A lot of people often see leadership as something big and intimidating. One of the common ideas towards leadership is that it bears the spotlight; it is associated with carrying great power and authority—which, perhaps, we will all agree is not untrue. But, have you ever tried to look at leadership in another way—seeing it as a simpler and ordinary task that anyone can actually do? As someone who has spearheaded several motivational seminars, I’ve learned something about leadership.
They always say that leadership is influence, and if that’s the case, guess what? We are all leaders! Whether you are a student, a young professional, a veteran in the industry or a parent–you’ve got that influence—and a unique one! I strongly believe that each one of us is made and designed to influence a specific people group in our lifetime.
And it’s always up to us how we are going to steward the influence that we have—but if we want to cultivate good and effective leadership, let me tell you one secret I’ve learned from leading motivational seminars:
Build genuine relationships with the people in your sphere
Be a friend to the people you are leading. Identify yourself with them. Listen with empathy. Speak from a position of grace.
Be a friend to the people you are leading. Identify yourself with them. Listen with empathy. Speak from a position of grace.
In doing so, you will be able to know them personally—what kind of help do they need at present? What drives them? In what areas of work do they excel? What blockages do they have in their life and work? How can you help elevate them in your unique way?
Leadership always starts with influence and grows more robust with a good relationship. And remember that any good relationship includes trust, integrity, accountability, and compassion. Apart from that, leadership comes with responsibility.
Are you using your influence the right way? Whether you’re leading a team at work, conversing with friends, or even providing insights at motivational seminars — you have to make sure you’re using your influence to lead people down the right path.
This may not be as easy as it seems–and it really isn’t! But, as we try to view leadership as a mustard seed instead of its tree, we believe we wouldn’t want to do leadership the same way again.
