Leaders need to be led. The way I look at it, to be a true leader you need to know what it's like to be lost, know what it's like to struggle, and to be constantly reevaluating your position.
To some I may be a young guy who works out, has a business, and lives in one of the most dynamic cities in the world. To others, I am gym rat who doesn't want to settle down and work the 9-5.
Whether or not you are viewed one way or another, I feel that most of us are leaders in some way. There are always individuals looking upon you for guidance and support. Being a leader means recognizing your place, knowing that you do matter, and setting the example for those around you.
1. Grow Yourself
"BEFORE YOU ARE A LEADER, SUCCESS IS ALL ABOUT GROWING YOURSELF. WHEN YOU BECOME A LEADER, SUCCESS IS ALL ABOUT GROWING OTHERS."
- Jack Welch
First and foremost you must learn to grow yourself to become more resourceful, resilient, and consistent in your pursuits. Only then can you expect the same from others.
2. There Is No Blueprint for a Leader
"IF YOUR ACTIONS INSPIRE OTHERS TO DREAM MORE, LEARN MORE, DO MORE, AND BECOME MORE, YOU ARE A LEADER."
- John Quincy Adams
Leaders are not born, they are made. Each path taken by one leader may not be the path for you. If you dream big, take action, and inspire others around you, you my friend, are a leader.
3. It Takes Courage
"A TRUE LEADER HAS THE CONFIDENCE TO STAND ALONE, THE COURAGE TO MAKE TOUGH DECISIONS, AND THE COMPASSION TO LISTEN TO THE NEEDS OF OTHERS. HE DOES NOT SET OUT TO BE A LEADER, BUT BECOMES ONE BY THE EQUALITY OF HIS ACTIONS AND THE INTEGRITY OF HIS INTENT."
- Douglas MacArthur
Courage is required, not only in times where you are up, but also when you are in the face of failure. Never feel weak while standing alone, but rather know you are the strongest one of them all.
4. Be Remembered
"IF YOU WOULD NOT BE FORGOTTEN, AS SOON AS YOU ARE DEAD AND ROTTEN, EITHER WRITE THINGS WORTH READING, OR DO THINGS WORTH THE WRITING."
- Benjamin Franklin
Do something every day that leaves a positive impact on the world and individuals around you. You may not be rewarded with recognition or material things, but know deep in your heart that at the very least you have impacted one second of one life, which is truly, monumental.
5. Lead By Example
"YOU DON’T LEAD BY POINTING AND TELLING PEOPLE SOME PLACE TO GO. YOU LEAD BY GOING TO THAT PLACE AND MAKING A CASE."
- Ken Kesey
Dreams are great, but without action, you are just a daydreamer with nothing to show. Taking action is the true path to success, even when the direction may not be as clear as you may like. Never wallow, always look forward.
6. It's Always About the People
"PEOPLE BUY INTO THE LEADER BEFORE THEY BUY INTO THE VISION."
- John Maxwell
Be consistent, be transparent, and be authentic. Don't get caught up in being something you are not, but rather, show the world who you truly are. Only then will your true advocates stand behind you.
7. Raise People Up
"AS WE LOOK AHEAD INTO THE NEXT ERA OF FITNESS, LEADERS WILL BE THOSE WHO EMPOWER OTHERS."
- Bill Gates (my fitness rendition)
Rather than focusing on the negatives of your field and environment, seek to be the catalyst for positive change. Be the example, and help those around you do the same.
9. Everyone Has Weaknesses
"GREAT LEADERS ARE NOT DEFINED BY THE ABSENCE OF WEAKNESS, BUT RATHER BY THE PRESENCE OF CLEAR STRENGTHS."
- John Zenger
Too often we focus on our weakness, rather than zeroing in on our strengths. If you do a few things better than anyone else, you have something special. While you need to recognize your weaknesses, always work to strengthen your best attributes.
10. Accept Failure
"I CANNOT GIVE YOUR THE FORMULA FOR SUCCESS, BUT I CAN GIVE YOU THE FORMULA FOR FAILURE, WHICH IS; TRY TO PLEASE EVERYBODY."
- Herbert Swope
If you have never failed you have never pushed your own limits. Failing in the natural way to reset your standard, and keep moving forward. Never be afraid to act out of fear of failure, for all you will ever have is regret.
To become a great leader you must become a follower of those before you. We have been blessed with role models, mentors, and blueprints for success. It is when you allow yourself to seek guidance and help that you can become a better entrepreneur and human.
