Ready to Lead? Turning Aspirations into Action

I remember when I first asked myself, "Do you really want to be a leader?" It was not an easy question to answer. Like many of you, I wondered if I was cut out for leadership. Leadership is not just about having a title, managing a team, or making decisions; it is so much more than that. As I transition from being a project leader to training and speaking on leadership, I have had to take a close look at what leadership really requires.

If you are on the same journey or just considering that first step, let us break it down together. One of the books that helped me early on is John Maxwell’s The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. His approach makes leadership feel practical and attainable. So, let’s talk about the first steps that helped me and can help you too.

1. Assess Your Leadership Lid

One of the most impactful lessons I learned was from Maxwell’s Law of the Lid, which states, "Leadership ability is the lid that determines a person’s level of effectiveness." In other words, your potential is only as high as your leadership skills. So how do you turn aspirations into action and start raising your leadership lid?

The first step is understanding your own leadership lid. Where are you now, and how do your skills cap your potential? This requires vulnerability, being open to self-assessment, and accepting feedback from others. Many new leaders shy away from criticism, but reflecting on your strengths and areas for growth is key to expanding your leadership abilities.

For me, this was a tough one. I’m a recovering perfectionist. I had to acknowledge that I was not perfect and that feedback would help me grow. Self-assessment allowed me to see where I was limiting myself, and that is how I began to raise my lid.

2. Commit to a Growth Mindset

Leadership is not a one-time achievement. To grow as a leader, it is essential to maintain a growth mindset rather than a fixed mindset. A fixed mindset assumes that abilities and intelligence are set and cannot change, while a growth mindset embraces the idea that you can develop your skills through effort and learning. Leaders with a growth mindset see challenges as opportunities to improve, while those with a fixed mindset often avoid new experiences because they fear failure.

I will be honest, there are times when I catch myself slipping back into that fixed mindset. It happens when things get tough or when I face new challenges that feel overwhelming. In those moments, I start to think, "Maybe I am not cut out for this," or "What if I fail?" But then I remind myself that this is exactly when growth happens. I push through that old thinking and embrace the discomfort, knowing that every setback is a chance to learn something new.

To grow, read books, listen to podcasts, attend workshops, or engage in conversations with mentors. I have found that surrounding myself with resources and people who challenge me keeps me in the growth mindset, even when it is hard. Leadership is a skill you can build, not a talent you are born with. I can attest, the more you learn, the more you grow.

3. Be Proactive and Seek Opportunities to Lead

You do not need a formal title to step into leadership. We get too hung up on titles. Leadership is about taking initiative and influencing others, regardless of your position. Be proactive in looking for opportunities to practice leadership, whether that is in your current job, within your community/church, or among your peers. Do not wait for someone to assign you a leadership role; create opportunities for yourself.

Now, I am not saying you should start acting like the boss. Leadership is not about controlling or micromanaging others. It is about using soft skills like communication and emotional intelligence to offer guidance, be a resource, and step up where help is needed. Good leaders listen, provide constructive feedback, and support their colleagues in ways that foster collaboration. Whether it is volunteering to lead projects or taking on responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, practice these soft skills consistently. Over time, people will start to recognize you as a leader, even before you hold a formal title.

Wrapping It Up

Leadership is not about waiting for the perfect moment or title. You can take action right where you are. Whether you are assessing your leadership lid, committing to a growth mindset, or proactively seeking opportunities to lead, the key is to start now. Leadership is a journey that requires self-reflection, continuous learning, and the courage to step up even when it feels uncomfortable.

One of my favorite phrases is "it’s a marathon, not a sprint," and you can easily swap in leadership here. The leadership journey is a long-term commitment, requiring patience, persistence, and pacing yourself. It is not about quick wins or instant success; it is about the consistent effort and growth that come over time. Leadership is something you build through experience, reflection, and learning from both successes and failures.

Are you ready to turn your aspirations into action?

Don't forget to check out our other articles:

• The MisUsed Project Managers: Stop Undervaluing Their Leadership

• Why Do I Have Two Managers: Functional Manager vs. Project Manager?

• Is It Time for Your Business to Get a Project Management Check-Up?

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