There are indeed many ways to lead and a lot has been written and taught about the subject. Often times though, the element that is missed is how to cultivate the Characteristics of Leadership.
The goal then of this article is to outline for you 5 steps that ensure you cultivate great leadership at all levels once you put these into practice.
All truly great leaders understand that in order to be an effective leader, you must remain consistent. Regardless of the task at hand or the challenge before you, if the follow a simple set of principles, leadership automatically emerges.
First… I Do It
The first step in cultivating the characteristics of leadership is to lead by example. Great leaders never ask of others what they have not done themselves. So many people attempt to lead others in things and situations in which they've had no experience. This is what we call "the blind leading the blind."
If you do not know where you are going, how can you effectively lead anyone else there?
So, if you do not know how to do something, do not attempt to lead others because you can only lead them astray. You must first do it successfully and then show others how to do it.
Second… I Do It and You Watch Me
The second step then is for me to do it and you watch what I do. Once I have completed a task or overcome a challenge successfully, true leadership demands that others watch you do it.
Again, leading by example; very crucial in order to build credibility and trust. People trust leaders is walk their talk. All great leaders know that action inspires others so that allowing people to watch you do something is always a great inspiration.
So, now that you know how to do it, it's time to inspire others by having them watch you do it. Through this part of the process, others get to ask you questions about what and how you were able to do what you did. In essence, their job is to vet you and the process; by doing so, they are empowered to duplicate your efforts.
Third… You Do It and I Watch You
The third step then in cultivating the characteristics of leadership is for others to do what you just showed them and this time, you watch. The objective in this part of the process is for you to watch what they do and coach them through the process.
Now that they've seen you and you've answered all their questions, it's important for them to get their hands in it. In doing so, you'll be able to lead them through the process as their coach.
Essentially, this is where leaders help others to perfect the practice. This is where the grasshopper moves to being the master.
Fourth… You Do It
The fourth step then is for you to do it. Now that you've mastered the task and/or challenge, it's time for you to do it on your own. Only until you can complete the task or overcome the challenge successfully on your own can you move to the fifth and final step in the process of cultivating the characteristics of leadership.
Fifth… You Show Others How to Do It
Now that you've proven yourself a master, it's time to pay it forward. All truly great leaders accept and execute the responsibility of teaching others what they know. They do not hoard knowledge – they spread it.
Essentially, repeat steps 1-4 for someone else and he/she will do the same and so on and so on…
You have no idea how far the ripples will go; however, you are assured that leading in this manner will effectively produce more great leaders more times than you can imagine.
Through the practice of these 5 simple steps, you can cultivate the characteristics of leadership anywhere and at anytime.
Please note: None of these steps are limited to proximity. In other words whether in-person or through some other medium, as long as these 5 steps are communicated and put into practice, the results will be the same.
For example, I have learned a lot watching Anthony Robbins and following many of his examples, yet I have never met him. Further to this point is that I attempt to duplicate many of the leadership characteristics that Gandhi exhibited while he was alive, yet he passed away before I was born.
The point is that in order to cultivate the characteristics of leadership, you do not necessarily have to be in the same room with those you learn from or with those you lead.
|
|
From Dean's Library |
Does this website help you? Show your support by making a donation. Your gesture is greatly appreciated. |
Discover successful habits that allow you to discover, master and unleash your remarkable untapped human potential through the Powerful Principles of Personal Growth Newsletter.
Comments