From A Follower To A Leader

Have you noticed the attention the topic of leadership always receives? Everyone has an opinion about what the leaders should be like, what they should and shouldn’t do.

What is your perception of a leader? When you hear that word, what stereotype comes to your mind? Is it an image of a sharply dressed man wearing a suit and a tie, or a woman with a strict business attire? Someone that is brief, always to the point, giving orders, getting things done?

Not to say that a leader can’t have all of the above, but all of the above is not what constitutes a leader. A leader is much more than that. But before diving into the characteristics of leadership, let’s explore another question. Why don't most people see themselves as leaders? There must be some thought of fear that prevents it, and there surely is. It's the lack of self-confidence. But why does this lack of self-confidence exist? There are plenty of superficial answers to this question, but on the deepest level there is only one. What do you think it is?

It’s the lack of self-knowledge, but not the knowledge of the self as a person with characteristics, adjectives and descriptions. True self-knowledge is what you are beyond all descriptions, it’s who you are in your innermost self, before all the after the fact descriptions that get attached to this “you”. The person who has found that inner self, that inner source, has become a leader. And it’s not because that person has followers or people to manage and lead. It is entirely because that person now knows how to lead himself or herself.

Did you catch the significance of the paragraph above? First and foremost, you are already a leader if you have found your inner self, your higher mind, because from that point on you stop following the crowd and your actions are motivated by a different power. This power is selfless, loving and compassionate. When your actions stem from those motives, what do you think the consequences will be? Won’t others start noticing your “unusual” behavior? Won’t they be attracted to you? Won’t they want to be in your presence to feel all that love, compassion and positivity? Won’t they want to follow you and try to learn from you and imitate you? And who do people want to follow and imitate? You got it right. A LEADER!!!

Now that you understand the deepest meaning of this word, let’s look at a few typical behaviors aviours and characteristics of a leader in daily life.

• Integrity. Honesty of purpose and a deep concern for the welfare of the followers is essential. You don’t lie, cheat or seek personal gain by tricking others. Rather, always do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do.

• Taking responsibility. You accept full responsibility for your actions as well as the actions of your subordinates. Making excuses, passing the buck, blaming others are not qualities of a top leader. Sometimes this may be hard, perhaps self-damaging in the short-term, but always rewarding in the long-term.

• Leading by example. Unquestionably, the best way to lead is by example. You can’t set double standards and expect those to be followed. Let your actions inspire others louder than your words.

Are you starting to see yourself as a leader? Many of the readers already do and they already are. But if you’re not sure how to proceed from here and what steps to take towards leadership, here are some tips to get you started.

• Work on yourself. What does this really mean? Start by working on your beliefs about yourself. Reject any self-limiting thoughts. Once the limiting thoughts are all rejected, what will remain is the limitless you. This “limitless you” will take you on a journey that will bring you in contact with circumstances, authors, books, seminars, podcasts and people that will help you develop and grow.

• Act like a leader, even if you don’t feel like one. Action boosts confidence. As long as your actions stem from integrity and goodwill, they can’t be wrong.

• Make it about others. You succeed when you help others succeed and you don’t really succeed unless they succeed.When you put the welfare of others ahead of yours, you are leading!

Before I let you go, here is one more question you may have. Why should you want to live your life as a leader? What if you are comfortable living the way you are? My answer to you is this. How many lives do you get? Do you have an extra one in your back pocket that no one knows about? Of course not! You have one life. Why not make it a full, colorful, joyful, impactful and happy experience? Remember, that leading simply means leading yourself. Leading others may merely become a bi-product and a consequence of knowing yourself. Know thyself!