Be a Leader and Success Will Follow
Reading Time: 7 minutes 
Some folks are natural-born leaders. They know when to jump in and lead. They don’t hesitate; it’s what they do. So they inherently know when to say what needs to be said. When to leave well enough alone. And when to break free.
That doesn’t mean that you cannot learn to lead. On the contrary, you have it in you to become the success you have always dreamed about. But with that desire, realize that you will also need to work on your leadership skills to make things happen.
Leadership skills allow you to form partnerships, guide those you need to rely on, and attain the mutually respectful relationships at the heart of any successful enterprise.
Recently, I coached a gentleman who felt like a fish out of water when it came to technology. Although he was very skilled in his profession, he felt insecure about many aspects of online life.
Yes, he was the “boss,” but he inferred that some on his team intimidated him. This caused him to question whether he could create an effective strategy.
One of his employees, much younger than he was, had a “differing opinion” and insinuated that he didn’t know what he was doing. I asked if the comments were made in frustration or to help him understand what must be done. He stated he felt this person was grandstanding in front of the rest of the team.
Being a leader means knowing the difference and how to put a grandstander in their place with style and class. This is a skill worth investing in.
Constructive Input or Grandstanding?
I run into folks like that regularly. They think they know more than most people around them and, therefore, are overly confident in their knowledge base — some arrogantly so. Over the years, I’ve learned that true professionals do not grandstand.
Being arrogant does not necessarily make a person’s opinion valid. On the contrary, input should be welcomed when provided with the proper intent and tone in a team environment.
Sometimes, the hard truth is what points us back in the right direction. Here again is where leadership comes into play. Leaders know when to make strategic changes.
SIDEBAR: Yes, you should be open to your staff’s opinions. But you are the boss. You are responsible for understanding all the variables and setting the course in the direction you think is best for your business. So, you do not succumb to your lack of confidence when a subordinate fails to show respect by grandstanding.
Leadership Qualities
Each of us has the potential to be a leader. Confidence is crucial to leadership, but not blind trust. Leaders know when they need to up their game and have the confidence to do so.
The qualities of a leader are:
You can’t lead if you don’t know where you are going.
The following comment hit the bullseye in describing why I see otherwise confident business owners choke when it comes to technology.
There you have it. Not sure what to do or who to trust. Have you had that thought?
I shared with him my perspective that it’s time to stop trying to cater to every point of view and to be a leader. Instead, you lead by learning, following your gut, and blazing new trails within those established pathways.
Everyone has an opinion. Not every idea is valid, productive, or worth acting on. I didn’t have to tell him that. He is already a leader — it’s just that technology is his Achilles heel.
Being a leader doesn’t mean you run a Fortune 500 company. Leadership is just as important in small businesses and even in sole proprietorships. Maybe you need a techie on staff or a partner (or coach) you know you can rely on to bounce things off. Then that’s what you do.
Those you work with need to know your goals and how you expect to accomplish them. What is expected of all involved? They also need to know that while their input is valued, you make the final determination.
So how do you get to that place?
Leaders are Insatiable Learners
Read, then read some more. Block out time in your schedule to read about topics you feel you need to be better informed about and more confident in. Read multiple sources to get a rounded view. Be sure to qualify those sources and ensure that the author’s motives align with what you want to accomplish.
If you feel a strategy sounds too good to be true or you cannot see how it would benefit your brand, that tells you to investigate further. Dig deeper; learn more. Do your due diligence.
Make a point of checking the date of the data or information. While some content is “evergreen,” older technology posts can become irrelevant. If the info doesn’t correlate with recently dated posts, you can safely disregard it. Unfortunately, technology doesn’t sit still for us, and information quickly becomes outdated.
Often, generic resources are just out to earn commissions by clicking links. They are well-crafted to cater to a lack of knowledge or a desire for ease. Just because the information is on a web page or Wikipedia does not mean it is practical or factual.
Take notes and write down your ideas as soon as they occur to you. Believe me, they’ll fade into the ether if you don’t. Treat yourself to a nice notebook that you’ll enjoy carrying around. Mine is red leather, and I love how it feels in my hands.
Keep it with you so that you can capture ideas by writing them down when they occur to you. Also, reflect on and jot down some quick steps for bringing those ideas to life.
Keeping Your Team Invested
Having a team doesn’t necessarily mean just those directly employed by you. It also includes the partners you work with for various parts of your program. As technology evolves at practically the speed of light, you cannot take the my-way-or-the-highway approach based only on what you are willing to do.
Team members must feel free to provide their input, and you should let them know that their advice is considered and appreciated. Then, if applicable, follow through and implement it. Imagine how you would feel if you provided advice and it was never followed or considered.
You need to be prepared to do what is required, even if it means disregarding certain feedback. Even if it is uncomfortable or frustrating, push through it.
Another quality of a great leader is the ability to listen. Just be quiet and listen.
There is no way you know everything, nor can you make educated decisions in every area, especially in those that are not your expertise. Know what you know and know what you don’t know. Your partners and team members will appreciate the honesty in that approach.
Include your team in your decision-making process. Letting your team know why you made the decisions makes them feel invested in the process: a process where all involved will learn how to serve each other better and for the greater good.
Leadership Mindset
A Pack of Wolves:
Unknown
The three in front are old & sick; they walk in front to set the pace of the running group lest they get left behind.
The next five are the strongest & best; they are tasked to protect the front and side if there is an attack.
The pack in the middle is always protected from any attack.
The five behind them are also among the strongest & best; they are tasked to protect the backside if there is an attack.
The last one is the LEADER. He ensures that no one is left behind and keeps the pack unified and on the same path. He is always ready to run in any direction to protect & serves as the ‘bodyguard’ to the entire group.
This is what it really means to be a leader. It’s not about being out front. It means taking care of the team.
Your Team and Partners Reflect on You
Some “leaders” prefer those who do what they are told. But rarely does that produce partnerships or teams willing to go that extra mile. That extra mile, many times, is the difference between failure and success.
At every touchpoint, let those you work with know that their input is valued, that you have their back, and that they are part of what makes your business one to be proud of. While that is not always easy, it is worth the effort, and your success depends upon it.
At your service,
