We all need leaders in our lives: mentors, people to look up to, people that simply get it. Leaders inspire us, help us accomplish our dreams, and teach by example. Leaders make us better people and give us an ideal to strive for.
The measure of leadership is always influence; leaders have an amazing ability to influence our lives. Leaders lead wherever they go; they lead at work, at home, or wherever they happen to be.
So after that intro, it’s easy to conclude that being a leader is not an easy task; it requires a collection of very important skills that have to be ingrained into your daily practice – your soul.
Below are the 7 Signs of a Leader. How many of these do you believe you have? More importantly perhaps, do you look up to someone today that doesn’t have many of these traits? Are they really the person to look up to? The choices you make today and the people you surround yourself with will determine much of your path in life; choose wisely.
- Vision
“It’s a terrible thing to see, and have no vision.” – Helen Keller
Leaders are visionaries; they know where they’re going, and their committed to bringing others along. They have a clear vision of what they want to accomplish and their vision is so compelling that it inspires others to participate in the fulfillment of the vision.
- Discipline
“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” – Jim Rohn
Leaders are disciplined individuals! They are the first partaker of what they preach and they exemplify unprecedented discipline, focus, and commitment in the achievement of their vision.
- Emotional Strength
“He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.” – Proverbs
Leaders are not easily shaken. Leaders anticipate challenges and are not derailed by obstacles. Leaders remain strong when things get tough; they don’t faint when adversity strikes.
Leaders have an amazing level of emotional strength.
- Experience
“Good judgment comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgment.” – Jim Horning
Leaders have experience. In other words, they’ve been around the block a few times and they know where they’re going. Their experience has taught them how to get things done and they can differentiate between activity and accomplishment, between efficiency and effectiveness.
Leaders focus their efforts on the tasks that produce the greatest rewards.
- Respect
“Respect is love in plain clothes.” – Frankie Byrne
Leaders are respected and trusted individuals. Leaders have earned the respect of their followers by becoming an “example.” They chart the course, follow their destiny, and inspire others in the process.
Leaders are respected because they earn respect. The second they demand respect is the second they are no longer a leader.
- People Skills
Arguing with a fool proves there are two. – Doris M. Smith
Leaders have great people skills; they are friendly to the unfriendly, they know how to respond in every situation. Leaders do not engage in personal battles, they save their strength for the task at hand.
Leaders treat people with respect and dignity; they connect with others on a personal and emotional level.
- Momentum and Timing
“If you’re coasting, you’re either losing momentum or else you’re headed downhill.” – Joan Welsh
Finally, leaders know how to create momentum, and they know when to act. Nothing great is ever accomplished without momentum and timing.
Leaders Develop Leaders
The test of a great leader is who they develop. A great leader will develop great followers; those followers will become great leaders.
It takes a leader to make a leader. A leader’s legacy is measured by succession. Are you a great leader?
Thank you for reading.
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Written on 11/20/2009 by Mr. Self Development who is a motivational author that offers a practical guide to success and wealth; support him by visiting his blog at mrselfdevelopment.com. . | Photo Credit: I’ll Never Grow Up |
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