Across the years, the perception and definition of leadership have changed. Leadership used to mean a position or a role in a hierarchy. Today, leadership is more of a skill than a role. You can be in a leadership role and have no expertise in leadership. On the other hand, you can be in a non-leading role but demonstrate a lot of leadership and inspire those around you.
Leadership is one of those skills that never gets old and is always looked up to. Leadership definition can be many things to different people. Start by writing down your definition of leadership.
Leadership, for me, is: ___________________________________________
We might have a different definition of leadership than you, but the exercises and techniques that you will learn here will help you become a better leader in your life.
One of the key qualities of leaders is that they are self-starters.
VIDEO: Everyday leadership by Drew Dudley (TEDxToronto 2010):
1: EVERYDAY LEADERSHIP AND HOW IT CAN IMPROVE YOUR LIFE
We tend to underestimate our daily actions as an act of leadership. We celebrate significant events, big victories, but not necessarily our small gestures that can change the face of the world. Any daily action has the possibility to change the world of a person who crosses our path. Once you recognize that ability that you have, life becomes a series of opportunities to lead.
Leaders know their goals and do small things every day to reach their goal. But it’s not always about them, and they help others to move forward in their projects, to remove their doubts so that they can take action.
In a study comparing average leaders to outstanding leaders, 90% of the variance was due to the Emotional Quotient (EQ). The most crucial factor that will predict if you step up and take the lead in life is your EQ.
If you compare people in a specific field, it is not their IQ or their personality that will make them successful; it is their EQ. This study also demonstrated that developing leadership skills without considering the cognitive strength of the student-led to minimal improvement in their abilities to lead others. For that reason, we have a whole chapter on self-awareness and personal growth that will help you improve your emotional intelligence.
To be a leader is to be the catalyst of a positive event for others, and thus contribute to their development, help them in a necessary decision-making process. It can seem terrifying when you realize that you have so much impact on others, without knowing it, without being aware of it. It is essential to recognize that we are influential agents, and we have an effect on the lives of others that goes beyond money and power.
When you become a leader in your life, you empower yourself to lead the life of your dream. That is the most beautiful gift you can give yourself, as you will always benefit from the skills, experiences, and knowledge you have acquired on that journey to become a great leader. Some of the benefits are:
- Lead a productive life full of abundance;
- Increase your resilience and ability to perform without feeling the pressure of stress;
- Improve your relationships and how others perceive you;
- Become a better communicator and clearly state your goals;
- Acquire self-awareness, self-confidence, andcourage;
- Grow your capacity tobe creative and innovative;
- Be perceived as trustworthy and competent by others;
- Be more dependable, reliable, and competent.
VIDEO: John C. Maxwell: Developing the Leader Within You Book Summary
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