?

You may not believe this, but you're already leading.
 
It doesn't necessarily mean that you are a leader as soon as you become a manager. Or wait, until someone tells you are or when you're given that job because THEY (whoever these gods are) are the only ones that see your potential. That thought right there has held many back.
 
My top five that you are doing this leading thing already:
 
1. Yourself
Can you complete a task? Can you drive yourself to the store? Can you dress yourself? There's obviously a commander to your ship. Leading first begins with the self. What you tell yourself and how you believe in yourself makes a huge difference.
 
2. Mistakes
What, is this really possible? Can leaders make mistakes? Yes, they need to in order to even start and to become better. A leader is always evolving and learning new things...but she also needs to make mistakes. She also needs to admit to her mistakes as well. It was said the Thomas Edison made over 2000 mistakes before getting the light bulb right. Does that shed some light? 
 
3. Working with Others
Giving advice, making arrangements, empathy, sympathy, seeing a solution, etc. These are just a few characteristics and the habits of leading women. When you work with others, these skills will become your tools to getting a project done together. 
 
4. Listening
Listening to your friends, boyfriend, sister, teachers, is how this skill is being honed.

In my experience, when a new leader has taken on a role as an owner, supervisor or a manager they tend to forget to listen and observe their employees. I've seen this entitlement characteristic happening -- "Since I'm the new boss they must obey me." NOT! If you come off that way, your employees will hide information from you, do incomplete work, quit and/or eventually partner together to get you out. I've seen it happen. Your best bet is to partner with them, shadow their work (by working right beside them) and listen, listen to them. They are your teachers until you learn how to work with them.

5. Serving
Have you ever cared for someone? Did you ever give your mother an aspirin when she had a headache? Have you made someone dinner or brought lunch to them? Brought flowers to a sick friend? A gift? Said, thank you?

These are all examples of serving others and showing that you care. These skills need to transpire when you work with your team and customers. Leaders know that this is #1 in any book when guiding a team. You'll complete the goal at hand when you show that you care.  You won't believe it, but they might even start following you.

I love this chart! Take a look for further guidance: