Choosing to Lead: Deliberate Leadership

Leadership is a choice

Leadership is a choice, a conscious decision to step forward and take on the responsibility of guiding, influencing, and inspiring others towards a common goal. It's not just a title; it's a commitment to making a positive impact, fostering growth, and driving change. Choosing to lead is an empowering journey that requires self-awareness, dedication, and the ability to navigate challenges with calmness and consideration.

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At its core, leadership is about more than just giving orders or being in charge. It's about understanding the needs and aspirations of those you're leading and working collaboratively to achieve shared objectives. The decision to lead should stem from a genuine desire to serve others and contribute to the betterment of a team, an organisation, or even a community.

How we can choose to lead

One of the key aspects of choosing to lead is recognising the importance of leading by example. Effective leaders don't ask their team members to do anything they wouldn't do themselves. They set the standard through their actions, work ethic, and integrity. This approach not only earns respect but also creates a culture of accountability and dedication among the team.

Embracing leadership means embracing growth. It's a continuous learning process that demands openness to new ideas and perspectives. Leaders must be willing to evolve, adapt, and refine their skills. This requires humility — the ability to acknowledge that there's always room for improvement and that mistakes are opportunities for growth, not reasons for shame.

Communication is the lifeblood of leadership. Clear and effective communication ensures that the team understands the vision, the goals, and their individual roles in the collective effort. Listening is equally crucial; leaders must create an environment where every voice is heard, fostering creativity and innovation. Choosing to lead also means being receptive to feedback, both positive and constructive, and using it to fine-tune strategies.

Being deliberate even in the tough times

Every leader faces challenges — from overcoming obstacles to managing conflicts. The decision to lead involves a commitment to facing these challenges head-on, with resilience and determination. Challenges are opportunities to showcase leadership qualities like problem-solving, decision-making, and maintaining composure under pressure.

?While leadership can be immensely rewarding, it's not without its sacrifices. Leaders often invest extra time and effort to ensure the success of their team. They prioritise the collective over the individual and find fulfillment in the growth and achievements of those they lead.

Choosing to lead can also be a transformative experience on a personal level. It builds character, fosters empathy, and hones skills that are valuable beyond the realms of leadership. The ability to motivate, inspire, and drive positive change is not only beneficial in professional settings but also in personal relationships and community involvement.

Connecting your choice to lead with purpose

In a world where leaders can make a profound impact, the decision to lead should be made with a sense of purpose. It's about contributing to something bigger than oneself and leaving a lasting legacy. From captains of industry shaping the business landscape to community leaders driving social change, leadership takes on various forms, all united by the choice to lead.

?Choosing to lead is a conscious decision that goes beyond a mere position of authority. It's a commitment to growth, service, and positive influence. Effective leaders lead by example, communicate skilfully, embrace challenges, and prioritise the collective good. While the journey may be demanding, the rewards — personal growth, impact, and a sense of fulfillment — are immeasurable. So, whether you're stepping up in your workplace, your community, or your personal life, remember that choosing to lead is a choice to make a difference.

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Rita Cincotta writes, mentors, and speaks on individual and team performance and elevating leadership development. She works with organisations to develop human centred solutions that help people and businesses to thrive.? You can join the elevate your leadership impact community here.