What You Need If You Are Called to Lead

At some point in their life most people will be called upon to lead. Whether it was being the line leader in third grade or the president of a large corporation, specific required skills come along with the job. Today’s world offers significant challenges for both emerging and experienced leaders. Many people don’t start out to be a leader but the paths they have chosen require that they become one. Regardless of the size of the group, its make-up or goals, there are proven principles that can be applied to lead any assemblage of people — even though it may feel like herding cats, or butterflies. 

What To Do If You Aren’t a Born Leader

It is sometimes said that leaders are not born, they learn how to lead. Often this means jumping in and "faking it until you make it". Starting small always makes good sense. 

• Volunteer to be the room mother at your child’s school or the equipment manager for your son’s baseball team. 
• Later, you might take on some simple jobs for a large event. 
• Watch what other, more experienced workers do. 
• Then ask to take on more difficult tasks like serving on a committee or board. 

There are always people who will appreciate your help and help you in return. Always take note of how the leader of the group brings people together to achieve specific goals. 

Applying 3 Principles of Military Leadership

There are 3 important principles that military officers are taught to use when they are responsible for commanding personnel. 

• First, they must know their own job and duties exceedingly well. This gives them credibility not only with their followers but also with their superiors. Troops must have confidence in the leader’s capabilities knowing that someday they may be used on the battlefield. 

• Secondly, military officers must know that things can go wrong — and probably will. If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail. It is only through considering possible failure modes and then practicing how to handle them that you will understand what must be done quickly in any time-critical situation.

• Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, good leaders take care of their people. Focus not only on what jobs must be done, but on the needs and challenges that individuals may face. 

Understand Who Is Being Led

Leaders must connect with the people they lead. Because of the diversity of the groups you may lead, you must tailor your leadership style to their specific needs. The surgeon in the operating room will lead differently than the president of a lady’s charity group. The former is a work group with a specific hierarchy and command structure. The latter is an all-volunteer army which often depends on personal initiative.

A group is made up of individuals, who come with different backgrounds, personalities, and capabilities. A leader must decide who does what so each person will find their job fulfilling and the group as a whole reaches its peak performance. 

Become a motivator, team builder, and goal setter. Take responsibility for the group’s outcomes. Share the praise and take responsibility for the blame.