Find Your Leadership Potential

Who comes to mind first when you think about leaders? Presidents? CEOs? People have a lot of authority and a high ranking?

You most certainly do, but keep in mind that they aren't the only ones who are or can be leaders. Leadership may be found in a variety of settings, including schools, workplaces, and communities.

If you're considering taking on a leadership position at work or elsewhere, there are a few basic steps you can take to get started.

Identify the most influential people in your life

Take some time to evaluate and pick five persons in your life who you see as leaders, as well as why you regard them as such. They don't have to be "traditional" leaders — in fact, it's preferable.

These leaders might be friends, family members, or anybody else in your life who is a leader.

Consider your assets and what you have to offer

Take some time to think about your top five leadership skills. Remember that not all leaders have the same strengths, and that the ones required to lead people through high-pressure and performance conditions are not always the same as those required to lead people through conflict or catastrophe.

This list of attributes is a wonderful place to start, but keep in mind that it is not exhaustive.

Consider what is most important to you

With the year 2022 approaching, it's natural to start thinking about your goals for the next year — at work, in your neighborhood, and beyond. Consider what's most important to you and how you want to make a good difference in the next year.

It can turn out to be something you've always wanted or something completely unexpected.

How do you feel about your most valuable assets?

Finally, jot out your thoughts on what matters most to you and why. Then go through your strengths list one again.

Do the lists have any overlap or synergies? If that's the case, this would be a good place to start. "I believe empathy is one of my strengths, and I am passionate about assisting people in need in my community," for example.

This might imply that you have a leadership role to play in charitable activities at your business or in your community.

Make use of this new knowledge

Continue to be aware of these sensations while you go about your daily activities, and consider how and where to begin. Is there anything you can do at work to assist you in achieving your goal?

What's going on in your neighborhood? What's going on at your child's school?

Decide what it looks like for you, and then commit to raising your hand to try something new. Opportunities to lead will present themselves.

Thanks to Sammy Courtright at Business 2 Community whose reporting provided the original basis for this story.