10
Signs You Really Are a Leader (and Might Not Know It)
Usually, the people who influence us the most aren't even aware of
it.
We often feel
that to be a leader you need to be born a leader, or be drawn to leadership, or have a
leader-ly position.
We
think of leadership as a title that has to be deserved
or earned.
But leaders
are rarely, if ever, born. If we had to isolate a factor that creates leaders,
it's probably some combination of circumstance and persistence.
Many, many
leaders walk among us--in all kinds of people, places and positions.
Some of
the greatest leaders you'll ever meet aren't even aware of their own leadership.
Here are 10
signs that you may be one of them:
1. You have an open mind and seek out other
people's opinions.
If people are
drawn to you because you are open to others people's opinions, you are a leader.
2. You offer advice and counsel.
If you find
yourself advising your colleagues, and your friends are asking you to counsel
them--if people seem to seek out and value what you say--then your empathy is
strong and your perspective has real-world usefulness to those around you. If
you often help those around you navigate their rough patches, you are a leader.
3. People count on you.
If people rely
on you, it follows that they trust you to follow through and deliver on your
promises. If you hold yourself accountable and demonstrate the kind of day-in,
day-out responsibility that leads others to trust you, you are a leader.
4. You're a good listener and people confide
in you.
Being able to
listen to others, having people speak to you frankly without worrying about who
you'll tell or how you might use that knowledge against them, are signs of
strong leadership--not to mention of being a nice person. If you understand
that listening is more important than speaking, and if people know they can
confide in you, you are a leader.
5. Others follow your example.
The most
powerful form of leadership isn't persuasion or argument or force, but example.
Whether times are good or bad, people notice who's present, who's effective,
who's working hard without distraction. When that person is you, others
naturally follow you--and you are a leader.
6. You insist on excellence.
As
Aristotle said, we are what we repeatedly do, and therefore excellence is not
an act but a habit. When you are in the habit of standing up for excellence and
you hold yourself and those around you responsible for quality, you are telling
others that you act rather than talk, show rather than say, deliver rather than
promise. If you are not making excuses or blaming others but holding up the
standard of excellence and quality, you are a leader.
7. You have a positive attitude.
Positive,
optimistic people make people around them happy. A positive outlook doesn't
blind you to problems or issues but allows you to seek out something good in almost
every situation and to know that eventually things will be all right. It's the
kind of spirit that keeps people motivated and spreads optimism, and it means
you are a leader.
8. You treat people with respect.
Knowledge
may give you power, being smart may give you an advantage, but when you give
respect you will always receive respect in return. If you look for the good in
everyone you meet and respect them for who they are, it's likely that they hold
you in high esteem and that you are a leader.
9. You genuinely care about others.
If you spend
time supporting, guiding and sharing your knowledge with those around you,
giving them the opportunity to achieve success, and if you care about their
well-being and do all you can to help them attain their own success, you are a
leader.
10. You are confident and passionate.
Most people
are always watching each other, looking for cues about how to behave. Being
confident means moving with assurance, being passionate about what you believe
and refusing to let anything get in your way. If you work consistently toward a
cause with vision and confidence, you are a leader.
Are you
failing to see something important within yourself? Weigh yourself against
these traits, reconsider what you think you know, and recognize yourself for
the leader you may really be.
BY LOLLY
DASKAL
http://www.inc.com/lolly-daskal/10-signs-you-really-are-a-leader-and-might-not-know-it.html
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