Getting Ready for Leadership

Getting Ready for Leadership April 12, 2016

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People, especially people interested in leadership, like having a plan. Many people want to be able to understand everything, to have all their questions answered in advance. They want a  predictable, easy to remember set of steps to turn themselves into great leaders. They do not ever want anything unexpected to surprise them.
Some people ask me about different academic programs, or about the books they should read.
I went to school for a long time, studying law, leadership, and administration. I read books about leadership and becoming a better leader. Being analytical is one of my strengths.
The process that prepares me to be a leader began before I went to school, before I began reading all those books. It continues today, and I hope it will continue for a long time. It includes much more than reading and studying.
I believe in the power of trying and exploring.
One of the most dangerous aspects of our culture is our desire to reward people for not making mistakes. We talk about “perfection,” and we mean not making any mistakes.
Leaders who are not making mistakes are not trying hard enough. We are playing it safe, not pushing against our own self-imposed boundaries and limitations. We are focused too much on rules and not enough on possibilities.
I write with the zeal of a recovering perfectionist. I recognize the opportunities I missed because I was not willing to explore.
I believe in the value of listening.
People are hungry for someone who will listen to them. One of the most common criticisms of leaders is not listening.
We live in a society where people carry their own personalized set of distractions. We choose our own music or videos, websites or friends. We never need to really listen to anyone else.
Learning to listen makes us better leaders. Developing a practice of listening gives us valuable insights that fuel the fire of our creativity.
I believe in the necessity of finding someone we can talk to honestly and regularly.
Talking with a person you trust, who has no vested interest in the results of your decisions, gives you a place to be safe. A regular conversation with someone who asks insightful questions, helps us recognize themes and mileposts in our experience, and encourages us help us grow as leaders.
How will you get ready for leadership today?

[Image by Photo Monkey]

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