Becoming a Star Team Player..

...and a Leader regardless of title and position.

Some time back, I had the opportunity and privilege to hear from an accomplished and inspiring leader* who I genuinely look up to as a mentor from a distance.

Here are some thoughts on.....

How to Be a Star Team Player and Lead without a Title

Before anyone begins the journey to leadership – whether you have a title or not – remember, that change always starts with you.

Here are some key elements to help you check within yourself:

• In your current environment, how are you adding value?
• Are you helping to create and maintain a positive culture?
• Are you being courageous to suggest improvements in a constructive manner?
• Are you being consistent? That is, does your walk match your talk?
• In what areas do you need to grow?

To be a part of a winning team and in order to get there, each team member should carry these 3 Core Beliefs:

• I feel valued in this team.
• I feel inspired.
• I feel empowered.

To become a leader regardless of position and title you have, consider the following principles to work toward on how to be inspirational and lead by example in your team:

Have a heart to care! Be mindful and compassionate about others… develop a heart for people!

• Live by the motto: “I notice you... and you matter.”
• Appreciate and show gratitude over and above the norm… Then double it!
• Shift your focus where you can, from being ‘me-centred’ to ‘you-centred’

Have a Passion to Inspire!

• Carry an optimistic outlook! Be the positive one and keep the spirits up!
• Be generous with your words! Offer words of encouragement and recognition to those around you.
• Be empathetic - be a good listener!
• Inspire your team to keep their eye on the prize! Be the constant reminder of the bigger picture: “What you’re a part of is bigger than the part you play.”

Have a Willingness to empower!

• Be the constant learner... and the one that promotes knowledge-sharing. We unleash potential by empowering those around not by controlling and holding on to what we know
• Remember those that just delegate tasks will create good followers… However, those that delegate authority, create empowered leaders.
• To delegate is to trust your team to do the best at their level

Have the courage to be vulnerable: Humility - confidence - honesty - integrity

• It doesn’t hurt to say sorry when you get it wrong… Just remember to fail fast and fail forward.
• Be the coach that says, “We’re going to press on regardless”
• Aim to Just Be You, your authentic self.
• Don’t be someone else - be you.
• Be real.

In closing... remember this very important point: "The goal of any good leader should not be to require action from others but to inspire action."

*Reference: Craig Groeschel