Leaders Are NOT Born

Contrary to this picture, leaders are not born. They grow into the role as they develop their leadership skills and grow in wisdom through experience.
One of 4 eggs labeled leader is cracked open with tracks leading away

 Certainly leadership training can help. But what you really need is to be pushed off the branch to fly on your own power. Do you have the will? Can you learn from mistakes? Will you be able to inspire others to follow you? All these questions will be answered in time. 

 Meanwhile, some of the best preparation for leadership is foundational communication skills training. It seems all of the most effective leaders are great communicators. It could be the single most important skill you can develop if you aspire to leading others.

 Here is what great communicators know and practice:

 1. They know who they are talking to.
The best communicators identify with their audience insofar as they understand what their listeners have come to hear and to learn. Then they speak so that others will understand and appreciate their message. They know their audience and can thus wield their influence.

 2. They know how to listen.
They interpret body language along with the words spoken in order to truly understand what others are saying, meaning and feeling. Great communicators respect others’ perspectives and seek to learn what they can from different points of view.

 3. They have integrity.
Not only are they honest, but they are also authentic. They don’t ever put on an act and they don’t ever disguise the truth. They understand that if they are to be trusted, they must earn the trust of those who follow them.

 4. They are accountable.
Great leaders do what they say they are going to do.  They admit when they are wrong and show that they are vulnerable. They speak in a direct, straightforward manner and express themselves clearly…often in a conversational tone. Pomposity is not part of their DNA.

 5. They seek feedback.
Always eager to learn and improve, they welcome feedback. If their message is unclear or their directions confusing, they try again. Great communicators are not satisfied until they are fully understood.

 6. They inspire.
Though they speak simply, they have a knack for painting pictures of what the future could be. They can rally a crowd and excite people to action.

 To lead, you must communicate effectively. Hone your skills in both written and verbal communication. It is one of the most important steps on the road to leadership.