5 Signs You’re a Leader!
“Management is about persuading people to do things they do not want to do, while leadership is about inspiring people to do things they never thought they could do.“ — Steve Jobs
I love this topic to mention about as I’ve had so many people to have a chance to speak with about the concept of emerging leadership with the technology trends happening today.
Back in 1960’s - 70’s, the idea to have a “Boss” was much a common thing, however today the trend is more to invest lot more on employees to make companies more efficient and productive in the long run…It is no longer the times of letting people work to death and remove them when they are no longer needed. Today it is more to have self awareness, honesty, openness, respect, ‘ownership rather than control’ and creating that psychological safety which is more than needed in these uncertain times.
Here are few of the signs that show you’re not just a leader but a remarkably great one! :)
1. YOU ARE EMPATHETIC
You know you’re a leader when you are able to ‘get in to the other’s shoes’ and are able to see another person’s perspective and see where they are coming from without actually judging them. This quality, i.s t.h.e k.e.y for creating meaningful connections with your colleagues, customers, and even with your family members.
2. YOU INFLUENCE VS COMMAND
Leadership can never be effective if it is based on command and control. People should want to follow you, not because they have to. You grow your influence by caring and listening to the thoughts of your team and motivating them whatever comes in.
“Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity”.
3. YOU LOVE TO LEARN
A leader creates an environment for people to explore and even allow them to fail to learn as necessary. Yes, I said that- Failure is necessary for growth and great leaders know that. They allow people to take risks and bring new ideas and create that psychological safety which is necessary in today’s way of leading. Failure for them is never a do or a die case, rather a platform to learn and explore something new.
4. YOU ARE CURIOUS
Great leaders are always curious and their “whys” are always handy with them. They strictly follow this saying that ‘there are no dumb questions in the world’ and they keep asking why do we do things the way we do today. One of the best books on leaders asking questions is by John C. Maxwell - “Good leaders ask great questions” - on foundation for a successful leadership. Leaders are life long learners and are always in the learning mode rather than judgement mode and help engage on a deeper level.
5. YOU ARE A HAPPY PERSON
Leaders are happy people and it comes down to their positive attitude.. Leaders try to always keep their teams motivated and keep their energy levels high. They know that if their teams are feeling happy and are at upbeat state, they are ready to take any challenge and devote their best work to their brand. They know the balance between productivity and playfulness!
At the end of the day, a leader does not require a ‘Title’ to be a leader. “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader”!