Lucy is looking for ways to increase her leadership skills. Can anyone help her?
From Leadership Dynamics, Inc.
So what does it take to be leader? What qualities need to be developed?
Consider the five "L's" of leadership:
1. Listen
Listening is one of the most important assets a leader can possess. This enables you to gain insights in addition to friendships. As you listen, learn to listen with understanding. Suspend the certainty of what you think you know and listen to what is being said. Listen with compassion and caring, for without these components you're not really listening.
2. Live
Leaders must lead by example. This point cannot be overemphasized, as you cannot impart what you do not possess. A leader needs to live out the principles and characteristics he expects to see in his followers, as we cannot lead anyone further than we have been ourselves. John Maxwell has said, "People are changed not by coercion or intimidation, but by example."
3. Learn
Only through learning new things do we continue in our pursuit of excellence and avoid becoming stale. Growth is the only evidence of life. Learn as much as you can. Commit yourself to a continual, systematic schedule of personal development and orient yourself around that commitment to personal growth.
4. Love
The old adage is true: People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. If your goals and decisions are self-centered, followers will quickly lose their loyalty and enthusiasm. Resist the temptation to use people simply to fill your organizational chart or complete a personal mission. That's manipulation, not love. Loving people involves making others feel important out of your genuine concern and commitment to them. According to John 13.35 the clearly identifiable characteristic of a Christian is his love!
5. Legacy
This is the ultimate commentary on your leadership effectiveness. This means devoting ourselves to the development of the full potential of those around us. Think about the legacy of your leadership and how you will be remembered. Will you be remembered for your loving commitment to others? Your ability to listen? Your continual pursuit of improvement? Your consistency to walk the talk? A commitment to leadership is a commitment to personal integrity, character and growth. Don't shortcut the process by failing to develop the needed infrastructure. Leadership is not a position but a lifestyle!