Blooming Frontrunners
We commonly ask ourselves, are we born leaders or are we made into leaders?
An extremely diplomatic person would answer this question saying both, some are born into leadership while others mold themselves ready for leadership.
However, not all will take the call for leadership.
Tis the season for leadership isn’t it. All sort of new power is arising with manifestos in suits and ties empowered to do right.
Just the other day I voted, ink on finger, excitement in heart, placing my faith in souls. I wondered as I placed my x beside names, could this person fulfill their role, do they understand exactly what they are signing up for, are they doing this for the right reasons, are they really cut out for leadership.
But is anyone really cut out for leadership?
Is it really a calling or just a duty you decide to acquire?
What really is this title we call leadership?
I once played this role; actually I still do see myself as one, an underground leader, observing the bigger heads above. And I must say most times I am utterly disturbed and disappointed. Why? Because I understand leadership so much so I may have OCD towards the character.
Often leadership is mistaken for an increase in status, an attainment to be seen as important and an ideology that you now call the shots, you are the big man in charge.
Funny thing how all this power can get to your head and you lose sight.
Lose sight of your manifestos.
Lose sight of your true passion.
Lose sight of your vision to improve.
Here are a few tips:
Firstly, humble thyself. A leader is first and foremost a servant. You are here to serve. It is never about you and how you feel. It is about the people, the people you are leading to greatness. Too many times leaders get caught up with ‘leading’ because you feel as if you are on a pedestal. Press breaks on it right now before you drive too far in you tenure.
If you forget everything else, please remember the people placed their faith in you, so you must restore it!
The language of leadership is communication. If you fail here you might as well hand over your badge and call it a day. I have seen way too many so called leaders fail at this.
The main key is to observe first then speak after. Leaders go wrong by speaking first then figuring out the rest subsequently. You have to know your audience before you can address them. Truly analyse the type of person you are communicating with before you bombard them with your thoughts.
Also, do not forget to share information, even if it seems minor, keep all informed!
This comes to an awesome point.
“The art of diplomacy”
Please note, I learnt this the hard way and now people tend to say I’m way too diplomatic.
Yes, I understand sometimes you just wanna say what you wanna say when you wanna say it how you wanna say it.
But NO!
Pause.
Please to think about the best way saying it as possible. The best way to try this out is to stick with positives.
This brings me to versatility is key! If you cannot mix it up then oh boi!
We live in a society where culture plays a huge impact on our daily lives and yes even thought people are hush hush about this topic, the society is made up of different types of persons, that fall in different social classes and as leaders we must be able to relate to everybody.
So if you have to bring down a notch or bring it up a notch; don’t be afraid to. This is NORMAL! And don’t let anyone tell you any differently. Each environment will require its own adaptation.
Cultural Relativism is Key!
When did professionalism become dated?
Not because we are in the 21st century or in the technological era or the period of the feminist movement means that some old fashion trends must be disregarded. No it is not polite to speak to someone when your eyes are glued to your phone, nor is it okay to wear jeans to a business professional attired event, furthermore responding “noted” or “received with thanks” to emails will not hurt.
It’s these minor things that will set you apart, make you leadership remembered, regarded as exceptional.
Change the game, set the bar high, and reinvent the standards of leadership!
With all this being said, it is my dream to see every day leaders, Presidents and Prime Ministers, Members of Parliament and Ministers of State, Student Body Representatives, Chief Executives Offers of Companies and Organization, Managers, Leaders of Clubs and Societies, Role Models and Motivators to take more pride in their duties.
Even when the road gets foggy and you start to feel like mediocrity will not be so bad, stay determined to do what you set out to do, stay motivated so you may motivate those around you and stay strong because the world is out to attack but you are ready because you LEAD.
Learning to Inspire
Educating those that look up to you
Achieving for society’s improvement
Developing Communication
Congratulations are in order!