Pages

Monday, January 2, 2012

You Can Be a Leader (Part 1)

We know a little about self-leadership and the character it takes to lead others, but let's go further in-depth. How do you use it and why do we need it?

The Character Traits

Dedication: It is important for all leaders to be dedicated to the cause at hand.
Integrity: You need to be trustworthy and able to keep your promises. Practice what you preach.
Judicial: Be fair, and try to be objective in controversial topics.
Straightforward: Don't beat around the bush. Be honest with your followers, they will appreciate it.
Looking to the Future: Keep an eye out for the future, and always work toward a goal.
Inspire: Motivate and encourage.
Optimism: In leadership, this can also be bravery. Keep looking forward, and your followers will too.
Problem-solving: Be creative, and find solutions that work. 


Character is unique to each individual. However, you can work on your weaknesses in character in order to better yourself as a human being. To find what your character strengths are, I recommend the VIA Survey of Character Strengths. I have attached the link to the site: Character Strengths Survey . You must register (which is kind of a pain), but it is really helpful to see all of your strengths and weaknesses mapped out and then go back to look at them later. I took the survey and my top five strengths are hope, persistence, spirituality, bravery, and curiosity. There is actually a strength called leadership. I consider that one more of being able to round up followers rather than being able to lead, but if you find that you have that strength, GREAT! Above is just a list of the basics. If anyone has other ideas that add to the strength of positive leadership, feel free to comment.


How do you use them?

By taking the strengths survey, you answer questions that describe how you actually act. In the end, the strengths shown should be accurate to your daily life. When you want to acquire a new skill, work on it. Practice, practice, and more practice. If you want to be more inspiring. Find what inspires you, and try your hand at inspiring others with it. (See my New Year's Resolutions article, that is what I did) Be creative and find ways to get better at your character weaknesses that are important for leadership.


Why do you need them?

As a leader, you are also a role model. Someone that others aspire to be. However, it is a large responsibility to be an effective, positive leader. It takes all of these character traits and more to do it. By acquiring these skills, you will be able to lead effectively, but only if you use them.

You Can Be a Leader (Intro)

Some people might believe in being born with talent. I do not. The skills it takes to be an artist, to be flexible, and to be a leader can all be acquired. I will start this leadership series with two quotes.

"The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary." Vidal Sassoon

 “Hard-work beats talent if talent doesn’t work hard.” --Unknown

Some people grow up in an environment where the acquire the skills it takes naturally. They just had a head start, but if they don't use their talent, what is the point? I encourage anyone who wants to better themselves through leadership to follow this series. We will go through what it takes character-wise to be a leader, the behind-the-scenes of leadership, and the skills required to lead others. Please join us on this series to better yourself to benefit others.