THE SURPRISING TRUTH ABOUT LEADERSHIP

You Need to Be a Leader…Now What?

You’re an entrepreneur. You have a business idea and you’ve either started it or you’re on your way to starting it. Great job! You’ve started building your team and things are really starting to come together…but now comes the scary part:  leading your team. Leadership may be something that comes to you instinctively and if so, that’s great! Not everyone feels this way, though. Many people may be intimidated by the thought of being a leader, I know I am! The first step is to understand what a leader is and what a leader is not.

 The Meaning of Leadership

 Leadership is not simply a title or a position, it is a role of social influence and the mindset behind your actions. Being a leader has very little to do with you—it has everything to do with your people.

A Leader is More Than a Boss

A boss is someone who demands task completion, often with the use of fear tactics.  They only focus on the work that needs completed at any given time, rather than looking at the big picture. Their views tend to be short-sighted, rather than strategic. This is where true leaders set themselves apart.

Leaders take the time to look at the greater good. They influence their followers by providing a positive example and inspiring them, not by using manipulation and fear. In fact, the best leaders are often very humble by nature. By inspiring people and encouraging them to be their best, true leaders do not need to micromanage their employees and can focus on things that are a better the use of their time.

Are You a Natural Leader?

There’s a common misconception that a leader needs to be a pushy, take charge person and that people who are reserved or soft spoken can’t be effective leaders. However, people who feel like they always need to take charge rarely make effective leaders. Natural leaders are individuals who assess the situation before stepping in. It isn’t about manipulating or controlling the situation, instead leaders want to make the most of the situation to achieve the greatest benefit. 

 9 Steps to Become an Effective Leader

1. Be proactive. Always take action, don’t just talk about it.
2. Know your purpose.
3. Treat your employees in the same way you’d like them to treat your customers and vendors.
4. Continuously grow on a personal level and within your business.
5. Study great leaders you respect.
6. Communicate effectively.
7. Encourage creativity in your life, your business, and in the roles of your followers.
8. Listen to your employees and your customers. Find out what they need or want and act accordingly, if it will help your business.
9. Recognize hard work, dedication, and good ideas.

A leader’s job is to inspire people to succeed and be their best in everything they do. This applies just as much to personal life as it does to business life. Once you’ve discovered how to unleash people’s potential and help them develop along with your business, you’ve become a true leader.

Who are some true leaders that inspire you? Tell us on twitter or Facebook—it may just be the inspiration someone else needs!