Top 5 Ways to Develop Yourself as a Leader

Every small group has a person who either steps up or is delegated by the group as the leader. How they handle that responsibility will determine the groups dynamics and eventually their success. Leaders need to be able to self reflect and develop their own skills. Followership cannot be coerced, only volunteered, hence becoming a better leader involves improving the service we offer. According to Gayle Lantz, there are twelve complete thought out ideas on how to do this. We have summarized and placed in order of importance what we feel is the top five of her ideas:


5.) How can I think more strategically?
First, you need to completely know and understand your charge so that you can make a plan of attack instead of jumping in head first. It is important to never lose sight of your charge when setting goals and actions.

4.) How will I recognize success?
Nothing can be achieved without goals ways to measure your actions. Find ways to measure your actions against what you want to achieve and if it is something unmeasurable, then change your approach.

3.) What is one "problem" that I can turn into an opportunity?
Look to turn every weakness into a strength. Don't let problems shift the focus of the group, instead use each as an opportunity for success.

2.) What is my biggest fear and how will I face it?
Resisting a fear, only empowers it. Embrace things that make you nervous and overcome them to make you a stronger leader and in turn, your group will follow.

1.) What leadership skill can -and should- I get better at?
Everyone has their faults, gain feedback from your group members on what yours is and what you can change. Your group members will respect you if you extend them the courtesy first.




Citation:
Lantz, Gayle. "Twelve Leadership Questions for 2010." BusinessWeek Online (2010): 21. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 18.Feb. 2010.