Follow the basic principles of good leadership.
from The 5 Levels of Leadership: Proven Steps to Maximize Your Potential by John C. Maxwell
Position leaders are leaders because of their situation. People follow you because they have to, not because they want to.
However, being a good leader means making people follow you because they want to. Because following you is better than not following you. These are the principles to learn to be a good leader on level 1.
How to Apply This
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Shift from position to potential.
Leadership is not about having a position but about leading people. So, don’t think about having the position. Instead, think of the positive effect you can have on the people you lead. What kind of impact you can make on these people? On the world? -
Focus on the vision.
Another way to avoid thinking of leadership as a position is to focus on the vision of the organization. Write down that vision and how your team contributes to accomplishing it. -
Don’t mention your title or position.
Only leaders of the lowest rank mention their position. This is because you have to learn how to make people follow you because of who you are, not because of your position. -
Learn to say, “I don’t know.”
Leaders don’t have all the answers. And they don’t have to. Good leaders empower people to find good answers. -
Find a leadership coach to help you consistently improve.
Ask a good leader that you know personally to mentor you - aim to meet 10-12 times per year. Prepare diligently before the meeting - write down the questions you will ask or problems you want to solve. Don't waste your mentor's time.
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