So you want to be a Leader? A real Leader? Are you Ready?

leadership video

Not everyone is a leader and not all persons have the abilities to be a leader. There are tangibles and intangibles you have to deal with internally and externally to prepare yourself for this kind of role. Leadership does not come without a price and sometimes it’s the price you pay that impacts your leadership style and consequences for such behaviors. Once you step up to be perceived and accepted as a leader you must conform to some expectations that may change your life.

The way you talk and use certain words, the words you speak and the body language you use could either contribute or take away your effectiveness as a leader. Leadership adds value to a cause, organization or expectations and vice versa it could also draw away those values set due to lack of credibility or attitudes displayed.

We have all experienced good and bad leadership. Some leaders become even stronger leaders because their values and ethics defined them and their personal brand inspired others. Conversely, I also saw who were in the right place at the right time who conformed in the right way politically right amount of risk (typically, all of it) that made making their leadership efforts appear divine.

Regardless, once you show up for work, leisure or pleasure there are certain expectations and it is important that you uphold such anticipations.

1. First Impressions and dressing the part. “Perception is reality.” People tend to assume what they see is what they get – this is where the pre-game hype is realistic and not overly exaggerated.

2. Play the role. The common perception of a leader is one that is extroverted, confident and speaks well in public. Be who you are and want to be but if you feel you lack some insight chose someone who epitomizes what looks good for you. Be yourself while imagining yourself as that person. .

3. Avoid political correctness - Shoot straight -- avoid the Bull Shit. People can detect BS a mile away, especially if they are skeptical already.

4. Never walk away from difficult questions. True leaders operate without boundaries when it comes to answering questions. They know that transparency and openness brings trust and innovation, and keep it in the right context when making decisions, a concerted effort to answer tough questions demonstrates a commitment to your people.

5. Don’t be too anxious to reply to a question, sometimes you just have to listen. Not everybody needs a solution. Sometimes, the best thing a leader can do is just listen to issues and challenges. Demonstrate your interest by actively taking notes and then follow up with an action plan.

6. Be yourself and try to be sincerely candid. How you present yourself on stage, in a meeting or in a hallway encounter should be consistent and authentic, because the second you appear fake it raises a red flag you are not who you appear to be.

Being genuine, sincere and open speaks to who you are and anything less gives rise to skepticism and raised eyebrows. No matter where you go, make sure you show up with the right “leadership hat” on, because a leader’s work is never done.