What does it take to become a leader? Does it take courage, strength, sacrifice, or all those traits? All aspects of life require some type of leadership skill, so encouragement, or some type of desire to succeed. This can often be found and obvious in the workplace. Each day, ten thousand Baby Boomers are retiring, and forty-eight percent of the workforce will be millennials by 2020. Eighty-four percent of organizations across the United States anticipates a shortfall of leaders in their organizations within the next five years.
Due to this, eighty-three percent of employers say it is important to develop leaders and leadership abilities at all levels. The truth is, the workforce will be entering an era with people that have little to no leadership development. Though leadership encompasses a vast amount of information, there are many aspects of life to have under control if someone wants to be a leader. These include being professionally humble, having an unwavering commitment to the right action, being a 360-degree thinker, being authentic and reflective, inspiring followership, and being innately collaborative. It is imperative that leaders continue to develop their mindset as well as their skills, which is why one should check out Leadership Alliance.
Professionally Humble
This is a key characteristic to have under control because being humble can take one to the highest heights. This means thinking about the company’s purpose and guiding principles. How are those guidelines used with other employees to help them understand what is expected to be produced and how to behave? No one has all the answers, but that is a good thing.
Unwavering Commitment
Doing the right thing is never easy, especially when being a leader or in a leadership position. Making hard decisions is part of the job, and showing that the commitment one has to the virtue, purpose, and protection of employees is one of the most powerful. Commitment and doing the right thing reflect the true attitude of a leader.
360-Degree Thinker
Leaders are not leaders of a simple world-;they are leaders of a dynamic and complex system that demands their skills and attention. It is imperative for leaders to understand their industry and trends driving future success. Knowing when to make changes or keep things the same is a make or break.
Authentic and Reflective
Leaders who continually seek feedback and model growth promote change-friendly cultures. Living the personal mission and values of oneself and seeking feedback is a powerful example in the workplace. It is important to be real and understand how personal actions can ripple through an office, business or family. It is this focus that sets leaders apart over time.
Inspire Followership
Knowing that your leader is being as transparent as possible and living true to their values is something to inspire those working in the organization as well as stakeholders. The humility and commitment to the right actions send the signal that it is okay to be everything one can be. For example, starting a local mastermind peer group can not only help you connect with like-minded individuals and leaders of other organizations, but also create better opportunities for your employees. This can in turn fuel business and community growth, enabling everyone to thrive together. If this is something that interests you, here’s how you can start a mastermind group.
Innately Collaborative
This could be one of the most important aspects to have under control. A common phrase is “Collaboration is key.” By seeking input from across the board, one can create an inclusive environment where ideas are shared, not hidden. From this, there is a better focus on solving problems and creating solutions.
Modeling the mindset and behaviors of the aspects above can transform a company, industry and more. They are the foundation for leaders. By going through a structured leadership development process, leaders can build the skill necessary to meet the needs of a growing world.
