12 Habits for Developing the Leader Within

We’ve all heard strong, in-control, and motivating individuals referred to as “born leaders,” which begs the question: Are all leaders born? Or, can a person learn to lead?

In some cases, some individuals seem to have innate skills when it comes to leadership. They are hard-wired to lead, and they’re the ones others come to for guidance, turn to in a crisis, look to for motivation, and strive to emulate on some level. These leaders usually start out strong and evolve from there. History is filled with “natural born leaders”.

However, there are others, who have what it takes to lead but aren’t sure how to develop and hone the necessary qualities of leadership. Nearly all of us have some quantity of innate leadership capability.

12 Habits for Developing the Leader Within

So what sets a great leader apart from all the other leaders in the world? Could you possibly be one of them? Let’s take a look.

1. Set a Clear and ConciseVision.                                                        

Clearly, it’s tough to plan a trip without knowing the destination. When your path isn’t clear, you waste time, wandering aimlessly, with no idea of where you’re going or how to get there. For others to follow you where you want to go, it is essential to establish and nurture trust; communicate clearly, consistently and more efficiently; and go into your work with positive energy.

Leadership success starts with a vision. John F. Kennedy dreamed of putting a man on the moon. Eleanor Roosevelt envisioned a world of equal opportunity for women and minorities. Steve Jobs vision for Apple was a company that turned powerful technology into tools that were easy to use and would change the world for the better. 

2. Review Goals, Both Long Term and Short Term.

What matters most to you? What are your priorities? Where do you see yourself in 12 months? Where do you hope to be in 5 years? What steps must you take to get there?

3. Recognize Your Strengths.                                                                 

To be an effective leader, you must utilize your strengths. Take the time to examine your strengths and weaknesses. Perhaps you excel at public speaking, you think on your feet, you can engage people with your wit. Maybe your strengths are of a more analytical nature. Focus on your strong suit and learn to lead with your strengths.

4. Find Your Passion.                                                                                      

One of the most significant traits of any leader is his or her passion. When you have a ‘fire in the belly,’ it shows how much you care about what you’re doing. You encourage others by your passion alone. You can’t fake passion. When you’re authentically enthusiastic about achieving a goal, you naturally inspire those around you to move forward. What makes you come alive? What moves you? What’s your passion?

5. Set Your Moral Compass and Don’t Stray Off Course.

When you make choices and act on something that isn’t aligned with your morals and values, you develop a nagging, negative feeling. This feeling can subconsciously hinder your career, and harm your relationships with those around you. It’s difficult to move forward hanging onto the sense that what you’re doing may not be the best move. Conversely, making choices that are in harmony with your beliefs and character makes moving forward practically effortless. You project more positivity about your decisions, others sense your integrity and trust your leadership. Name four core values that serve as your moral compass.

6. Be a Role Model.                                                                            

Exhibit the behavior and actions you would like to see from others. Never forget that people will follow your lead, consciously and subconsciously, so you’d best be walking the walk. You can change the attitudes of everyone around you when you model the behavior you desire from others. As Gandhi reminds us all, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

7. Cast Goals and Action Plans in Stone.                                       

You must have clear, precise, actionable goals and make your plans based on how you will attain these objectives. Take the time to clarify your goals and formulate a plan. Set benchmarks and milestones along the way and execute your plans with passion and determination.

8. Work on Communication Daily.                                                                     

It’s impossible to be an effective leader if you lack the necessary communication skills to promote your vision, set goals, reveal intentions and relay what you expect from others. Great leaders are constantly striving to improve their communication skills. If you sense this is a weakness, find ways to improve the way you communicate. A huge part of communicating to others is to actively listen to what they are saying, both verbally and through non-verbal cues. When individuals feel as though they are being heard, they are more likely to act on your request.

9. Stay Positive.                                                                                    

Negativity is not a quality often seen in effective leaders. People are more attracted to a leader with an optimistic outlook. The power of positivity goes far beyond developing your leadership skills. A positive attitude will lead to a happier life all the way around. When you aren’t feeling very positive, when you hit a roadblock, or make a misstep, stop and look at how far you’ve already come. Take some time to start a gratitude journal and daily list out three items for which you are grateful. You will be amazed how quickly things turn around when your attitude is grounded in gratitude.

10. Motivate Others to Achieve.                                                                      

Use your positivity and strengths to motivate those around you to greatness. Look beyond the obvious with insight and compassion.

Help these individuals grow and harness their potential. The greatest leaders are not afraid to acknowledge and recognize those around them. Who will you express appreciation for today?

11. Learn from Your Missteps.                                                                                 

Be confident in your ability to learn from your missteps and failures. No one is perfect, so admit when you are wrong, or when you lack the skill set to achieve what is necessary on your path to success. The key to attaining your goal isn’t being able to avoid failing but recognizing where you’re lacking. Regroup and find someone within your team who does possess the skills necessary and appoint them to the task.

12. Never Stop Seeking New Opportunities to Learn.

You may demonstrate excellent leadership skills, but never become complacent. Always keep learning and growing. Your willingness to develop new skills and behaviors will equip you to rise to challenges now and in the future. You will also demonstrate to your team, and those around you, how valuable it is to keep adapting to a changing world. This is a sign of a true leader.

Bringing It All Together

and leadership is a skill set that you can hone by practicing these essential leadership habits. With dedication and determination, you can become a very good, or even great leader. Pick those traits that resonate with you and put them into action today and you will increase your impact, influence, and leadership capacity.

What did I miss? What’s your advice on leadership traits for developing the leader within?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dr. Tim Crowley                        

Motivational Keynote Speaker, Leadership and Resilience Expert

Dr. Tim Crowley’s passion is to help build great teams to strengthen organizations and to produce breakthrough results. For more than 25 years his services have touched the lives of leaders in some of the most recognizable companies in the world. Including AT&T, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Ernst & Young, Hallmark, Johnson & Johnson, Lockheed Martin, Marriot, Microsoft, Nestle-Purina, along with numerous organizations, universities, state and federal agencies.

When not keynoting, leading workshops, and blogging he looks for inspiration through cycling, mountain biking, volunteering, and spending time with his family and friends. You can learn more about Tim and how his services can help you and your team at drtimcrowley.com