What Makes You A Leader? Part 1

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What is a leader?

How do you become one?

Can YOU really make a difference?

How would you do that?

This series of articles are based on just one of many personal development courses in our Learning Center and highlights the main points of the course. The course itself was based on Sheila Murray Bethel's book titled "Making a Difference, 12 Qualities That Make You a Leader". The book can be found in paperback at Amazon.com for as little as $0.01 plus shipping (used).

There are all different types of leaders. Leaders aren't just high profile political figures, they could be policemen (and women), teachers, community volunteers, coaches, etc. Leaders are everywhere and perform all types of functions!

Great leaders are unique people. They all have their own qualities, qualifications, goals and skills. But there are twelve items they all have in common. One main thing is that they all care very deeply about something. It doesn't matter what that is, just that they care deeply about it.

Let's find out if you are a leader. Do you WANT to lead? Who do you want to lead and why do you want to lead them? Basic leadership is something we can all do simply by pooling our energy with a few others who share our feelings. Managing is NOT leading! We can manage things, but we LEAD people!

The "Management of Organizational Behavior" by Doctors Hershey and Blanchard defines management and leadership as this:

"Management is working with and through people and groups to accomplish organizational goals. Leadership is influencing human behavior, regardless of the goal."

A leader must serve people in order to make a difference. There are two parts to this:

1] The willingness and ability to serve others. This is denoted by the depth of your personal ethics and commitment.

2] The type, kind and quality of your service. Jim Rohn says "Attitude is everything. People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." This holds true in terms of service as well. Leaders are the defining standard of service within their organization. A great leader inspires an organization of people who serve others. People duplicate the actions of their leaders.

Service comes from the old philosophy that "You reap what you sow." People basically want to know that you care about them. By showing people that you care, through excellent service, you gain loyalty from the people you serve.

Given what you just read, have you been a leader in the past?

What were your roles or titles?

Did you like it?

Did you feel that you made a difference?

How do you think you measure up with other leaders?

Ask 3 or 4 people who know you well and will be candid with you ... "How am I at letting people know that I care about them?" You might be surprised at the answers you get!

Watch for Part 2 to be posted tomorrow!

As Always ... Make it a GREAT day!


About the Author:

Lou and Robin Bonaventura have been Professional
Network Marketers for the past 4 years. They attribute
much of their success to personal development and
consistent learning. Visit their Learning Center
for more insight into how personal development can
benefit you.