| When you are at work, do you get frustrated | | | | |
| because things don't seem to be happening the | | | | Being a leader is not about what you make |
| way they're supposed to be? You see people | | | | others do. It's about who you are, what you |
| milling around but nothing gets accomplished. | | | | know, and what you do. You are a reflection |
| And in the daily hustle and bustle, do you | | | | of what you're subordinates must be. |
| feel that your goals remain just that - | | | | |
| goals. Then maybe its time for you to stand | | | | Studies have shown that one other bases of |
| up and do something about it. | | | | good leadership is the trust and confidence |
| | | | your subordinates have of you. If they trust |
| Most people are content just to stand around | | | | you they will go through hell and high water |
| listening for orders. And it isn't unusual to | | | | for you and for the organization. |
| adopt a follow-the-leader mentality. But | | | | |
| maybe, somewhere inside of you, you feel the | | | | Trust and confidence is built on good |
| desire to make things happen - to be the | | | | relationships, trustworthiness, and high |
| head, not the tail. Then maybe leadership | | | | ethics. |
| just suits you fine. | | | | |
| | | | The way you deal with your people, and the |
| Some people believe that great leaders are | | | | relationships you build will lay the |
| made, not born. Yes, it may be true that some | | | | foundation for the strength of your group. |
| people are born with natural talents. | | | | The stronger your relationship, the stronger |
| However, without practice, without drive, | | | | their trust and confidence is in your |
| without enthusiasm, and without experience, | | | | capabilities. |
| there can be no true development in | | | | |
| leadership. | | | | Once you have their trust and confidence, you |
| | | | may now proceed to communicate the goals and |
| You must also remember that good leaders are | | | | objectives you are to undertake. |
| continually working and studying to improve | | | | |
| their natural skills. This takes a commitment | | | | Communication is a very important key to good |
| to constantly improve in whatever endeavor a | | | | leadership. Without this you can not be a |
| person chooses. | | | | good leader. The knowledge and technical |
| | | | expertise you have must be clearly imparted |
| First of all, let's define leadership. To be | | | | to other people. |
| a leader, one must be able to influence | | | | |
| others to accomplish a goal, or an objective. | | | | Also, you can not be a good leader and unless |
| He contributes to the organization and | | | | you have good judgment. You must be able to |
| cohesion of a group. | | | | assess situations, weigh the pros and cons of |
| | | | any decision, and actively seek out a |
| Contrary to what most people believe, | | | | solution. |
| leadership is not about power. It is not | | | | |
| about harassing people or driving them using | | | | It is this judgment that your subordinates |
| fear. It is about encouraging others towards | | | | will come to rely upon. Therefore, good |
| the goal of the organization. It is putting | | | | decision-making is vital to the success of |
| everyone on the same page and helping them | | | | your organization. |
| see the big picture of the organization. You | | | | |
| must be a leader not a boss. | | | | Leaders are not do-it-all heroes. You should |
| | | | not claim to know everything, and you should |
| First of all, you have to get people to | | | | not rely upon your skills alone. |
| follow you. How is this accomplished? | | | | |
| | | | You should recognize and take advantage of |
| People follow others when they see a clear | | | | the skills and talents your subordinates |
| sense of purpose. People will only follow you | | | | have. Only when you come to this realization |
| if they see that you know where you are | | | | will you be able to work as one cohesive |
| going. Remember that bumper sticker? The one | | | | unit. |
| that says, don't follow me, I'm lost too? The | | | | |
| same holds true for leadership. If you | | | | Remember being a leader takes a good deal of |
| yourself do not know where you're headed to, | | | | work and time. It is not learned overnight. |
| chances are people will not follow you at | | | | Remember, also, that it is not about just |
| all. | | | | you. It is about you and the people around |
| | | | you. |
| You yourself must know the vision of the | | | | |
| organization. Having a clear sense of | | | | So, do you have the drive and the desire to |
| hierarchy, knowing who the bosses are, who to | | | | serve required of leaders? Do you have the |
| talk to, the organization's goals and | | | | desire to work cooperatively with other |
| objectives, and how the organization works is | | | | people? Then start now. Take your stand and |
| the only way to show others you know what you | | | | be leader today. |
| are doing. | | | | |