When you are at work, do you get frustrated because things don't seem to be happening the way they’re supposed to be? You see people milling around, but nothing gets accomplished. And in the daily hustle and bustle, you feel that your goals remain just that – goals, not accomplishments.
Then maybe it’s time for you to stand up and do something about it!
Most people are content just to stand around, waiting for orders. And it isn't unusual to adopt a follow-the-leader mentality. But maybe somewhere inside of you, you feel the desire to make things happen – to be the head, not the tail. Then maybe leadership suits you just fine. If you simply let your dance school drift along without any of your input then, you really can’t complain about how your staff and faculty behaves and works. Some people believe that great leaders are born, not made. Yes, it may be true that some people are born with natural talents. However, without practice, without drive, without enthusiasm and without experience, there can be no true development in leadership.
You must also remember that good leaders are continually working and studying to improve their natural skills. This takes a commitment to constantly improve in whatever endeavor a person chooses.
First of all, let's define leadership. To be a leader, one must be able to influence others to accomplish a goal or an objective. A leader contributes to the organization and cohesion of a group. Contrary to what most people believe, leadership is not about power. It is not about harassing people or driving them using fear. It is about encouraging others to adopt and reach the goals of the organization. It is putting everyone on the same page and helping them see the big picture of the organization. You must be a leader, not a boss. Most importantly, you have to get people to follow you.
How is this accomplished? People follow others when they see a clear sense of purpose. People will only follow you if they see that you know where you are going. Remember that bumper sticker, the one that says, 'Don't follow me—I'm lost too?' The same holds true for leadership. If you yourself do not know where you're headed to, chances are people will not follow you at all.
You yourself must have and maintain focus on the vision of your business—organization. Having a clear sense of hierarchy, knowing who the bosses are, who to talk to, the organization's goals and objectives, and how the organization works is the only way to show others you know what you are doing. Being a leader is not about what you make others do. It's about who you are, what you know and what you do. You are a reflection of what your subordinates must be.
Studies have shown that one of the other bases of good leadership is the trust and confidence your staff have of you. If they trust you they will go through hell and high water for you and for your company. Trust and confidence are built on good relationships, trustworthiness and high ethics. The way you deal with your people, and the relationships you build will lay the foundation for the strength of your group. The stronger your relationship, the stronger their trust and confidence is in your capabilities.
Once you have their trust and confidence, you can communicate the goals and objectives you want everyone to undertake. Communication is a very important key to good leadership. Without this you cannot be a good leader. The knowledge and technical expertise you have must be clearly imparted to other people. Also, you cannot be a good leader and unless you have good judgment. You must be able to assess situations, weigh the pros and cons of any decision and actively seek out a solution.
It is this judgment that your staff will come to rely upon. Therefore, good decision-making is vital to the success of your business. Leaders are not do-it-all heroes. You can’t claim to know everything, and you shouldn’t rely only on your own abilities and skills. Recognize and take advantage of the skills and talents your employees have—after all, that’s why you hired them! Only when you come to this realization will you be able to work as one cohesive team.
Remember being a leader takes a good deal of work and time. You can’t learn it overnight. Remember too that it is not about just you. It is about you and the people around you. Do you have the drive and the desire to serve required of leaders? Do you have the desire to work cooperatively with other people? Then start now. Take your stand and be a leader today.
