Leadership, in my eyes, has always been a blend of natural inclination and learned skills. Reflecting on my own path to becoming a leader, I’ve realized it’s not just about innate abilities or formal training. It’s a journey deeply rooted in personal experiences, observations, and the willingness to grow.
Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others
Jack Welch
Early Instincts
My earliest leadership memories trace back to the childhood games. I remember organizing other kids in games and activities. For instance, when we decided to build a farm, it was almost instinctive for me to take charge. I would delegate, asking one to bring water, another to gather stones. These moments were more than child’s play; they were my first steps into leadership, feeling natural and right. This early inclination made me ponder the debate about natural-born leaders. I recognize these early experiences as the seeds of my leadership journey.
Learning Leadership
Despite these early tendencies, I firmly believe that effective leadership is not reserved for a select few. Through my reading and closely observing leaders I admire, I’ve learned that leadership is as much about acquired skills as it is about natural flair. It’s about communication, empathy, and decision-making. These are skills that you can gain and improve. So, for anyone doubting their ability to lead, I say, don’t underestimate the power of learning and growing. Here are a few basic requirements you need to have.
Accepting Responsibility
Leadership for me has been about owning the outcomes, good or bad. I don’t think this is an innate trait but something you cultivate through various life experiences. It has an important role in leadership because you should feel accountability for wins and failures.
Constant Learning
My leadership style has been profoundly shaped by my thirst for knowledge. I’ve learned a lot from life experiences, observing other leaders, leadership books and mentors. Each lesson contributed to a new dimension to how I lead. I think it’s all about maintaining an open mind and a heart willing to learn. A leader should always look for learning as people will often bring unique problems.
Motivating Others
A significant part of my leadership has involved inspiring and motivating others. If you can’t convince other people to do the work, you can’t really get any work done. You can do that by creating shared goals and leading the team toward these objectives. You need to make sure your people understand how they fit into the wider picture.
Embracing Leadership
Transitioning into a formal leadership role felt like stepping into unknown territory. Despite my early instincts and learned skills, the truth I’ve come to realize is that no one is ever truly ready for leadership. It’s not merely a promotion; it’s akin to starting an entirely new job. And, sadly you have to learn a big portion of it on the job. It is not about having all the answers, but about the willingness to find them and grow in the process.
If you feel you have shown bits of leadership already, you’re ready to walk. You might not think you are ready. The truth is nobody is. And, you won’t be ready. So, take a look at your experiences. If you find breadcrumbs of leadership, perhaps, you are ready to go. Believe in yourself and ask for help. Nobody made it without failing. Accept it and move forward.
Consequently, my path to leadership started from childhood then evolved into how I’m today. I will change it because I will learn more. Everyone’s path is unique because conditions are different. If you feel you are ready, just go with it. Nobody is totally ready.