Becoming a Great Leader Starts With This…

In the beginning…

When I write, I can put the jumbled thoughts that are swirling through my mind into written words that can make sense, even if only to me. Because I must focus to move my fingers on the keyboard, I can take my time and just let the words flow in a more selected way, and then change the thoughts into more organized patterns.

The intent is to imagine these patterns as pieces of a puzzle, and then begin putting them together to form the complete picture. That is the magic of writing.

When I write non-fiction, the pictures often represent the emotions in my heart. But they also represent knowledge learned, which came through seeing, hearing, and doing, my life’s experiences.

One of the books I am working on now came from the experiences I’ve endured on my journey to becoming an author, and I’d like to share a brief excerpt here today. (Though my book is being written primarily for authors, much of it applies to any business or industry.)

From the business end of it, you are promoting yourself as an author (not your books, but you as a person).

Another aspect of the business is based on the idea that an author can be thought of as a leader. You are leading the minds of your readers with your words.

The following excerpt is about building your reputation as a leader with integrity:

Building Leadership Skills: 4 Keys to Becoming a Person of Influence

During a recent study group session regarding leadership skills, the question was asked, “Who are your primary influencers & Why and how do they influence you?” Our answers were varied on “who”, but there was a general pattern in the “why and how”.

What makes a leader stand out from the crowd? It is their ability to be effective in their influence on others, in thought or action, combined with integrity.

In any form of leadership, it is important to connect with those you are leading. Otherwise they won’t follow you for very long. Here are 4 keys to becoming a person of influence, and building connections that have a powerful impact.

1. BE TRUSTWORTHY

People will not listen to you if they don’t trust you. Trust is earned when you demonstrate:

• Honesty – ALWAYS be honest…at home…at work…at play. We build reputations based on what other people see firsthand, and it doesn’t take long for word to get around.
• Fairness – When we gain a reputation for being fair, people are assured they can rely on us in finding agreeable solutions.
• Dependability – ALWAYS do what you say you will! If you can’t be counted on to keep your word, people will not trust you.

2. BE CONSISTENT

Let’s face it, there is nothing outstanding or extraordinary about a McDonald’s hamburger. Yet they have become a known and successful fast-food chain. Why? Because they are consistent. People know they can rely on getting the same food item each time they order it, and they get it quickly (usually).

Being consistent means:

• Doing things in a reliable and predictable manner each time.
• Getting effective results.
• Being dependable.

* This ties in with #1 – when you demonstrate consistency, you build on your reputation of being trustworthy.

3. BE KNOWLEDGEABLE

No one is going to listen to you if you can’t demonstrate a real knowledge of what you’re talking about.

• Do your research. Study everything you can find on your field or subject.
• Gain first-hand experience whenever possible.
• Invest in yourself, invest in your knowledge. Never stop learning.

Remember, nobody likes a “know-it-all”, so be humble. They also don’t like false information, so make sure it’s accurate.

And again, BE HONEST! Don’t be afraid to say that you don’t know the answer or have the information if you don’t. Then offer to research it and share it, and make sure to follow through on it. This reinforces confidence in your ability and wisdom, as well as your honesty.

4. BE EMPATHETIC

I’m not talking about some kind of supernatural psychic skills here. To be empathetic means, “to be aware; having knowledge of, and comprehending the needs, feelings, problems, and views of others”.

• Learn to be a good listener.
• Make an effort to understand.
• Don’t judge.
• Create an atmosphere of unity and sincere concern for others.
• Ask people what they need or want

The difference between being a “boss” and a “leader” is that a boss is concerned primarily with his own needs and wants, whereas a leader is concerned with the needs and well-being of those he/she is responsible for. No one is going to willingly follow or support someone if they don’t believe that person cares about them.

People want to feel a real connection with their leaders, and they want to know their needs are understood.

Each one of these skills by itself is a good asset to anyone in leadership. But when you combine all 4 together, you become a powerful influencer, and that is the gateway to changing the world.

And don’t forget…lead by example, in life as well as business. Be the kind of person you would want to follow. – end

I’d like to take a moment in closing today to say THANK YOU to all of my followers here! I truly appreciate your support. It is my hope that you will find encouragement, along with useful information, and a little entertainment as well on the site, and perhaps share it with your friends.

One of the most valuable insights I have gained in my years of writing is the AWESOME generosity of independent authors when it comes to promoting each other. This applies to blogs as well as books, articles, and other works.

So, in the spirit of sharing, if you are interested in having your work promoted here, or a suggestion for someone’s work that you admire, please share a link and a brief description in the reply section. (The only requirement is that it must be free from obscenity and vulgarity. Anything of this nature will be deleted.)

Have a Happy Wednesday, and I’ll see you tomorrow! – Amber