Reading through all the lessons that many leadership gurus share on social media and in their books, a leader can become overwhelmed. One can even begin to question whether they are a leader at all, given what they see others doing. Some of us work really hard in our jobs, consumed with our daily goals and objectives, unable to take stock in what we have accomplished. We think that other leaders are far more knowledgeable and experienced, not giving ourselves the credit we deserve. Have these thoughts or feelings ever entered your mind?
STOP! Stop sabotaging yourself and instead look at ways to own your leadership.
These 7 practices may help you see your leadership value:
1. Believe you are a leader
The adage goes- “If you believe it, it will happen” and this is so true of leadership. We need to see ourselves as leaders and envision what type of leader we want to be. If we just look around at other people’s achievements and never believe we have the ability, skills and traits of a leader, we will never be able to grow our own leadership. Believe you can.
[Tweet “Believing we can be leaders begins our journey towards leadership.”]
2. Lead from anyplace you are
One of the first words I share with the participants in my workshops is what leadership means. It is not about having a title or position, but rather a way of acting. These are some questions to ask about whether you are a leader:
- Do I have a strong understanding of my role?
- Do I take responsibility for mistakes I make?
- Do I contribute my ideas and suggestions?
- Am I communicating clearing, directly and respectfully?
- Do I ask for help when I need it?
3. Acknowledge that Imperfection is a myth
I recently worked with a manager who felt she couldn’t perform certain parts of her job unless they were done to her liking. That meant she was paralyzed if she couldn’t be perfect. The result was missed deadlines or constantly moving up the deadlines. In the ambiguous workplaces we lead, we do not always have complete information and we may need to act without all the pieces. We need to do our best with what we have, even if that means reworking our results at a later date. Dump perfection!
4. Share your experience
Be a great storyteller by rolling out the lessons you have learned along the way in narrative form. Through stories people connect emotionally and will remember what you shared. Our storytelling empowers us to be stronger and empathetic leaders as we communicate our struggles and missteps while still allowing our gifts to shine.
[Tweet “Through storytelling leaders share valuable insights and knowledge.”]
5. Boost others up
Whenever possible, show appreciation and praise to others who help you accomplish your goals. Leaders know that when we value the expertise and work of others, they will want to contribute even more. Remember how you feel when people say “Thanks for your outstanding contribution to this project!”
6. Find a fan club
We own our leadership when we surround ourselves with mentors who have our best interests at heart. Our fan club includes individuals who will provide us with honest feedback as well as direction and networking opportunities. Who could be in your fan club?
- A past or current boss
- A colleague
- A friend
- An expert in our field who we have gotten to know
- A coach
7. Stay open to riding the waves
The thing about leadership is that it continues to evolve as we change positions, move to new areas of the country or world or become fascinated with new concepts. Committing to a “growth mindset” and realizing that change is the only constant will empower us to own our leadership wherever it may take us.
How do you own your leadership? What tools have propelled you forward?
Great post Terri!
1. Believe you are a leader – reminded me of a man that I met in Tulsa that was not in a titled leadership position, but played a key role in supporting the Lead Change Group Monthly Panel Interviews. He shared after one of those sessions that he had never seen himself as a leader and didn’t realize that he didn’t need a title to be one. A leader was born that day.
Love that story Chery! It is fascinating how a particular title or position seems so important because it is far more critical for people to take action and responsibility to be authentic leaders.
How wonderful for that individual to see his value through his meaningful contributions.
Thanks Chery!
Great reminders on how you can take ownership of your leadership. I appreciate you Terri and will be sharing with my community! Have an awesome day!
Thanks Cynthia for all your support! I appreciate your leadership!
These are great, Terri! I particularly resonate with the storyteller one — people underestimate how much a good story can teach, lead and impact others. Although I will say that in my experience, perfection — not imperfection — is the myth ! (In your blurb I you are clearly saying the same thing . . . )
Stories are an incredibly powerful way for each of us to connect with others in an engaged way. Storytelling, done well, draws on emotions rather than facts and people relate to the way others make us feel.
Perfection can derail the best of us and needs to be put aside.
Thanks Blair for sharing your insights and perspectives! I really appreciate it! 🙂
A great article Terri! I truly believe that finding our voice as a leader is the one of the most important things we can do…you gave some great pointers on how to do that!
Thanks LaRae! When leaders find their voices they are able to share their stories and experiences, both of which help develop future leaders. Our voices also help us become more influential, regardless of our title.
Great post. I especially like #2 as many people are waiting for something and they can lead from where they are.
It is so true that no matter our position we can step up and take responsibility and lead a charge. As long as we are clear on our direction and values, we are able to take risks and perform in a highly productive way. Of course we need to believe we are a leader, which can sometimes take a mindset shift.
I so appreciate you stopping by Skip and adding to the dialogue!
Remarkable post indeed ! Terri.
Please add more points in your list ?
Very practical and imp points for everyone.
I appreciate this article.
Regards.
Zafarmanzoor.
Engr.
Pakistan
Thanks Zafarmanzoor!
Thanks.
Pl consider another imp (& hot) topic for your next post:
” Causes of Leadership failure in the Organizations” .
Regards,
Zafarmanzoor.