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How many individuals do you already know who “born leaders“? I can’t think of too many. The old saying about natural leadership is mostly wrong. Yes, there are people who are blessed with qualities that give them influential positions; they may be sociable or creative by nature.
But most of the time it’s something you work on and perfect for years until the leader is so skilled that everyone thinks he’s a natural – like an entertainer who becomes an “overnight star” after decades of toiling in the smaller corners of show business.
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This myth of the “born leader” holds many talented people back from taking up responsibility and making priceless contributions to firms and organizations. Too many employees consider they need an official title to take charge of a project and don’t consider they’ve what it takes to be fitted to that leadership position.
But unappointed leaders show up day by day and ought to be encouraged to achieve this. Both employees and managers should recognize that leaders might be successful without formal authority. Here’s how informal leaders can rise to the highest and the way their managers might help them get there:
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Become someone people need to follow
If someone asks you to tackle responsibility, don’t just say yes; turn it down. Offer to assist others once you see opportunities. If you are afraid of being pushy, frame it as a profit to the boss or team leader, to not yourself. “Can I take that off your hands?”
Even formal leaders need willing followers. Offering to assist other team members achieve their goals builds goodwill and makes them feel like you are not just out for yourself – a high quality too few “real” leaders possess. When your boss is on the lookout for someone to place in charge, you will be the primary person to return to mind.
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Set an example
The first rule of leadership is “Lead by example.” If you are just giving orders, you are doing it incorrect. The secret is to point out, not tell. This means working with the team so your behavior might be easily imitated.
Remember: If you would like to take the lead on a project if you end up not actually in charge, criticizing and questioning the person in charge isn’t the option to go. That is incorrect and you could regret it if you happen to find yourself taking the lead.
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Identify potential leaders
Some persons are completely satisfied just being a part of the team and getting their work kept away from the stress of administration or responsibility for other people’s progress. There’s nothing incorrect with that. But almost everyone has a moment once they can tackle a leadership role – and ought to be encouraged to achieve this.
Managers should at all times look for workers who can shine as leaders even when they are not in charge. Look for proven leadership behaviors inside your personal ranks, reminiscent of employees who’ve good ideas for projects, are trusted by colleagues, and actively support your organization’s mission and goals. If you’ve gotten a brand new initiative, these employees can enable you get other employees on board.
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Decisions and responsibility
Decision making is a vital skill and doesn’t come naturally, but requires practice. When an worker asks you or their manager for a solution, turn the query around and have them say what they think the answer is. Make them think.
Power can go to someone’s head, turning a once cooperative team player right into a bossy authoritarian who quickly loses friends on the team. If you notice this, take the person aside and ask them how they might feel if someone treated them that way. Sometimes just opening their eyes to an issue is sufficient to make them want to alter; other times you have to be more direct.
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Have trust
In every company, there may be untapped leadership potential inside teams, often in unexpected places. You could also be one in every of those individuals who shies away from it because you’re thinking that it’s just not inside your skill set. Once you realize that it is not something you are born with, but something you possibly can develop with practice, you could want to begin working on it.
Bring a positive attitude as you’re employed to turn into a trusted leader. Your attitude is probably the most necessary qualities you possibly can impart to others in any role, but especially as a pacesetter. A positive attitude in every part you do will take you far in life and in business.
