Want to Be a Leader? Do These 2 Things

REFLECT

A positive leader, in the purest form, is someone who influences the people and environment around them for the better. In John G. Miller‘s book, QBQ! The Question Behind the Question, he explores and outlines how to eliminate blame, victim thinking, complaining, and procrastination and walks through how you can apply this both in your personal life and in your work. He gives actionable steps to help break the ever-so-easy, downward spiral that we can all get caught in and instead lead a more impactful and rewarding life.

LEAD

We are all capable of being powerful change agents within our organizations and, as a principal, I am passionate about creating and nurturing a school culture where we are all empowered to be leaders. In fact, it is a large part of our shared WHY, or vision, and I write, in a previous post, about 5 Ways to Develop a Leader:Leader Culture. The thinking that Miller describes in his book are powerful ways to ensure we are holding ourselves accountable to asking the opportunity-driven, rather than incorrect, questions that will ensure results and move us forward on our path to greatness.

How can you lead within the various roles you have in your life? Are you curious how to determine if you are courageously deciding to lead regardless of your title? If so, you can join the rest of us. We all grapple with this question on a continual basis. Here are two determining factors that will help you ensure that you are being a leader.

• Leaders practice personal accountability. The habits you create in how you think about your role in any given situation determine your decisions and reactions. Make no mistake, this is a practice that requires constant attention. The trap of blaming and victim thinking is super easy to fall into. Leaders are intentional about asking the personal questions that keep their mental focus on what they can do to own their impact. “How can I communicate more effectively?” “What can I do to show I care?” “What can I do to develop myself?” Leaders ask questions that are constructed of three components.
  • I (not You, They, We, Them)
  • How or What (not Why, When, Who)
  • Action (leaders take action)

• Leaders choose to make a positive contribution. There is a definitive and personal choice made in any situation. Those who decide to contribute rather than criticize are the same people who decide to be leaders. Making yourself a dependent variable with no choice but to give into the circumstances that surround you is doing an enormous disservice to the awesome gifts you hold within yourself. You always have a choice to be an independent variable and better a situation. However small, you can always decide to unleash your impact and create a positive ripple.

EMPOWER

Ready to be a leader? It all starts… and ends with YOU. Center your thinking around personal accountability and being a contributor and you’ll be amazed at how empowered you feel and the impact you create.

Together we are brilliant, so I’d love to connect! Share your thoughts, leadership experiences or reflections. Tweet and tag me (@me1odystacy) or feel free to start a conversation by commenting below.