Developing the Leader Within You 2.0

1. Leadership is influence, not position or title

Leadership is the ability to obtain followers.

Influence is the essence of leadership. True leadership isn't about having a position or title, but about having the ability to influence others. This influence can be developed over time through building relationships, demonstrating competence, and adding value to others.

The 5 Levels of Leadership model illustrates how influence grows:

• Level 1: Position (people follow because they have to)
• Level 2: Permission (people follow because they want to)
• Level 3: Production (people follow because of what you've done for the organization)
• Level 4: People Development (people follow because of what you've done for them)
• Level 5: Pinnacle (people follow because of who you are and what you represent)

Leaders must work to increase their influence at each level with every individual they lead. This requires intentionality, as influence must be earned and can be lost if not maintained.

2. Prioritize effectively to maximize leadership impact

Everything worthwhile is uphill.

Effective prioritization is crucial for leadership success. Leaders face constant demands on their time and attention, making it essential to focus on what's truly important. The Pareto Principle (80/20 rule) can guide prioritization: 20% of activities typically yield 80% of results.

Key strategies for effective prioritization:

• Focus on high-impact activities aligned with your strengths and passions
• Use the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks by importance and urgency
• Delegate or eliminate low-value tasks
• Create margin in your schedule for unexpected issues and opportunities
• Regularly review and adjust priorities based on changing circumstances

Remember that prioritization isn't just about managing time, but about managing energy and focus to maximize leadership impact. Consistently choosing the most important tasks over the merely urgent is a hallmark of effective leadership.

3. Character is the foundation of leadership credibility

Good character builds strong trust.

Integrity is non-negotiable for leaders. Character forms the bedrock of leadership credibility and trust. Without a solid foundation of integrity, a leader's influence will be limited and ultimately unsustainable.

Four key dimensions of character for leaders:

1. Authenticity: Being genuine and transparent
2. Self-management: Exercising self-control and making wise choices
3. Humility: Recognizing one's limitations and valuing others
4. Courage: Doing what's right, even when it's difficult

Developing strong character requires ongoing self-reflection, accountability, and a commitment to personal growth. Leaders must be willing to examine their motives, admit mistakes, and consistently align their actions with their values. By demonstrating integrity in both words and deeds, leaders build trust with their followers and create a culture of honesty and ethical behavior within their organizations.

4. Create positive change through strategic planning

Problems don't have to be problems unless you allow them to be.

Change is inevitable, but growth is optional. Effective leaders don't just react to change; they proactively create positive change. This requires a strategic approach to planning and implementation.

The PLAN AHEAD process for creating positive change:

• Predetermine the change needed
• Lay out your steps
• Adjust your priorities
• Notify key people
• Allow time for acceptance
• Head into action
• Expect problems
• Always point to successes
• Daily review your progress

Successful change leadership involves understanding people's natural resistance to change, communicating a compelling vision for the future, and providing support throughout the transition process. Leaders must be patient yet persistent, recognizing that significant change often takes time to fully implement and embed within an organization.

5. Problem-solving is the quickest way to gain leadership

In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.

Embrace problems as opportunities for growth. Leaders who effectively solve problems quickly gain credibility and influence. Instead of avoiding challenges, successful leaders actively seek out problems to solve, recognizing them as opportunities to demonstrate value and develop their leadership skills.

Key steps in effective problem-solving:

1. Clearly define the problem
2. Gather relevant information
3. Generate multiple potential solutions
4. Evaluate options and choose the best approach
5. Implement the solution
6. Monitor results and adjust as needed

Developing a reputation as a problem-solver requires more than just technical skills. It also involves emotional intelligence, creativity, and the ability to collaborate with others. By consistently tackling challenges head-on and finding innovative solutions, leaders can rapidly increase their influence and value within an organization.

6. Cultivate a positive, whatever-it-takes attitude

When you do something and you think to yourself, I was born for this, you're on the right track.

Attitude is a choice with profound consequences. A leader's attitude sets the tone for the entire team or organization. Cultivating a positive, whatever-it-takes mindset is essential for overcoming obstacles and inspiring others to achieve their best.

Key elements of a whatever-it-takes attitude:

• Disown helplessness and take responsibility
• Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth
• Maintain a solutions-focused mindset
• Persist in the face of setbacks
• Inspire and encourage others
• Continually seek improvement

Developing this attitude requires self-awareness, intentional effort, and consistent practice. Leaders must learn to manage their own emotions and responses, especially in difficult situations. By modeling resilience, optimism, and determination, leaders create a culture of possibility and achievement within their organizations.

7. Serve others to become a more effective leader

If you help people get what they want, they will help you get what you want.

True leadership is about serving others. The most effective leaders understand that their primary role is to support and empower their team members. By focusing on helping others succeed, leaders build trust, loyalty, and commitment.

Key principles of servant leadership:

• Put others' needs first
• Listen actively and empathetically
• Empower and develop team members
• Lead with humility and authenticity
• Foster a sense of community
• Share power and decision-making

Adopting a servant leadership approach requires a shift in mindset from "What can I get?" to "How can I contribute?" This doesn't mean abandoning authority or accountability, but rather using one's position to uplift and enable others. By consistently adding value to their team members, servant leaders create a positive cycle of growth, engagement, and high performance.

8. Vision is the indispensable quality of leadership

Vision is a picture of the future that produces passion.

A compelling vision energizes and aligns an organization. Leaders must be able to see beyond the present and articulate a clear, inspiring vision of the future. This vision provides direction, motivation, and purpose for both the leader and their followers.

Components of an effective vision:

• Clear and concise
• Inspiring and aspirational
• Aligned with core values
• Focused on the greater good
• Achievable yet challenging
• Easily communicated and understood

Developing and communicating a powerful vision requires both imagination and practicality. Leaders must be able to dream big while also understanding the realities of their current situation. Regularly reinforcing and refining the vision helps keep the organization focused and motivated, even in the face of obstacles or setbacks.

9. Self-discipline is the price tag of leadership

Do what you should do, when you should do it, whether you feel like it or not.

Self-discipline is the foundation of leadership success. Leaders must be able to control their own thoughts, emotions, and actions before they can effectively lead others. Self-discipline enables leaders to consistently make good decisions, follow through on commitments, and set a positive example for their team.

Key areas for developing self-discipline:

• Time management and prioritization
• Emotional regulation
• Healthy habits (sleep, exercise, nutrition)
• Continuous learning and skill development
• Maintaining focus on long-term goals
• Resisting temptations and distractions

Cultivating self-discipline requires ongoing effort and practice. Leaders must be willing to delay gratification, push through discomfort, and maintain high standards even when no one is watching. By demonstrating strong self-discipline, leaders earn respect and inspire others to develop their own self-control.

10. Continuous personal growth expands leadership capacity

Your capacity to grow will determine your capacity to lead.

Leadership effectiveness is directly tied to personal growth. The most successful leaders are committed to lifelong learning and continuous self-improvement. By consistently expanding their knowledge, skills, and self-awareness, leaders increase their capacity to lead effectively in an ever-changing world.

Strategies for continuous personal growth:

• Develop a growth mindset that embraces challenges
• Set specific, challenging goals for personal development
• Seek out diverse experiences and perspectives
• Reflect regularly on lessons learned and areas for improvement
• Actively seek feedback from others
• Invest in formal education and training opportunities
• Practice new skills and apply new knowledge consistently

Remember that personal growth is a journey, not a destination. Leaders must be willing to step out of their comfort zones, admit what they don't know, and remain curious and open to new ideas. By modeling a commitment to growth, leaders inspire their team members to pursue their own development, creating a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization.

Last updated: January 24, 2025