10 Ways to Know You Are Not a Leader
There are lots of resources out there telling how you can become a leader; by and large, the concept is correct. Leadereship can be learned.
While books, seminars, websites, etc. offer to teach you how to be a leader, sometimes looking at the “how not to” is helpful. Back in 2005, Tony Morgan posted the article10 Easy Ways to Know You’re Not a Leader.
He said.
When you get looking for leaders, you’ll notice there are several types of people. Some are genuine leaders. Some are in leadership positions, but they aren’t really leaders. Some aren’t in a leadership position but think they should be. So what are the signs that indicate you’re not really a leader?
1. You’re waiting on a bigger staff and more money to accomplish your vision.
2. You think you need to be in charge to have influence.
3. You’re content.
4. You tend to foster division instead of generating a helpful dialogue.
5. You think you need to say something to be heard.
6. You find it easier to blame others for your circumstances than to take responsibility for solutions.
7. It’s been some time since you said, “I messed up.”
8. You’re driven by the task instead of the relationships and the vision.
9. Your dreams are so small, people think they can be achieved.
10. No one is following you.
I would add a corollary to number 2: You think because you have been placed in charge, you automatically are a leader.
If any of these items describe your concept of leadership, you need to re-think.
Do you have any to add to the list? Put your suggestions in the comments.
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Comments
Well, how “not to” would have a fairly negative spin, but the truth, and therefore important to understand.
I’ll share my take on how to, then I will click to your how to be a leader. This should be fun.
Leadership Attributes
• Leaders share vision and give direction. If you have ever been managed by someone who lacked vision you understand how disheartening this can be. Developing and sharing a vision attracts loyal followers. Giving direction adds purpose to activities.
• Leaders show character and integrity . I worked for a leader who I often disagreed with but never doubted his sincerity, his word, or his honesty. You could depend on any commitment he gave. In an industry with high turnover he had productive team mates that worked with him for decades.
• Leaders constantly strive to self improve.
• Leaders set high standards and raise the bar.
• Leaders plan for growth. There is no stagnant, your organization is either declining or gaining. If you do not plan for growth how can you paint dreams for team mates?
• Leaders take responsibility. They do not pass the buck by pointing fingers.
• Leaders make decisions. Remember you do not always have to be right to learn and improve.
• Leaders set the example. If you want your team to show , determination, enthusiasm, decisiveness, attentiveness etc. it starts with you.
• Leaders share information and keep team mates informed.
• Leaders know their team. They take the time to learn how team members communicate, and learn. Leaders understand their teams strengths and weaknesses. Leaders know their people’s goals and hopes.
• Leaders mentor, train, allow failure, delegate.
• Leaders listen attentively without interrupting, completing other’s sentences or thinking about what they will say when they should be listening.
• Leaders give recognition at every possible opportunity.
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That list has a fairly negative spin, but I think it would be helpful to have a more positive list. I’m a firm believer that some people aren’t cut out to be leaders, which is fine, because the leaders need people to lead.
Over the years, I’ve found that I tend to thrive in a more ancillary position rather than one that requires management and the patience to deal with others. I can think big picture, but I don’t always want to. So instead of being a half-hearted leader, I focus on being a great and productive team member, and applying my talents to my tasks.
We’ve been conditioned to believe that not wanting to be in charge makes you weak. But I’ve found it incredibly freeing.