The Daily Machete: ADDING VALUE: Developing Leadership Skills

The Daily Machete

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The Daily Machete: ADDING VALUE: Developing Leadership Skills

ADDING VALUE: Developing Leadership Skills

Posted by Mike Thomas at 5/27/2009 6:27 AM

Categories: ADDING VALUE
Tags: ADDING VALUE

Leadership abilities often separate those who get the position, promotion or contract from those who don’t. The paradox, of course, is how do you demonstrate your leadership abilities before being hired?

I asked William Self, President of The Leadership Factor in , for his thoughts on leadership.

“We all have leadership skills inside of us. We simply need to bring them out. We need to practice them, and, like many things in life, the more you practice the better you get. In other words, we can learn how to become leaders by getting into the action.
“In many ways a leader is a teacher. He or she educates others and shows them how to accomplish what they have set out to do. A true leader, then, is more of a facilitator, who understands that the ones being led are responsible to get things done, and that he or she simply shows them how to be successful, much like a coach would to the players, even if the leader is part of the team.

“One of the essential ingredients for leadership is enthusiasm, because it spills over to the ones who are relying on their leader. Enthusiasm translates into making the work to be done very important to the followers. It makes the efforts put forward significant and makes the followers feel they are making a difference in what they are doing.

“Before you can lead others, you need to develop confidence and clear thinking. The process starts with understanding the direction that you want to follow and the goals you want to accomplish. In order for people to follow you, however, you need to express these goals and directions clearly.

“An excellent way to improve in this area is through Toastmasters. It is an organization that teaches communication skills, not only in public speaking skills, but in the ability to organize your thoughts and ideas, including written, in compelling ways that persuade others. Toastmasters can help potential leaders become outstanding communicators and practice the leadership that will make them more successful in their work and personal lives.”

IN THE CARAVAN: Practice your innate leadership skills, coach others, express enthusiasm, have confidence in yourself and consider joining Toastmasters.