If you’ve ever wondered how to become a great leader, check out my tips on how to get there.
What makes a great leader? Some people might argue that great leaders are born great, but we don’t agree. In my view, great leaders have made a tremendous effort to change themselves to become great. So, how do you become a great leader? We’ve come up with 4 tips to help you learn how.
Many people see the term “boss” and “leader” as one in the same.
But we realize that there’s a big difference between being that boss that everyone avoids, and being a leader that everyone looks up to.
Even if your job title doesn’t say boss (whose actually does by the way?) there are some ways to become the leader in your office and in life.
Here’s how to do it.
Be modest
Words like “strong” and “bold” are some of the classic phrases used to describe great leaders.
But we’re not in the middle ages anymore, and nobody wants Genghis Kahn in the office.
Richard Branson once said “Actually, it is counterproductive to be ruthless. People tend to come back and do more business if they feel they have done well with you.” The humble billionaire never does business deals with or listens to aggressive people, and recommends you “ask yourself if they are the companies you should work with”.
So whether you’re at the bottom of the totem pole or all the way at the top – realize that the best ideas and help can come from the most unexpected places. Not to mention the fact that nobody wants to do business deals with ruthless attitude-holders.
Don’t be a “yes” gal
We covered that you shouldn’t be ruthless. But at the same time, being a leader means pushing people forward.
Steve Jobs brought Apple to the top doing the same thing –
“My job is not to be easy on people. My job is to take these great people we have and to push them and make them even better.”
Jobs wasn’t necessarily cruel – he realized his team was “great” and wanted to elevate them to the next level. You can do the same. Practice constructive feedback to bring everyone – including yourself – up to new heights.
Make some mistakes
Nobody’s perfect – and this also goes for the best leaders and role models.
Henry Ford said it best when he stated – “The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.”
He didn’t become a legendary auto manufacturer by doing the same thing over and over again and not stretching any boundaries.
And no matter what awesome things you’re doing in life, you won’t become great without pushing the limits – and having some slip-ups along the way.
Inspire others
“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.” – Dolly Parton
Besides becoming a famous actor and musician, Parton set out to do more – and she started the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Nowadays, the Library gives away a whopping 10 million books every single year to underprivileged children.
You might not have Parton’s vocal cords, but you can follow in her footsteps by inspiring others. Realize that being a great leader isn’t about just getting ahead of everyone, but bringing others up with you.
Inspire us
Are great leaders born great, or do they learn along the way? We want to hear your tips on how to become a great leader by sharing your secrets and know-how. Take a page from Parton and get us inspired and share your tips with the Tribe!
