If you aspire to become a great leader, it’s important to remember that your leadership begins far before you have a leader’s title. The starting point of your leadership growth starts where you are today.
Great leadership is learned on the job; it is cultivated in the trenches of everyday experiences, and it comes from learning the ropes under every circumstance.
Who we are today will help us become better leaders tomorrow. There are always people who want the title just for showing up, but the rest of us know leadership is earned with hard work and dedication to the craft. It’s a lifelong process, one that we begin again every day. We have to develop from where we are to get to where we want to go.
Here are six ways to make it happen:
Learn from every experience. Take advantage of whatever surrounds you right now. Whether it’s positive or negative, every circumstance, conversation and connection holds lessons and principles and wisdom if you’re willing to learn. Never allow an opportunity to pass you by.
Focus on the collective. Don’t think only about your own advancement but consider how you can best interact with the others around you and how you can give credit to those who have put in great effort. Leadership means honoring others, and it is important to understand the value of the collective and learn that two is greater than one.
Make it a priority to get along with people. It is imperative that you learn to get along with people—those who are above you, those who stand beside you and those who look up to you. Make it a goal to build strong relationships of mutual learning and respect in every direction.
Work on communication every day. As you interact with people, learn to communicate concisely and clearly. When you speak, think of ways you can contribute that add real value, not just more noise. Ask questions, get feedback and let others know that you are open to dialogue. If you can remain curious there’s almost nothing you can’t learn.
Take on more responsibility. Even if the everyday requirements of your job keep you busy, the best way to truly stand out and learn from every experience is to take on more responsibility than most. Be the person who steps up and comes through as accountable and dependable.
Give your personal best. It’s not enough to speak if you don’t deliver, or take on a task if you don’t do it with excellence. In everything you do, give your personal best. Not only will it help your reputation but it will build your character.
Lead from within: Leadership growth begin with leading at your best today, wherever you are, is what prepares you to be a great leader for tomorrow.
N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading:
- How to Become A Leader You Admire
- Let Your Leadership Speak For Itself
- The Leaders We Remember Most
- There Is No Significance Without Character
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.
Vishal Garg
08. Nov, 2016
Hello Lolly;
Again One of the nice blog from your side..Basically leadership
the action of leading a group of people or an organization, or the ability to do this.
The all the 6 points are very great of interest.
But Lead from within is very well said..
john paul
12. Nov, 2016
I really like this. Thank you.
Sam Zeko
13. Nov, 2016
Hi Lolly, it’s really a blessing to read on leadership growth on this nice blog. I have learnt that as a good leader I should do things to the best of my ability.
thanks.
R.
15. Nov, 2016
Whether he knew it or not, my dad taught me, to have a positive attitude, do your best, no matter.
be responsible, creative, and learn from others..
communication is my weakest skill. Other than that, your six points were right On.!
Victoria Addington
22. Mar, 2022
I agreed when you stated that you should interact with others since honoring others is the essence of leadership. My friend just started a start-up, and he wants new leads from his staff. I think he should opt for leadership development consulting to be able to implement effective strategies.