How do you define yourself as a leader? Leadership is influence, nothing more and nothing less. Many good leaders have common traits that make them exceptional leaders.
Do you want to change your life? Do you want to become a better leader?
Review the following traits and see which ones you have already and which ones you need to spend some time working on.
A leader often:
- Knows that their comfort zone is the evil that robs them of their true purpose and potential. Leaders aren’t afraid to stand out from the crowd, be different, take a risk and leave their comfort zone to get to the next level. If you’re not willing to get out of your comfort zone, you can’t expect that others will either.
- Sees problems as challenges and opportunities to move forward instead of something that will hold them back. When challenges or crises come up, they see them as opportunities to grow and springboards to get to the next level. The don’t see the coal. They see the diamonds.
- Has high expectations of themselves and others around them. You can only grow as high as you believe you can. Leaders understand that both they and others will rise or fall to their expectations.
- Inspires people by casting vision that is bold and exciting. Leaders not only have a vision for themselves, they also help others achieve their vision. Without vision, the people perish. Leaders understand that a vision is the destination and an action plan is the GPS of life.
- Is not afraid to show their emotions. A good leader will laugh and cry with others. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. Don’t just say it…show it.
- Has a desire to leave a legacy. A good leader is not just interested in getting to the top. He/she is concerned about taking others along. A true leader knows that success is leaving something to someone, but significance is leaving something in someone.
- Has integrity. The Law of Solid Ground says that trust is the cornerstone of leadership. People who don’t trust you won’t follow you.
- Practices what they preach. A great leader knows they are a role model. Lead by example and others will follow. Whatever example you set is what you should expect others to mirror back to you.
- Understands that leadership is a privilege not a right. Abuse it and lose it. Abuse others and they will not follow you. Follow the Platinum Rule that says treat others how they want to be treated, not how you want to be treated.
We are all leaders in some way. Whether it be in your business, your household or your church, learning to become a better leader will help you get to the next level in life.