I want you to think about the people who inspire you, teach you, lead you to be the best version of yourself…
IRL and in the digital world.
What do they have in common?
I know when I look at my mentors like Tony Robbins, Brooke Castillo, Eric Worre...what I see is confidence, empathy, stellar communication and commitment.
Leadership is so much more than just delegation.
Leadership requires courage, the ability to communicate and the strength to listen...I mean really listen.
By learning to be a better communicator and a better listener, I’m able to lead and help my team, my clients, and my colleagues be the best they can be.
I believe there are five qualities every leader should possess:
Being a leader is NOT about Armani suits, bossing people around, and waving your power around like a sword.
It’s about showing up. It’s about putting in the work. It’s about inspiration and courage.
I want to talk about these five things and encourage you to gain the knowledge and the power to show up for your team, community, and family.
Leadership principles #1 & #2: Get capable and be confident about your leadership skills
I’ve worked my butt off to become a great leader, and trust me — it’s a process.
Seriously. I didn’t just start earning 7 figures right off the bat with all the knowledge I have now.
I had to learn it all, and earn it all, just like you.
And that took confidence in myself...truly believing in myself that I CAN do it.
Learning the skills so I could be the best version of myself so I could help others be the best version of themselves.
Letting go of fear...that nasty voice in our heads that makes us doubt our path.
Fear is a big one. It prevents us from being the leader we know we can be.
It prevents us from being genuine.
It stops us from looking within and being true to ourselves.
Once you conquer the fear gremlins in your walk-in closet, you’re going to start feeling free in your life and your biz.
Free to be yourself and help others discover their hidden talents and nurture their dreams.
Knowledge is power.
Look at the people you follow. What are they doing? What makes them so successful?
We don’t always need to reinvent the wheel. Look to others for inspiration.
Leadership principle #3: Commit even when times get tough
It’s easy to lead when things are going peachy.
Heck, it’s easy to do almost anything when it’s nothing but rainbows and unicorns.
But it’s when shiz hits the fan and things start going poorly when you have to show up the most.
These are the true tests.
Be at those leadership calls. Attend those events.
Day after day.
Week after week.
Month after friggin’ month.
Because no matter how you’re feeling, there are people (clients, colleagues, your hubby, your kids) who are counting on you.
And I’m not saying you have to be perfect.
Just remember why you’re doing what you’re doing in the first place.
Remember the feeling you get when you make a difference in someone’s life.
When someone tells you they overcame a hurdle, made their first sale, increased their level of health and fitness.
It’s just like any relationship, you gotta put in the work, even when you hit a rough patch.
This is also where the “e” word comes in.
My good friend empathy.
Put yourself in your client’s shoes. Walk a mile in your daughter’s sneakers. Be authentic, caring and genuine in all your interactions.
Leadership principle #4: Learn how to take advice
Being coachable is a beautiful thing.
Because let’s face, we should never stop learning.
We should never stop striving for greatness.
We should never settle.
Learn how to take advice and learn to look around.
All those mentors you have in your life -- What the heck are they doing?
What makes them so powerful?
When I was first going through yoga teacher training years ago, I had this amazing guru.
He had this super quiet soft voice that made people want to lean in and listen. It was so powerful, he had this way of owning the room.
It taught me you don’t need to be the loudest or talk the fastest.
Nope. You lead by example. From your heart. You work to inspire.
Never stop looking around you and learning from those who have paved the way.
Leadership principle #5: Learn to communicate, and how to listen.
Communication is at the forefront of everything I do.
On and off the computer, in and out of meetings.
It’s important to communicate our wants and needs, our dreams and fears and most importantly, our expectations.
If you’re able to keep the lines of communication open and flowing with those around you, I guaran-freaking-tee you’re going to start dealing with less conflict.
When you’re clients or colleagues know they can have a conversation with you… a real conversation… you open the door to so many possibilities and create a space where people can grow, learn and be open and honest.
Which brings us right into the power of listening.
Being a great leader is about hearing your followers. It’s about being vulnerable.
We are all human and we’re all doing the best we can.
When you truly listen, you’re truly open.
The key to greatness is seeing yourself as bigger than what you think is possible.
Your voice can be so powerful. Use it for good.
What do you think is the most important quality a leader should possess? Let me know in the comments!