A thought for a new blog post popped into my head one day while I was driving to the salon to get new highlights/lowlights and whatever else my fabulous hair stylist does. I love her! Her salon is listed in the top 100 salons in Allure Magazine. But that’s not what this article is about. It’s about becoming a great leader.
The thought that came to my mind was this often heard quote:
“Leaders aren’t born, they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work. And that’s the price we’ll have to pay to achieve that goal or any goal.” —Vince Lombardi
And I’ve always bought into that statement to a certain degree. But, (ready or not, here it comes) as a leader, I’ve watched people over the years and I’ve noticed that some people are born leaders, while others try their best to lead and always fall flat on their faces.
Another quote I like is this one: “He who thinks he leads but has no followers is only taking a walk.” – John Maxwell
As I observed my children growing up, I realized very quickly which ones were born leaders and which ones would have to work hard to be a leader.
So, yes, I think leadership can be learned, but I also believe that some leaders are born that way.
How to Be a Great Leader
It doesn’t matter if you’re a natural born leader or you’re on the way to becoming a great leader, these points will help you accomplish your goals.
1. Communicate.
Learn to communicate as efficiently as possible. Be concise and to the point. I hate it when someone goes all the way around their elbow to get to their knee. (Southern Speak)
2. Be an example.
Great leaders lead by example. Be one.
3. Make decisions and stick to them.
A leader is not wishy-washy and constantly changing her mind. Make firm decisions. Period.
4. Don’t make excuses.
No one likes to admit she made a mistake. However, we all make them. Own your mistake. Apologize and move on.
5. Be humble.
I’ve seen many people get the big-head after becoming successful. It’s ugly. Remember where you started and always pay it forward. Be willing to give a hand up.
Whatever you are, be a good one. —Abraham Lincoln
Are you a natural born leader or do you have to work hard at being a leader?
21 comments
I think even folks who leading comes naturally to have to work at it to some point. A good leader has to be open-minded.
Isn’t it interesting how you can tell from very early on whether or not your children possess leadership qualities? I really like #5. Being humble is so important and will get you so far in life even if you aren’t in a leadership role.
I do think some people’s personalities definitely make it easier for them to be a leader! You can learn to lead, but changing your God-given traits is hard!
Leaders are definitely made and it takes hard work and a lot of humility to be one. Great leaders are great example and remain positive even when things don’t go as planned.
Good communication is SO important. It doesn’t come naturally to everyone, but it is definitely a skill all leaders need to possess.
These are all great tips for being a good leader. Lead by example is huge as well as communication!
I especially like the last one to be humble. so many lleades fotget that but I try to remember it every day with my staff.
These are all so important to be a great leader. I was a supervisor in a bank for many years and it’s so important to communicate and stick by your decisions.
I’m trying to be a better leader! Communication is so so important!
I’ve always been shy all of my life so i don’t have the leadership qualities that I wished I possessed, but all I can hope for now is that I instill positivity and encouragement in my little ones so they succeed and lead.
These are some great tips I have to admit I’m not much of a leader I’m a bit to jhy.
This post resonates so much with me. I have had my share of good leaders and bad leaders. I became a leader myself but I was misjudged to be “interested in pursuing my manager’s position.” That was one of the reasons I quit my corporate job. People who possess the right skill set to become leaders should be nurtured, but not in a corporate setting where upper management tries to hold on to their posts and suppresses the potential of people who are worthy to become leaders. I don’t need a corporate job to be a leader. It is by setting an example for my children, for others, that if we want change, it should start with ourselves.
These are all so true! I think being a great communicator is key to be a good leader. If you cannot work with others, listen and explain yourself it will always be a tougher situation than it needs to be.
These are all such great tips on how to become a great leader. I for one have always thought that being humble was KEY in being a good leader!
I really wish that I was a leader. I’m a total introvert and shy quiet “don’t pick me” person.
These are really great tips though! I’m trying!
Being an example is a huge one. As a leader, you have to realize that people are watching you and mimicking what you do.
These are excellent traits of a leader. I recently went through a class on developing leaders and many of the things you listed in are those things that set them apart.
This is a great post which deserves to be shared with the young children and the youth. You are right – one can learn to be a leader. Of all the qualities, Be humble is what I completely believe in. It is definitely this trait that keeps you grounded.
People often tell me I am a natural leader and often fall into these roles but honestly never thought of myself that way. But I agree whether born or working hard to be one, being an example, communicating and not making excuses certainly helps to create a leader in us
Thank you for the excellent and valuable tips. Especially the communication aspect. Anyone that wants to be a leader should be able to effectively communicate.
Great post! LOVE the reminders. Thanks for hosting the Pin Party!