Leadership Begins With You

When we talk about leadership, a lot of people become quick to attach it to a position of authority or a title - like Manager, Director, CEO, etc. However, what you have to understand is that leadership goes far beyond just title and position, and also touches the very essence of it; you. Effectively leadership has to do with influence, and of course influence starts from how you lead yourself before you ever talk about leading others. Just to let you know; the pathway to leadership starts from within you, because you can only give what you own.

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Before you want people to follow your leadership, first ask yourself if you are worthy to be followed and if you would follow yourself if you were in their shoes. This will enable you to know if you are a good leader. Before you can lead others, you should be able to have worked on yourself to lead yourself - this begins with taking responsibility for your life, including your actions, decisions, inactions, etc. Each day you live, you will be presented with options, but it is the choice you make that will make you the kind of leader that you will be. As a leader, you do not have to wait until everything is perfect before you act; you need to act anyway, inspire others to do the same, and most importantly, lead by example.

You may not know this, but the truth is that a lot of people are observing how you handle issues, respond or react to challenges, and pursue after your dreams. It is what they have seen in you that will make them to want to follow you or not. This is part of the reasons you need to take the issue of personal leadership very seriously, because it is the foundation of true leadership. You cannot lead others if you do not know where you are going. Obviously "a blind person cannot lead a fellow blind person," otherwise they will both stumble and fall. You need to work on yourself and on your leadership qualities.

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While we were in secondary school, very many years ago, there was this particular student who would come early even before everyone else, and she would ensure that the class was tidy and clean. Sometimes, when she came to school, the class would be dirty, but instead of complaining, she would take a broom and sweep it. Even after lunchtime, she would also ensure that the class was tidy. She did this, not because she wanted anyone to notice her, but because it was her lifestyle. Because of this, other students saw her, and they also felt motivated to join her. She did not ask to be followed, but her actions spoke for her. By the time it was to nominate students for post, without hesitation, she was given the sanitation prefect. Her leadership qualities stood her out.

You do not have to wait until you are conferred with a high position of authority before you display good and effective leadership, it can actually start anywhere - like your homes, office, school, etc. As a matter of fact, the moment you have begun to take responsibility for a challenge, or you offer solution to a problem, or even motivate people to do what is right, then you are already showing good leadership qualities. It is not the position you occupy that makes you a good leader, but your attitude, discipline, influence, integrity, and empathy.

It is also worth noting that leadership is not gifted, but you have to work towards earning it. You may be put into a leadership position, but leadership will not be put into you; you are the one to make a choice to build yourself up for it. To make a positive difference in leadership, you should not be concerned about compelling people to follow you, but you should make yourself worthy to be followed, then inspire them, motivated them, and give them reasons to follow you. Always have in mind that leadership is not a call to impose your will on others but a call to serve, to respect, to motivate, and to inspire. Also remember that effective leadership starts by leading your own self.

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