Leaders – especially good leaders – aren’t sprinkled with magic “leadership fairy dust”. Leadership is a mindset. Not a title.
Let’s be real. Having a leadership title or role does not immediately make you a leader. It certainly doesn’t transform you into a “great” leader, or even a good or mediocre leader. Why not? Because leadership is a mindset, an attitude. One that isn’t dependent on titles, job descriptions, or other external factors.
Leadership is an inside job, where you, as a human, spots potential opportunities for growth and leadership in every situation, in every challenge. Often, the smallest moments create the greatest impacts.
Where do you get started when you want to focus on leading yourself? Here are six leadership principles that you can apply to your own life before you seek to lead others.
1. Manage your thoughts.
If you want to lead, watch your thoughts constantly and choose productive ones. Note, I didn’t say “positive”, but productive. Over time, it becomes habit.
2. Be proactive and take initiative
You probably know someone at home or work who always waits to be told what to do…like the person who watches you unload the groceries from your car but won’t offer to help until asked. Or the coworker who often references what is or is not in the job description when declining to help on a new project.
Contrast that with the example of Ray Kroc, of McDonald’s lore. He would walk the parking lots of his McDonald’s franchises picking up garbage, sending a clear message to his employees that details matter regardless of leadership “rank.”
3. Prioritize and think strategically
A question I often ask my clients is, “What is your time worth?” I ask that question because people are really skilled at working hard, but not always on what matters.
A leader effectively prioritizes his or her own life, ruthlessly cutting the good for the great. Remember the phase: Work smarter, not harder! Leaders first make time and space to reflect on their own life, and then prioritize.
4. Let go of your ego and the need to get “top billing”
This is a tough one. Often, what led to a leadership role is being truly excellent at a job, or project(s). Once you begin the leadership ladder climb, and individual accomplishments are no longer the measure of success, many leaders question their value to the company without individual recognition and accomplishments.
Leaders empower others to be excellent for the greater good. THAT is how their value to the company is measured.
5. Be open to learning – and not having all the answers
A leader doesn’t have all the answers. They are always on the lookout for better ideas and apply that attitude full time. Most of the greatest leaders I’ve been lucky enough to know and work with have consciously surrounded themselves with a team of individuals they consider “smarter” than themselves, and who fill in their own gaps.
6. Prioritize growth and development
Leaders set targets, prioritize growth, and remain flexible. They understand that what made them successful today won’t necessarily make them successful next week or next year. They apply a growth mindset to all aspects of their lives.
Finally, don’t forget, leadership exists in all areas of our lives. The above principles can be applied at home, in your relationships and finances, and even with yourself. Now that is truly leading yourself!
