There’s been a lot of talk recently about leading from within or leading from where you’re at. The idea of leading or being a leader from your position in life makes sense to me and I’m not sure why that is. Might have something to do with the way I was raised. It might also have something to do with different positions I’ve held during my career. And every once in a while I meet somebody who doesn’t identify with the word leader. They might say things like “I can’t do that”, or “I’m not the leader”. To me leading and leadership doesn’t always have to relate to positional authority. Leadership is more about the behaviors we exhibit.
These are behaviors that are unique to creative problem-solving and bettering the lives of others. Leadership behaviors can also directly shape the future and make things better. Leaders that I have known over time have demonstrated the following:
Confidence – this is simply the belief that you can succeed. We should all pay attention to our internal voice when challenged.
Service – this is to help make sure that your colleagues have the support and tools that they need. Directing your resources, talents and experience to help others we’ll develop trust and transform a working group into a highly-effective team.
Accountability – as challenges arise you must question whether your part of the problem and accept responsibility if need be. Focus on the items that you can control and disregard those that you can’t.
Credibility – this is the key to leadership and grows when the others know that they can count on you because your words match your actions. We should all work to minimize the gap that may exist between our words and our actions.
Character – be aware of what we value and how that enables us to direct our life and lead others. We should all find time to consider what values matter the most to us and how they can better guide us.
-RG