Some people want to become leaders. They are looking for opportunities to lead. Some people have mixed feelings about leadership. They would like to assess their potential. Some people are not interested in leading other people. They just want to do their best. Almost all of us, though, know how it feels to run out of time to accomplish what we want to do.
Our idea of leadership may be influencing other people or meeting our own potential. Whatever we want to accomplish takes time. We need time to plan and prepare. We may need to get education or training, or find answers to key questions. We might be curious about how others have approached similar challenges. We could need to spend some time recognizing costs and benefits.
Though it may sound ironic, we can gain time to do what we want by beginning with a pause.
More significant than the questions we have or plans we need to make is seeing what we want. More important than budgeting or finding answers is knowing our true selves. The essential first steps of leadership are within ourselves.
We may find it energizing or motivating to be around other people. It may be helpful for us to collaborate, to have a companion on our journey. We must know this is our journey, the trip we are deeply drawn to take. Our leadership, no matter how we understand it, comes from who we are.
As we begin, and as we take each step along the way, we pause and take a breath. We do not allow anyone, even ourselves, to rush us into anything. We look, we see, then we act.
How do you find time to know yourself?
When do you find time to lead in your own way?
[Image by openDemocracy]
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