Do you have what it takes to become a leader?

Have you heard that leaders are made NOT born? Well it’s true. You have seen instances where people step up to the plate and take charge unexpectedly. You’ve seen people rise to the top out of NOWHERE. If you want to become a leader and you aren’t already one, don’t worry, you can do it. Before we continue, if you are in a leadership position that DOES NOT mean you are a leader, YET. There are some things you will need to learn before you are truly a leader. Dale Carnegie broke it down into a few simple categories.

• Fundamental Techniques in Handling People
• Ways to Make People Like You
• Ways to Win People To Your Way of Thinking

If you desire to become a leader you must learn how to do each one of the categories. We’ll break it down for you so by the end of this article you will know what it takes to become a leader. (It won’t make you a leader, but it will show you what you have to do to become a leader)

I WANT TO BECOME A LEADER! What do I do?

A true leader knows how to handle people in ANY situation. If someone where to do something that you wanted them to do BUT they didn’t do it completely right, how would you handle it? Would you criticize, condemn, or complain? If so then you need to learn to NOT do those things. A true leader gives honest and sincere appreciation. Leaders DON’T criticize, condemn, or complain. Using the same scenario, if someone did something I wanted them to do but not 100% correct, I would express how well they did one part of it but they could have improved on another part. The key is to NOT focus all on their faults. I mean after all we are human. Leaders handle people in a way where they WANT to do what you say. You shouldn’t have to force them to do anything.

You’ve probably noticed that when a “leader” walks into a room, EVERYONE tends to gravitate towards them. That is because leaders have such a magnetism about them that people will like them right away. Thats why you must know hot to make people like you. In order to do that you have to become GENUINELY interested in the other person. If you aren’t genuine they will be able to see right through it. Notice how leaders are always smiling? Thats because no one likes being around a bunch of negative people. Leaders are GREAT listeners, so if you are to become a leader, START LISTENING. I’ve always heard that we have two ears and one mouth for a reason. We should use them accordingly. When you talk to a leader you will notice how important you feel. That is because if you didn’t feel important, what they have to say would mean NOTHING to you. To become a leader we must peak peoples’ interests by talking about what they want to talk about!

If I were to argue with a “leader” they would NEVER tell me I’m wrong or that my opinion is stupid. EVERYONE is entitled to their own opinion. Just because it doesn’t match up with what yours is doesn’t  make it bad. Leaders will be the FIRST to admit they have made a mistake. Never try to blame the other person. That will just make people dislike you. When you ask someone a question and they answer “yes” a lot the outcome is usually a positive one. Ask the other person “yes” questions. Listen more than you talk. If I want to become a leader I will “SEEK TO UNDERSTAND BEFORE SEEKING TO BE UNDERSTOOD”. I can’t stress that enough.

If you want to change people without offending them you must give praise and honest appreciation and talk about peoples’ mistakes indirectly. If you have become a leader you would ask instead of tell. You would also praise EVERY improvement and avoid pointing out mistakes. A leader encourages others that they can do better. They would never bring someone down! If I were to want you to do something I would make you happy about what I suggest by showing you how it can benefit YOU! I would NOT say “Do this so I look good” I would say “You can do that so you have an opportunity to go further” ENCOURAGE! ENCOURAGE! ENCOURAGE!

Become A Leader

Now its up to you whether you become a leader or not. I would recommend reading Dale Carnegies book How To Win Friends and Influence People! It is THE book about leadership. Don’t worry you can become a leader in no time!