Developing Your Inner Leader
I was recently given the opportunity to present on the topic of leadership at a youth programme. Coincidentally, I have been pondering on the term leadership, and what it means to be a good leader. Upon reflection, I asked myself, “How can I become a better leader and a better individual holistically?” This prompted me to share a few tips and words of encouragement from the presentation, to help you - no matter where you are on your leadership journey - take your leadership and influence to a new level.
The first question which you may ask is, “What is a leader and what is leadership all about?” In simple terms, a leader is “someone who steps forward, rises to the occasion and seeks to influence and guide others in a particular direction.”
Typically, when a person hears the word “leader”, he/she may automatically think of a business manager, a president/prime minister or a pastor to name a few, who is in a position of power and who has a specific title attached to their name. But, believe it or not, this is not the full extent of leadership. Here are three important takeaways about leadership.
Leadership is not directly related to a position of authority/power
I firmly believe that anyone – child, teenager or adult – who may not necessarily have a position/title of power, still has the potential to be a leader. I have learnt that “power” is just a test of one’s integrity and character. However, great leadership is about bringing out the best in others.
Leadership is not based on age
I have been blessed to see many persons stepping up and deciding to be the leaders they were created to be, none of whom were of a specific age. I am certainly grateful to also see those much younger than I am, deciding to serve and positively influence others so that they can grow. This brings me to my third major lesson.
The real role of great leadership is to serve and add value to those in your community
God has given all of us our own sphere of influence. He has allowed us to have certain groups in our lives, from friends to the church family who you can serve. It is important to remember that your sphere of influence will never be the same as another person’s.
Great leaders who seek to genuinely serve and help others allow them to become better versions of themselves. This principle is evident in the scripture as Jesus stated in Matthew 23:11 He who wants to be great among you must first be your servant. In order to be a great leader, we must first be willing to serve.
A great leader brings out the best in others.
I have recognised that a great leader lives by example, gets things done following a vision and empathizes with others. A great leader is disciplined enough to execute any task and he/she empowers others to give of their best efforts. A major aspect of leadership is stepping forward, rising to the occasion and not hiding our abilities. According to author Paul J Meyer, in his book, Become the Leader You Were Meant to Be, “leadership is always a choice. Those who choose it will always find a way to rise to the occasion and become the leader they were meant to be. Growth and benefits come their way.” The need for leadership is important in every aspect of society and might I add, leadership under the guidance of God is especially important. When we choose to become the leaders we were meant to be, the tides begin to turn and we start to see growth.
If you are ready to become an effective leader, I highly recommend that you implement these four things.
Identify and write out all the resources, talents and abilities which you specifically have in your life.
Create a plan and a strategy of the ways through which you can use those resources to impact, serve and lead others.
Set a vision and be disciplined in executing it.
Pray that God will help you to be an effective leader.
You can start being the leader you were meant to be today, right where you are in your homes, businesses, colleges/universities, schools and communities. In becoming the leader you were meant to be, you will grow to reach your fullest potential.