Leadership Lessons that Last a Lifetime
April 5, 2008
Look at children playing together in any playground or classroom setting. Some find comfort and joy on their own, and other guide their playmates in team-based activities.
This innocent environment uncovers, at an early age, who will lead, who will follow, and which children will march to their own tune. But this young interaction is not an absolute indication of future status.
I was fiercely independent in kindergarten, not needing playmates to satisfy my curiosity. Things changed 10 years later. My high school gym class was separated into two teams. We raced against each other to win bragging rights.
After watching the first race, I assessed weaknesses on the opposing team and shared the news with teammates. That strategy gave us the winning edge, and we claimed the trophy.
Although my strengths serve my individual needs, I’m always ready to set up to team leader status. College students, entrepreneurs, and employees must also learn to balance both sides, and there are plenty of opportunities for this at work and in social environments.
Convincing others to listen and act on your words takes confidence and compassion.
Iron-fisted individuals need not apply. Your mission is to convince team members that you have the wisdom to get them to the goal line, even if this is your first time at the top.
Remember these three leadership traits.
- The manner in which you conduct yourself in front of others is key to winning their trust.
- Successful completion of independent tasks helps to elevate your leadership potential.
- Giving up is never an option. Leaders always find or inspire others to develop an alternative method to get the job done.
This lesson is an excerpt from my keynote presentation, 10 Leadership Skills that Build Success in College and Life. Audiences leave the event with a clear understanding of how to mold and strengthen their own leadership styles to motivate teams in every environment.
Email AVG Talent Management through the contact form to bring this inspiring message to your students. Ask me about free copies of my book, Smart Students’ Guide to…Leadership Lessons that Last a Lifetime, when I speak at your school.
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