You Lead Daily
Leadership is something that is talked about in just about every aspect of life. CEOs are leaders, coaches are leaders, generals are leaders, managers are leaders but what about you?
Are you a leader? Yes, yes you are.
If you study any great leader, they all do a good job of leading themselves first. They do the little things such as taking care of themselves, learning daily, and trying to improve themselves.
In order to become a great leader, it starts with you. I think too many people think leadership is only reserved for those that are in charge and it’s simply not true.
If you are a stay at home mom you lead your children and lead the household. If you are a school teacher you are a leader of the classroom.
Too many people also think that leadership means a position of authority, in some cases it does but that is not the only point of what that leader does.
One of the most influential and sought-after persons on leadership is John Maxwell. He has written numerous bestsellers on the topic and teaches leadership all over the world. Below are some great quotes by him on the subject to leadership:
“A great leader’s courage to fulfill his vision comes from passion, not position.” John C. Maxwell
“Leadership is not about titles, positions or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another.” John C. Maxwell
“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” John C. Maxwell
“Leaders must be close enough to relate to others, but far enough ahead to motivate them.” John C. Maxwell
“A leader who produces other leaders multiplies their influences.” John C. Maxwell
“A successful person finds the right place for himself. But a successful leader finds the right place for others. “John C. Maxwell
When you read the above quotes, you can see how this applies to everyone not just CEOS.
You are leading everyday whether you realize it or not. The challenge is you are either doing it in a positive way or negative way.
The question you need to ask yourself is not if you want to be a leader but if you want to be a great one because you already are a leader in some capacity.
Good leaders are the difference between winning and losing.
Good leaders are the difference between having a good culture and a shitty one.
Good leaders are the difference between success and failure.
Good leaders are able to pick people up when things are down.
There are many attributes that make a good leader and it would take up too much time in this post but there are 2 things that I believe are important in being a leader and that is taking ownership and being humble.
In regards to ownership that means when things go right or wrong it’s on you. The good leaders take responsibility for when things go wrong or their people make a mistake. It’s their fault for not training them correctly, they don’t blame them.
Being humble is crucial to good leadership because it allows you to listen to differing points of view and NOT think you know it all. Once you think know it all, it’s over. But if your humble, not only do you make good decisions but people trust you more because you don’t act like your better than everyone.
You are a leader. Work to be the best leader possible regardless of your position.
