Thursday, January 28, 2010

A Dreamer's Guide to Life: Leadership

I'm just going to put it out there..I'm not an expert. I don't know everything there is to know about leadership. But I've learned from experience, through trial and error. I think the real life experience and the things I've learned from watching others are much more valuable than anything.

Doing my research on the concept and definition of leadership was pretty sparse. All the definitions that came up had the root word "lead" in it which, in my opinion, doesn't effectively help someone to understand the meaning. But from what I saw, everyone had their own unique way of describing what leadership is. Alan Keith of Genentech states that, "Leadership is ultimately about creating a way for people to contribute to making something extraordinary happen."

Being a leader isn't easy, but it's definitely worthwhile. The feeling you get when you know that you have that kind of impact on a concept, a person, a thing...it's unexplainable. It's one of the best feelings knowing that you not only impacted the lives of all involved, but they impacted yours in a different way. Every person I have ever met and had the pleasure to meet has helped me. So whether you think you're a leader or not, in your own way you probably are.

There are "leaders," and there are "followers." Some people are born leaders; they just need to find it within themselves. There are some people that are just meant to do those things. They know the right things to say. They know how to time everything just right. They know how to bring people together. They know how to make people listen. Whether you are a leader or a follower doesn't matter. If you're a leader, be a great leader. If you're a follower, be a great follower. Those that lead can't do it without your presence.

So, here it is. This is just the tip of the iceberg...
You've got to listen first and then speak second.
Be yourself, no holds barred.
Be objective rather than subjective.
Be neutral.
Inspire others as you've been inspired.
Share the wealth, nothing is a secret.
Keep learning to be better.
Consider yourself a "follower" with more responsibility.
You don't always need to be "the strong one."
Be strict and understanding.
Think about others before yourself.
Earn your respect, don't expect it.

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