How to Become a Great Leader

Zig Ziglar once said, “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” So why wait? Start now, and get ready to inspire your team like never before!

Leadership isn’t about fancy titles or big offices; it’s about inspiring people to follow you into the trenches—and then out of them! Great leaders don’t just boss people around; they guide, empower, and ignite action. As John Quincy Adams said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” Let’s tackle the five spicy steps to becoming a leader people can’t help but follow.

Why It Matters:

Here’s the deal: The demand for natural, effective leadership is hotter than ever in today's wild world. Whether you’re heading up a small team, running a startup, or leading a global empire, great leaders build environments where creativity thrives, motivation is contagious, and success is inevitable. Ready to learn the secret sauce? Let’s go!

1. Pump Up Your Emotional Intelligence

What it means:

Being a great leader isn’t just about brains—it’s also about heart. Emotional intelligence (EQ) is like your secret superpower. It’s all about knowing what makes people tick, handling your feelings like a pro, and connecting with others on a deeper level.

Why it matters:

Teams work better when they feel heard, understood, and supported. Leaders with high EQ can calm the storm, boost team spirit, and resolve conflicts faster than a Netflix binge. Your EQ is what makes people trust and follow you.

Actions to take:

? Check yourself before you wreck yourself: Take a moment to understand how your mood affects your team’s energy.

? Stay cool under pressure: When things get tense, breathe, smile, and handle it like a boss!

Example:

Picture a manager who notices their team feeling overwhelmed and steps in to lighten the load by offering help and empathy. Suddenly, the mood shifts from panic to “We got this!” Now, that’s leadership in action!

2. Master the Growth Mindset Game

What it means:

Great leaders constantly level up. A growth mindset is like having an internal GPS constantly reroutes you to success. You know that mistakes are just part of the journey and challenges? Pfft, they’re just opportunities to get even better.

Why it matters:

If you’ve got a growth mindset, you’re not afraid to take risks, experiment, and innovate. This attitude rubs off on your team, making them more open to new ideas and less fearful of failure.

Actions to take:

? Ask for feedback and mean it: Real leaders don’t just want applause—they want real input. Get ready to improve!

? Turn failures into lessons: When something doesn’t go as planned, treat it like a free workshop on how to get better.

Example:

Imagine a project manager encouraging the team to brainstorm wild, creative ideas—even if they flop. When the team knows it’s okay to fail, they’re more likely to take bold, innovative risks that lead to game-changing results.

3. Get Consistent, Baby!

What it means:

Great leaders are like clockwork in the best way possible. Consistency doesn’t sound sexy, but trust me, it’s the secret to getting your team on board and keeping them there. People need to know they can count on you to show up and deliver daily.

Why it matters:

When you’re consistent, your team feels safe. They know what to expect from you, and that trust motivates them to go the extra mile.

Actions to take:

? Create a routine: Bring the same energy and focus to work each day. Your reliability is a rock your team can lean on.

? Set clear, honest expectations: No surprises! Let your team know what you expect, and deliver on your promises.

Example:

Think of a leader who always shows up with enthusiasm, checks in with the team regularly, and never flakes on their commitments. It’s no wonder their team is willing to move mountains for them.

4. Be a Goal-Getter (and a Goal-Giver)

What it means:

Goals are the fuel that drives progress. Great leaders know how to set clear, realistic goals that motivate the team to chase them down. It’s all about knowing what you want and then creating a roadmap to get there.

Why it matters:

Without goals, it’s like running a race with no finish line—your team will burn out or lose interest. But when you give them clear, achievable goals, motivation will skyrocket.

Actions to take:

? Make them SMART: Keep goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

? Celebrate the wins: Throw some confetti and keep the momentum going, whether it’s a small victory or a major milestone.

Example:

A sales manager who sets a clear quarterly revenue target and breaks it down into weekly action steps keeps the team laser-focused and hungry for success. You can bet there’s a team-wide celebration when they hit those goals!

5. Lead with Your Work Ethic

What it means:

Great leaders don’t just talk the talk—they hustle! A strong work ethic shows your team you’re in the trenches with them. Whether leading a board meeting or helping with a minor task, your dedication sets the tone for everyone else.

Why it matters:

When your team sees you doing the work, they’ll be inspired to do the same. Plus, it creates a culture of accountability where everyone is motivated to bring their A-game.

Actions to take:

? Walk the walk: Don’t expect your team to put in the work if you’re not leading by example.

? Stay committed: Even when the going gets tough, roll up your sleeves and show your team what real dedication looks like.

Example:

Picture a CEO who stays late to help their team meet a deadline. The team sees that their leader is fully invested and willing to go above and beyond because they know their leader is, too.

Bottom Line:

Implement these 5 steps to becoming a leader everyone wants to follow. Leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about progression. Whether you’re leveling up your emotional intelligence, setting goals like a pro, or leading with hard work, remember that each step is a part of your journey to greatness.

Stay Motivated: 3-Minute Inspiration for Busy People.

Reach out if I can help: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/bradwiens/

"Action is the foundational principle to all success" - Pablo Picasso