Lead Like a Leader

As the dust settles on the recent election, you may feel a whirlwind of emotions. These emotions could be elation, disappointment, or uncertainty. Wherever you stand, there is one universal truth. Leadership is a choice we all face in times of change. The words of the Bene Gesserit from Frank Herbert’s Dune resonate deeply in this context: “I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me.” This powerful litany reminds us that confronting our fears is essential to personal growth and effective leadership. Reflect on your own leadership journey in light of the election. Consider how you can respond positively to the challenges ahead. The following chapter, “Leadership Is a Choice,” from Lead Like a Leader provides insights. It offers strategies to help you navigate your path forward with confidence and purpose.


LEAD LIKE A LEADER -COMPLIMENTARY CHAPTER


LEADERSHIP IS A CHOICE

Leadership is a daily choice that you make. When you wake up and face yourself in the mirror, you have a unique opportunity to decide whether you will lead or follow. Each day presents you with this decision: Will I be a leader today, or will I follow someone else’s lead? Will I actively contribute to meetings and discussions, or will I passively listen and let others take the reins?

Being a leader is about consistently making a conscious choice to embrace leadership in your life. Some days, you may wake up too tired to lead, and that’s okay. It’s important to remember that striving to lead 100% of the time will get you to 80% or better.

Focusing on leadership every day brings it to the forefront of your consciousness. This is a critical aspect of any mission you undertake. Pausing, concentrating, and stating your intentions before embarking on daily tasks are essential. Even better, writing down your leadership objectives for the day makes them more tangible and memorable for future reflection. If your day does not include your short-term and long-term to-do list, you are destined to fail.

Lead Like a Leader

Consider trying this exercise for a week:
As you brush your teeth each morning, ask yourself, “What’s it gonna be today? How will I lead? Will I lead today or follow?”
Leadership is akin to a muscle in your body. If you wish to enhance it, you must exercise your leadership muscle; you can recognize and develop the qualities that make a great leader, and it’s essential to work on these skills daily.

(In the second part of this book, I’ll share the fifteen most important characteristics of a leader, to make this daily exercise effective.)

Developing Your Leadership Muscle

Leadership is not an innate talent; it’s a skill you must strengthen. Just as you keep your body fit through physical activities like walking, running, or weight training, developing leadership involves continuous effort. Whether you’re in a managerial role or aspiring to lead, you must recognize and understand the qualities that constitute a great leader.

Then, dedicate yourself to honing these skills daily. In essence, your leadership muscle is a vital quality that, when developed, can empower you to achieve success.

The next chapters in the book will speak to my journey, the leaders that I worked for, and what I learned from them. By following these key steps, you can make leadership a consistent part of your daily life and improve your self-awareness, ultimately contributing to personal and professional growth:

● Daily Conscious Decision: Make a conscious choice each day to lead rather than follow, to actively participate and contribute positively.

● Realistic Expectations: Understand that there may be days when you can’t achieve all your leadership goals due to fatigue or other factors. Strive for your best, and even if you don’t reach your goal, you’ll likely be leading effectively most of the time or better.

● Focus and Reflection: Bring leadership to the forefront of your consciousness through daily reflection. Before starting your daily tasks, stop and state your intentions to yourself. Writing down your daily leadership goals adds tangibility and a basis for reflection. Writing down your short-term and long-term to-do lists is imperative.

● Self-Questioning: As a daily practice, ask yourself, “Will I lead today, or will I follow?” This question serves as a reminder to make a conscious choice to be a leader in various situations. At the end of the day, review your performance. Did you lead or did you follow?

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