- Get a good understanding of what leadership is.
Unfortunately, we have very bad examples of Leadership in our society and we must unlearn a great deal to avoid being bossy, patronizing and untouchable and unteachable - Know your why.
Do you want to be a leader because it’s “nice” and looks good, because you crave admiration or validation eg. Being in the top 40 under 40 lists… If so you will be horrible or be hurt. Likely both. Also get to the point where you know yourself and your why and your purpose so well that you won’t be tempted to deviate nor be confused when people project their ideas and ideals on you - Have mentors/ be teachable. Have people of character who can hold you accountable. Who people can report you to. Be wary if all your friends think like you and agree with you and mirror what you say.
- “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care” are words to live by. Prior to telling people what to do, what they’ve done wrong etc. Make sure they know it comes from a place of love. Make sure they understand why, and that they feel your heart in the correction. Or else you just sound condemning and a “know it all”.
- “We don’t see things as they are, we see things as we are”- Another quote to live by. Know that how you see things is shaped by your life experiences, your exposure, your abilities and conditions etc. The other person is not you. Both of you may not be “wrong” but just seeing things from different angles. Appreciate perspective.
- Always ensure communication is fluid. Make sure you seek feedback ask others to assess you, assess and re-assess yourself. What is not spoken is as dangerous as what is. Things fester when bottled up more often than not.
- Know that you’re not God. You’re not Jesus. You will fail. Give yourself grace and be always ready to say, I was wrong. I could gave done this or that better. Because you’re not God- never from your position of power write someone off. You never know when they will have their ‘Damascus’ moment. Life will humble us all, so be sure to humble yourself first.
I would say you learn how to lead by serving. By interacting with others. You can’t keep to yourself and claim to know how to lead people when you get a position of power.
You need to know your personality type, do self reflection, know how to communicate with people of different levels.
Join associations like JCI or Toastmasters international.
Learn how to network- its building relationships not becoming a parasite and follower
Also get to the point where you know yourself and your why and your purpose so well that you won’t be tempted to deviate nor be confused when people project their ideas and ideals on you
