To be a good leader, you must understand there is no finish line to the career of self-improvement and higher learning. It has been widely noted that those who keep themselves challenged and motivated remain young in heart and mind, whether they are in their 20s or past the age of 50.
But to do this requires a disciplined regimen of personal growth and development that strengthens the skills needed to be an effective and provocative leader.
Following are some the important habits of good leaders that will form the foundations for your personal leadership development plan.
Find Your Center
It’s easy to take the lead and set off down the path to being a leader. But, without stopping and considering your true inner purpose, you will not be a centered leader and this will destroy that gravitational attraction you need to draw people to your vision and goals. Leaders are characterized by their direction and purpose, without this you will not be getting far.
Choose your Role Models and Mentors
Only a good follower will make a good leader, so you will want to choose a role model whose goals, methods, direction or personality inspire you to achieve greatness. Take the time to understand the motivations behind their drive, magnetism or reasoning. This will give you the parameters to make your own managerial plans with confidence.
Take a Look At Your Position in Relation to Your Goals
Now that you have a direction and a role model, you will need to take a good look in the mirror and ask yourself if what you see is the vehicle that will carry you to greatness. If not, prepare to strengthen the skills you will need for greatness and eliminate any of those personality flaws that could be holding you back.
Batten Down the Hatches
It is now time to begin your journey to leadership. Best place to start? Strengthen your weaknesses, make your vulnerable points your strongest assets. If you feel that public speaking is your weak point, then join a debating society and force yourself to take part in public events.
If you feel that organizational skills are what is lacking, begin associating with people whose skills you hope to emulate and take notes from their practices.
Create a Timeline for Yourself
Finally, set goals and be ambitious. You must challenge yourself to reach your goals by dates and times or they will only be dreams. Map out a plan to achieve the position, title rank or office you want by a specific date and include all the milestones you need.
Be realistic in your expectations and keep your goals attainable. Keeping a perfect balance between the ambitious and the attainable goal is a key component of leadership training.
Achieving Your Very Own Personal Leadership Development Plan
Finally, as you move along your path of development, you must keep your eyes open for every place you can apply your developing skills. Look for places where you can lead and inspire.
This doesn’t have to be a position as CEO of a major corporation, you can lead anytime and anywhere. All of the small steps you take will help lead you on to greater leadership responsibility.