Leadership Development- Lead, Follow, Or Get Out Of The Way

While anyone can become a leader, not everyoneteam. The best leaders encourage input from the
is cut out to be a leader. When consideringteam, foster teamwork, show appreciation, and
leadership roles, it is important that we are honestare able to evaluate the teams needs, strengths
with ourselves as we analyze our strengths, areasand weaknesses to provide constructive
of opportunity, and willingness to step outside offeedback, accolades, and development. Effective
our comfort zones. The first step in leadershipleadership incorporates recognizing team members
development is determining if you have what itfor their achievements while providing and
takes to be a leader.encouraging growth opportunities.
Leadership is not for fence riders, followers,A leader is only as good as his or her team. To
cowards, or indecisive people. Leaders are fearlesscreate a winning team a leader must always lead
movers, shakers, motivators, innovators, andby example. Demonstrating a strong personal
creators. Leaders are action oriented. If the merecommitment and excitement towards the teams
thought of taking action is frightening to you,goals and vision will ultimately inspire the team to
consider the saying "Lead, Follow, or Get Out ofmatch their leaders commitment and excitement.
the Way," and take the appropriate action.Real leaders always aim to exceed their goals and
To become an effective leader you must be ablechallenge the team to do the same. The team will
to make tough decisions that are sometimesalways follow the leader.
unpopular but necessary for the greater good ofGaining support and commitment is fundamental
the organization or team. Leadership requires thefor a leader. A true leader is able to persuade and
confidence to take calculated risks and movecompel others to enthusiastically take up a cause,
forward on issues with or without support of theproposal, or idea. Leaders are attentive to the
general consensus.needs of others, make it a point to understand
Leaders confront difficult situations head on,different perspectives, and are able to effectively
focusing on solutions rather than the problem.influence, negotiate, and resolve conflict by
Developing as a leader means seeing past whatcreating win-win situations.
you see. Leaders see the future, they see theAre you a leader? Do you have what it takes to
end result; this is how leaders tackle challenges.become a great leader? I believe that you can be
Communicating openly, honestly and directly is awhatever you want to be if and when you put
must for leaders. Great leaders are able to deliveryour mind to it. Not everyone is born a leader but
tough messages in even the most tense oreveryone has the potential to become a great
awkward situations no matter how discomfortingleader.
it maybe for themselves or others. DevelopingEffective Leaders:
the ability to say what needs to be said, when1. Take action.
and how it needs to be said is critical to becoming2. Make the tough decisions.
a successful effective leader.3. Take calculated risks.
Great leaders readily accept responsibility for their4. Confront difficult situations.
actions, decisions, and leadership. Leaders do not5. Deliver the tough messages.
make excuses, they admit mistakes, cut losses,6. Accept responsibility.
and move forward.7. Show appreciation.
All great leaders understand the concept that8. Lead by Example.
teamwork truly makes the dream work. It is the9. Gain support.
leaders job to provide direction, instill confidence,10.Create win-win situations
show infectious enthusiasm, and to motivate the"Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Way.