BECOMING A GOOD LEADER

We have all met incompetent people, people who lacked effort, and those that were in positions of authority or leadership who were not fit for their role. For most people, when they see this, they assume the differences between themselves and those they deem unfit as being a natural difference that should be easily recognized by others. The tendency is the inclination to complain to one’s self and to those whom they wish to seek recognition of this distinction. Once this approval is garnered, they continue in their minds and voiced opinion of distinguishing themselves from the other person who they deem inadequate. Yet, simultaneously, as a lack of introspection, this same person neglects their own flaws and failures in comparison with others. We all have flaws and we can each learn from our failures, including the person that is being perceived as insufficient.

This does not mean there are not incompetent people in authoritative positions, nor does it suggest there are not people with titles that do not deserve their positions. What this suggests, instead, is that in order to progress, there needs to be a shift in focus. The way to truly establish confidence in yourself and to captivate the confidence of others is to build yourself. This change in perspective is to establish a thought pattern, and process, that is intended to perpetuate individual growth. The perpetuation is only brought on by the determination and willpower of the one who possesses it, i.e. the self. Trust the process.

Instead of complaining, take the opportunity to realize that this awareness of the lack of ability in others should prompt a leader to encourage the growth of others as opposed to the prompting of their condemnation. The laziest and most aloof of people can point out the multitude of flaws in others without ever advancing or growing themselves. It is better to be a person who learns from their mistakes and the mistakes of others than to be a person of high rank that rarely or never further develops. Furthermore, a person who only condemns the qualities of others without self-improvement falls prey to their own destructive philosophy as they abrogate their own values and responsibilities.

How can we help one another grow and not encourage the inner tumultuous struggles of hierarchical envy?

Good leaders, who have earned their position and maintain the attitude of helping others grow, lend themselves to their own personal growth as well as to the direct growth of others in their care. A title, a degree, letters in front of or behind a name such as Dr. or Esq., etc., or the number of years in a given industry, provide little-to-no answer about the leadership capabilities of an individual, nor do they indicate the reasoned legitimacy of their held position.

The significance of earned leadership is found in the process and outcomes that encourage those under their wing, as a well-perceived good leader equips others with the capability to overcome obstacles and to grow from their mistakes or failures. This is the quality that instills confidence in those that are being led by this leader, and this is what helps to produce greater results by this very leader. A good, efficacious, leader encourages the betterment and success of others as well as themselves. To repeatedly cogitate over the problems without offering a solution would only drive one’s self mad while repelling others. So, if you have an inclination that you are better than others in particular positions, act on that by acting the part of a good leader instead of simply voicing concern or ruminating on it.

What does it mean to be a good leader?

Any good leader possesses several highly valued qualities, and at the forefront of them all is to have integrity, a vision, and the initial desire to develop themselves into becoming a respected leader or expert in their field. By becoming an expert in your field, through rigorous daily learning and reading, you will equip yourself with the necessary tools of success. This entails understanding all aspects of the field in which you wish to become a leader or want to maintain your leadership in.

For many, this is too difficult or strenuous, because they do not want to read a book, they would rather be spoon-fed information in blurts, audiobooks, podcasts, and social media posts, as opposed to taking the time and consideration to build their expertise. This is not to suggest that these forms of acquiring information are not valuable, rather they do not build all of the necessary parts of a leader’s mind as it pertains to a thorough understanding of the topic or field. These are the same people who tend to make excuses for their lack of reading or personal development, as they claim they do not have the time or attention span to accomplish finishing a book. These are not leadership-like qualities. The good news, however, is that people can change and they can begin making better decisions with advancing their personal development. It just takes practice, patience, and motivation to succeed in finish reading a book; and, it is through this process that those skills are also acquired while completely reading a book.

Not only does being a good leader require one to push themselves to become an expert in their field, a good leader knows how to inspire and encourage others to follow in their footsteps without worry or fear. They do not tear down others to pull themselves up; and they show respect to those that are already above them, legitimate or not, which further demonstrates firsthand what being a true leader is all about.

If you desire to become a leader, and a good leader at that, it is time you begin doing leadership type stuff. Become an expert in your field, trust the process, and encourage others to succeed as you do for yourself.