You've got the know-how and the experience you'll need to lead others, but you often wonder whether you have the image to be a leader.
First, forget about having to be the dashing woman or man who leaps in to save the day.
Effective leadership is usually understated. It's about the accomplishment of all the small things that, together, make the big things possible.
Inc.com columnist Les McKeown says real-world leadership is different from what you may believe. In his new book, Do Lead: Share Your Vision, Achieve the Impossible, he says the following are a few things you can chalk off your list of needed great-leader requirements:
* Charisma: Leadership isn't about charisma. It can be a great tool to wield, but it's not a prerequisite. Nor is it necessary to be a wonderful communicator or motivator. You don't need charisma to communicate or motivate.
* Genius: There are many geniuses in the world and very clever people who could never be thought of as effective leaders. You probably know some of them. They may often lack common sense.
* Position: It's not necessary to be officially proclaimed as the leader. Leadership has almost nothing to do with an organizational chart. Many people who never rise to prominence in an organization consistently act as leaders. Their time is probably coming.
But do have a goal. McKeown says effective leadership is goal-oriented, not people-oriented. Finding a prospective leader is about selecting the right person with the right skills, one who has the motivation to reach goals and move forward.
Whether you're new to the leadership game or are reigniting a dormant passion, you can start leading from where you are night now and make a difference.
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