Here’s a little story about my leadership journey...
...followed by the 11 Things I learned about leadership (the last one might surprise you)...
But first, a question for you:
Have you ever wanted to be a leader, but felt nervous to lead?
Thought something was holding you back? That little voice in your head that says you can’t do it?
Then this post is for you. If you've been pushed into leadership or you're striving to be a better leader, then this is also for you.
Wanting to be a leader is a certain calling.
Many years ago, I had that calling.
I had a STRONG DESIRE to be a leader. Two main reasons:
- I was led by inspiring leaders who motivated me to be one
- I was also led by bad leaders who put me off so much that I wanted to bridge those gaps (yes, I’m a crazy guy)
When I actually got the opportunity to lead, I was sh*t scared to begin with.
I didn't know where to start or how to go about it. I did not have a lot of formal training. I made a TON of MISTAKES and BAD DECISIONS.
My stress and anxiety levels hit an all-time high.
But I had the CONVICTION to keep going and learn from my mistakes.
Fast forward to the present day, I’m blessed to have been mentored by some of the finest leaders in the industry.
Today, I’m in a position where I identify talent and groom them into future leaders - that's my primary role as a leader.
I’ve learned A LOT over the years by observing great leaders and modelling their leadership styles.
11 Insightful Lessons
The following are some insightful discoveries/valuable learnings I’d like to share with you, especially if you’re just starting out, or looking to improve your game…
You don’t need a title to lead. At the same time, not everyone with a fancy title is a leader.
If you get the opportunity to lead, consider it a blessing - you can touch so many lives in a positive and impactful way.
It's natural to have self-doubts and fears that'll hold you back when you're starting out. But don’t let that deter you.
The first step is to admit you don't know how to lead - acknowledge your nervousness.
Not everyone knows what to do when they get into leadership positions. Not everyone gets there by choice. Of the ones that do, many have no clue what to do. But nothing is lost.
You can always start from where you are and work your way forward.
If you have a desire to lead, then you should look closely at the reasons you want to be a leader... If you want to get into leadership because...
You want control
You want power to overrule people
You want a status symbol
You want to prove to people you are better and smarter
You want more money
You want to take all the credit
You want to boss around...
...then, it's a bad idea.
Both you and your people will suffer after you become a leader.
But on the other hand, IF…
You love to inspire hearts and minds
You love to motivate people
You love to see people succeed
You love to serve
You love to bring out the best in people
You love to commit yourself to building future leaders
You look forward to giving your people the credit for all the success
You can own up your team's mistakes and failures
You can prioritize your people
You can act with purpose and integrity
You choose to ALWAYS lead with compassion and empathy...
...then, this world NEEDS more leaders like you.
You don't need to check all the boxes above - not everyone can, but all leaders MUST strive to.
If you want to be a great leader: Be authentic.
Be down to earth.
Be passionate about your cause.
Be deeply committed to your people.
EMPOWER your people.
MAKE failures, mistakes, and learning, the NEW NORMAL.
Don't let any of the above scare you. If you feel drawn to what I’ve mentioned above, dive in with all your heart.
Lastly, your knowledge of the subject has nothing to do with your leadership potential. You can figure it out. All you need is to be able to TRUST your team, and have an unwavering commitment to your purpose - if you have it, you can LEAD, LEARN, AND GROW, all at the same time. Anyone with a STRONG WILL who undertakes initiatives, creates a path/space for others to grow, and stays committed to the cause is a TRUE LEADER.
Leaders don’t necessarily belong in the corporate world.
Unconventional leaders are present everywhere - they’re very much a part of our daily lives if we know where to look.
A teacher is a leader.
A mother is a leader.
Stay-at-home dads are leaders.
Grandmas/grandpas who manage their grandkids and hold the fort while the parents are busy working — are leaders.
Here’s to the hidden leader in you, waiting to be unleashed. 🥂⚡️
About me
I’m an NLP-trained Mental-health Coach. Read my story here.
I help busy professionals overcome STRESS & ANXIETY in 8 Sessions, so they can stay CALM even during a STORM.
I’ve helped people get aha-moments in 20-minute hallway conversations that have completely changed their lives in ways they couldn’t imagine.
If you connect with what I write…
You’ll have MORE BREAKTHROUGHS when we talk 1-on-1.
All you need is ONE INSIGHT to turn your life around.
A casual 1-hour conversation with me can EMPOWER YOU WITH CLARITY, so you can become unstoppable and unstuck from anything that is holding you back.
How to reach me
Email: guru@daivi.ca