How to build yourself to lead
I think that solid leadership skills are the building blocks for achieving success in career and life. And here, there is endless opportunity for development. The process all begins with leading and developing yourself – fulfilling inner tasks, overcoming all kinds of difficulty and meeting the challenges of life with dignity. Leadership means that one can be Captain of one’s own life, knowing the peculiarities of your ship, and being confident in sailing it through all waters. The best place to start is by getting acquainted with your weaknesses – finding out how to develop or protect yourself from them – as well as recognizing your strengths and the resources you have available to you.
When I was a child, I found it difficult to concentrate, and I worked through my reading tasks very slowly. In spite of this, I got splendid marks and was commended by my teachers for my positive attitude. This was possible because I worked hard, coped well with obstacles and never gave up. I have long since overcome these difficulties with reading and studying, but all throughout my life the personal qualities of hard-work, stubbornly attaining my goals, consistency and resistance in the face of problems have stayed with me.
I was blessed to have a very supportive father. He was rather strict, but at the same time he was flexible and made a lot of exceptions to the “rules” for me. And he would always let me know that I was exceptional myself… that I could achieve whatever I want. So, my guiding principle since early childhood has been: “I want and I can”. It is very important to have dreams, wants and goals and to see them fulfilled. For example, all throughout school and university, I wanted the best marks and I got them. Later, I wanted to be accepted for a job or to gain an interesting high position, to make a big sale, or to make my company perform better… and I achieved them all. As you develop these attributes further, you can start to lead others with confidence along their journey to reach their own goals – both emotional and intellectual. In doing so myself, I always take time to notice and appreciate each person’s unique characteristics, and to use this knowledge in my interactions with them. By seeing what makes each individual exceptional, I know how to bring out their best. Occasionally, I may direct their attention to specific areas – highlighting their results, talents and abilities – to let them know that they are appreciated and a valued member of the team. I care for those in command, and am not indifferent to their needs and destinies – I’m always eager to provide them with advice and support in their chosen career paths.
Capability, ability, reliability and responsibility are also very important – and at the same time connected – components in leadership. They speak to both a leader's reputation and their qualifications. It’s good when personal qualities strengthen your leadership but do not question it, and that we can train any weaknesses if we are brave enough to acknowledge them. I recall how I trained my ability to influence when I was a young adult. In my hometown, Dimitrovgrad, we had very long queues in shops, and people were always mindful and protective of their position in line. So, I set myself a challenge to join at the front, but not elicit any negative reaction from others in doing so. And I succeeded!
I also trained my influence and interaction skills when I was a student in college and then again at university. I remember how I received the highest mark from my teacher, who never gave good marks to girls. Or when I approached my accounting teacher and asked for a ‘5’ (top mark) and she gave it to me immediately without the need for an exam! All these miracles were the result of an ability to take and hold on to others’ attention, gain their trust, and convince them of your value. An additional secret ingredient added to the mix is an innate charisma, and I am lucky to have an infectious energy and passion. As a result, I can offer genuine encouragement and an optimistic outlook on life. I am also determined to generate plenty of enthusiasm around projects, events, or activities. Don’t forget, we all have our own outstanding gifts and peculiarities – it’s just a case of finding them!
Another important personal skill for any leader is the ability to build and support relationships with people. I’m happy to be a natural builder of close and persistent connections that stand the test of time. For example, I still have some ongoing projects with my teachers from university, and most of my career path was paved by my personal connections and recommendations, and a natural ability to coordinate teams and resources for maximum effectiveness. I take extra care to treat everyone equal, and this also means I have no difficulties communicating with people at all levels – from interns, to company CEOs and government officials.
Successful leadership also demands ability and passion to achieve, and to brush aside limits and obstacles. I possess a great deal of stamina; I’m used to working hard and I’m in the habit of never giving up – another two attributes I formed in childhood. If I need to do something 10 times, I will do it 10 times. If it seems I have no obvious way to reach my target, I will find a way! And I really believe in myself. Sometimes, it works like magic… for example, where others cannot ring somebody up, I hop straight onto a call. Or when they cannot sell a product to a customer for years, I challenge myself to do it in 10 minutes. I have no hesitation in asking the awkward questions, but do so with empathy for the person on the other side of the table. I focus on quality, and I prefer working with and for the very best. I motivate myself and others to a higher standard of performance and strive to lead by example.
It is very useful to know what motivates you personally. For me, I know that when somebody thinks that something is impossible to achieve in business, I am inspired to succeed where they choose not to. I set myself brave goals and encourage out-of-the-box thinking – remember, my father brought me up as the “exceptional one”. I strive to be an overachiever and to value and appreciate success when it comes. And I can raise my teams’ achievement levels by creating a culture of winning and aspiring to be on top. I love to complete tasks, and my accomplishments fulfill me. I have a strong inner drive – an innate source of intensity, energy and power that motivates me to do my best to get things done. I always seek to transform something strong into something superb. I quickly weigh alternative paths and determine the best one. I am used to anticipating and playing out different scenarios to best plan ahead. At the same time, I trust my instincts, so I forge ahead confidently, even on risky paths. And I lead the way for others.
My leadership skills are built around six pillars: heart, direct and open communication (based on active listening and observing), motivating and inspiring influence, strategic vision, irreproachable execution, a knowing approach to people and feeling of the moment. The latter means knowing and understanding the right place and the right time for various tasks – when to talk to the customer, partner, employee, or top manager. This is also an instinct we can develop by practicing listening to our inner voice and impulses. When I first came to Moscow, I was so stressed, that I didn’t know what to do. My uncle told me to go and study English – “it's necessary for the future”. It was fun, because he didn’t speak English, but I had this inner impulse to listen to him. And it became my ticket to life!