I sincerely believe leadership goes beyond a title or position. Having one of those only goes so far.
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People will follow a titled or positioned leader only so far. Eventually they’ll realize this person is a leader in name only.
This falling away is why you must do more than have a title to be called a leader.
Here’s a few simple things you can do to demonstrate you’re a leader even if you lack the title.
Serve: Great leaders serve. This has been Mark Miller’s philosophy and I buy into it.
Great leaders believe the best way to lead is to help others out. They put the needs of others first and look for places to serve.
Where’s a place you can serve? Why aren’t you?
Demonstrate: A great way to demonstrate leadership is to demonstrate what true leadership looks like.
This means picking up trash when you see it on the floor. You look for solutions to current problems. You take action when you see work that needs to be done.
Leaders demonstrate what needs to be done by doing it.
What do you need to do today to demonstrate leadership? What are you going to do about it?
Seek: Leaders know they’re not the smartest one in the room. This is why leaders seek out wise counsel and more knowledge.
You can demonstrate leadership by sticking your nose into a new book (or listening to an audio book). You can show you’re a leader by finding someone wiser than you in specific areas you struggle in.
What book could you read today to help advance your leadership skills? Who could you seek out to help you improve a leadership ability?
Work: Any leader worth his salt know there’s work to be done. And he’s willing to do the work.
Find work around your organization that needs to be done and do it. Do it to the best of your ability.
Do you need to work harder? What’s an area you’ve lacked enthusiasm in your work?
Leadership goes beyond a title. Leadership is more than a position.
True leadership requires you to go above and beyond. You will have to serve others. You will have to demonstrate what needs to be done. You will have to seek after wisdom and knowledge. You will have to work hard and diligently.
Question: What else can you do to demonstrate you’re a leader? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive or off-topic.