“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.”

– John Quincy Adams –

Too often we assume that great leaders can only be found as rulers of countries or corporations, CEOs of big companies, political figures or people standing in the spotlight. But often, the most influential leaders are the ones we never see marching at the front of a parade or speaking from a platform or pulpit.

Sometimes the most effective leaders in the world are mothers, fathers, friends, teachers, servants, and neighbors. We don’t just need leaders in our corporations, courtrooms, and legislative halls. We need them in our schools, neighborhoods, homes, and families.

The characteristics of an effective leader are as varied as the individuals and the roles they fill are. Some common traits, however, can be identified, such as someone who is trustworthy, responsible, inspiring, communicative, informed, confident. Does this sound like you?

Whether or not you see yourself as a leader, or if you fear you have no leadership skills, that’s OK. This doesn’t mean you can’t lead or that you shouldn’t lead. It simply means you can develop further skills within yourself or, better yet, redefine what it means to be a leader.

How do you start on a path to leadership?

Circles of Influence

First, ask yourself where your circles of influence lie. What opportunities do you have to teach, support, provide direction?

At work:

Even if you don’t have anyone reporting to you, your example and your work ethic can stand as a torch of leadership. Through your actions, you can encourage your coworkers to improve their performance and be more creative in their labors. Ask yourself if there are steps you can take to increase your knowledge or improve your expertise of applicable products, processes, clientele. Then share your insights when appropriate.

Consider identifying leaders you have worked with or known, then try studying and learning from them. Keep in my mind, however, that you can emulate others and still be true to yourself.

At home:

Are you a sibling, a parent, a roommate, a spouse? Taking a look at your living situation and asking yourself what you contribute and how that contribution can serve to inspire others is a great place to start.

In your community:

Many times, the people who bring about change in our communities are not the people who are easily visible. Grass roots efforts are often effective because they come from those on the ground. They come from the people who live daily with the effects of policies or decisions made by those at the top. Rather than accepting what is, even though it may not be working, think about ways you can influence change.

Try being a part of the solution, rather than contributing to the problem. Identify what’s not working, but then brainstorm ways to make it work or bring about change and focus on making it happen, rather than complaining about the problem.

Can you think of any organizations you can join whose values align with yours? Are there ways to serve that will help you give back to the places where you live? How can you the lighten the  burdens of other people? Do you make an effort to stay educated about the issues that affect your community?

These are all great things to consider, but take it one step further toward becoming a leader. Get involved and then share what you are doing and learning with those around you. Remember, a good leader stays informed, then shares that information in an effort to educate and inspire others to take action.

Speak Up

Sometimes being a leader is as simple as speaking up. When you have ideas, share them. If you see something that needs attention, bring it to light. When change needs to be made, be the first to embrace it. If there is work to be done, show up and do it.

Get to work

It doesn’t matter that your circle of influence is small. It doesn’t matter what your living situation or professional responsibilities might be. Opportunities to lead are all around you. You can be a quiet leader or a loud leader. You can be visible or invisible in your efforts. You can manage a large group or simply effect change in small ways. No matter how you choose to lead, don’t be afraid to step up and get to work.

The world needs strong, versatile, creative, capable leaders. The world needs you.

If you’d like some extra help at developing or strengthening your leadership skills, consider a life coach. Our One to One Coaching professionals can help you identify your strengths, weaknesses, blind spots and create an action plan to help you reach your leadership goals. They can even help you seek our opportunities to serve and lead where you are.

To find a coach that is a good fit for you, click here.