To be an effective leader, you must first be a leader of you. Self-discipline matters in everything you strive for, whether it’s losing weight, finishing a degree or winning a gold medal in the Olympics. Before you lead you must have within you a desire and an ability to move mountains to get what you desire.
Belief in yourself is a tremendous asset to leadership. Your words and your actions can lead others to great heights – but only if you believe that you, too, have powers that are strong and which you strive to develop.
Mother Teresa was a leader, but if you didn’t know who she was and saw her from a distance, you’d think she was a quiet and unobtrusive nun working with the downtrodden in life. But, if you spent time with her, you’d know that she was also a great leader – able to inspire everyone in her path to the greater good of mankind.
Leadership doesn’t have to have a title such as “CEO” or “manager,” because leadership transcends a title or letters after a name. No matter what role you play in life, you can become a leader by exuding your own confidence, willpower and empathy for others.
To be an example for effective leadership and to make others want to follow, you must develop the following qualities of leadership within yourself:
- Stand for something Your values tell a great deal about who you really are. Developing a passion for your convictions indicate to others that you have core beliefs that can’t be shaken and others will look up to you for that.
- Be an example for others Preaching to others about how they should think and act isn’t nearly as effective as letting them know that you’ve been where they are now. People will know you by your actions, so let your actions reflect your values.
- Be a mentor You can empower others with the knowledge and leadership skills that you possess. Share what you know and what has worked for you and you’ll be appreciated as well as setting an example for leadership.
- Self-discovery Always be on a path of self-discovery – even after you’ve reached the pinnacle of success. Knowing ourselves is a constant awakening process to the things we’re capable of and of realizing our true convictions.
All leaders must take a journey within and discover his or her values and why those are your values. You can’t become a leader from a place of weakness. Internal guidance is necessary to navigate through the obstacles in life and bring you to ultimate success.
