If you’ve ever heard the adage “Leaders are born, not made,” please do me a favor and forget it. This is simply not true. Each and every one of us has the potential to be not only a leader, but a confident leader; one who inspires and motivates other women to reach their full potential. It is ever too late to become a leader or to improve your leadership style and skills. Here are seven ways to be a marvelous leader:
Listen first. The ability to listen is the foundation for a great leader. Listening means both asking for input from those you lead and actually listening (not just humoring) when it is received. Oftentimes those you lead are on the frontlines of the business, group or cause. Therefore, they know more than you do about the daily challenges of the operation. Listen to them. Be humble. Sadly, some leaders seek to motivate through others through intimidation or jest. A confident leader motivates through respect and delegation. Your goal as a leader is not for everyone to love or worship you, but for everyone to respect you the same way you respect them. When respect is the foundation of your business, nonprofit or relationships achievements and successes flourish.
Show gratitude. A confident leader takes the time to show her appreciation to others. If you take others for granted and have an attitude that their good work should be a given, you will begin to see their good work slide. Make sure your group members or staff knows that you recognize and appreciate their efforts (even if not successful) and that their good works deserve to be praised.
Be inspirational. Being inspirational is not about being arrogant or saying, “Look at me, I’m the leader.” Rather, being inspirational means your staff or group members witness your passion and commitment to your own work. If your people see how much you love and are invested in what you do, it will help them love and be invested in what they do. Share your vision with them and convince them they are part of something worthwhile. From now on let the word “boss” be an acronym – Bringing Others Success & Significance. When you do that others will feel inspired.
Pop bubbles. Confident leaders don’t sit behind a desk or computer all day, they’re constantly on the move – walking the halls, stopping by desks and going to both formal and informal gatherings. They don’t lead from within a bubble, but rather are bubble poppers – breaking down barriers, boundaries and walls.
Laugh at yourself. Laughter can be a beautiful thing – it can build bridges and calm storms. As a leader, don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself. We all make mistakes or do silly things sometimes.
Keep a sense of humor when the road gets rough too. If you lead with total seriousness and a lack of humor you risk creating a stressful, anxiety-filled environment or group.
Be authentic. Above all, confident leaders are authentic. They are not afraid to be who they are and most often they are warm-hearted compassionate individuals who truly want to make the world a better place. They are not afraid to share their personal stories, especially stories paved with challenges. These are the stories that inspire others to greatness and leadership themselves.
