According to John Maxwell, the world’s leading leadership authority, leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less. When leaders speak, people listen. True leadership cannot be dictated, appointed, awarded or assigned. It must be earned. So, what are the factors that make up leadership?
- Character – Are you a person of integrity?
- Relationships – You need to develop relationships with people to lead them.
- Knowledge – Knowledge alone won’t make someone a leader, but without it, no one can become one.
- Intuition – Identify intangibles including energy, morale, timing and momentum
- Experience – Experience encourages people to give you a chance to prove that you are capable.
- Past Success – What does your track record say?
- Ability – What are you capable of?
Take a minute and rate yourself in each of these areas on a scale of 1 to 10. Were there areas where you are not so strong? Fortunately, with focus and effort, we can develop in each of these areas. How can you use these areas to persuade people to follow you?
Remember, if you are a leader and no one is following, you are just taking a walk. just taking a walk.
