In my business, I hear from so many people “I want to be a great leader” … but what does that actually mean?

I would have never ever EVER said that I was a leader. In my natural state, I am a total introvert – and would rather just be at home alone lol. I’m not very good at making quick decisions. HOW in the world could I be a leader!?!

Leaders are Learners

One thing I have seen across my team over the past two years is that Leaders are Learners. A leader never is satisfied with the knowledge they have at one point, they are always looking for a way to become a better version of themselves.

This knowledge can come from various places:

• Going to conferences and in person training
• Reading books
• Listening to podcasts
• Taking a class

 

Leaders lead from the Front

A true leader is working harder than anyone else on their team. They are putting in more hours because the speed of the leader = the speed of the team. A leader knows that they can’t ask their team to do anything they aren’t willing to do themselves (even if it means failing or being out of their comfort zones).

The respect they will earn from their team will be of such great value, because their team will actually listen to them when they share a tip or any knowledge they have learned (from the first point of leaders being learners). Their team will know how hard they are working – they will be inspired to push themselves even harder.

 

Leaders see the Value in their Team

If you have a team who is following you, a leader is going to praise and edify their team. Leaders recognize that someone who is valued for their efforts is going to work twice as hard than someone who feels they don’t get the praise they deserve. By doing so, your team will grow to love you as a leader (and NOT just their boss!).

 

Leaders admit their Failures

No one is perfect… and no leader is perfect. A team is going to respect and follow their leader when they know their leader is being honest and transparent.

How you respond to your failures is as least as important as how you respond to your successes.  read more