7 Tools You Must Have in Your Leadership Tool Box

By

mintsmichael070

July 1, 2020

A Self Made Leader

“Contrary to popular opinion, leadership is not a reserved position for a particular group of people who were elected or appointed, ordained or enthroned. Leadership is self-made, self-retained, self-inculcated and then exposed through a faithful, sincere and exemplary life.” ~ Israelmore Avivor

Just to be clear, the term Leader, is not reserved for just CEO’s, VIP’s, head honcho’s, and top dogs. Leaders appear in every walk of live, and every stage of life. You can be a leader of one (yourself), a few (your family), a small group, or of thousands.

Your first goal as a leader (in whatever role you’re in) should be to maximize and grow your leadership toolbox (skills), so you can calmly and intentionally deal with the world we live in, and life’s circumstances, so as to move yourself and/or a group of people from where you are, to where you want them to go (your vision).

Expanding your leadership skills (your toolbox) is easier said, than done.

I find that the concept of growing your leadership toolbox, is lost on most people. The myth that leaders are born not made, still seems to permeate our culture even today. Nothing could be further from the truth. Every tool you need in your leadership toolbox to be a Successful and Intentional leader, can be added to your toolbox if you decide to do so.

Out of Your Comfort Zone

If were growing, were always going to be out of our comfort zone. – John Maxwell

Making the decision to set out on the journey of growing your leadership toolbox is a BIG decision. That decision will put you in challenging and painful situations that will force you to learn and grow, and will absolutely take you out of your comfort zone.

Your comfort zone prevents you from growing as a leader. Growth is never achieved inside your safe place or comfort zone. It's achieved by the toil and sweat of perseverance during difficult times. It's achieved by trial and error, and by falling down 9 times and getting up 10. Every tool you add to your toolbox, will only come, because you decided to take a risk and step out of you comfort zone to learn and grow.

You’ll Need a Vision

Before we discuss the list of tools you need to start adding to your toolbox, let me go on record as saying that the world is screaming out right now for intentional leadership. Every business genre, and most families are screaming out for real leadership. With a worldwide shortage of effective leadership, now’s the time to develop YOUR  leadership skills, and start filling up YOUR toolbox.

Some research shows that companies are failing to fill this shortage of leadership because they have inadequate leadership development. Other research suggests that there is no shortage of leaders, and perhaps not even a crisis of leadership, but instead a shrinking number of leaders who lead with design, purpose and intention. A dwindling number of Leaders who have a Vision and a Plan!

The Leadership Toolbox 101

“The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.” ~ Ronald Reagan

Let’s start with what I believe are some of the essential tools that you will need for your toolbox as you begin your quest of leadership.

1. A Clear Vision –  is an essential means for focusing on what you want to accomplish and what kind of leader you wish to be. It’s imperative as a leader that you have a clear vision of who you are, where you’re going, and what you want to accomplish. Where do you want to be, and what do you want to accomplish in 5 years, or 10 years? Written down in such vivid and clear detail that you could actually step into the story and walk around.

2. A Plan – Once your vision is in place. You will need a plan to get there. A road map if you will of short-term destinations (goals) that lead you to the vision. It will include specific and measurable short term and long-term goals (30 day, 90 day, 1 year, 5 year, and 10 year which would include the vision.) These must be in writing with a date by which they’re to be accomplished. A great plan accompanied by a clear vision eliminates confusion and fear.

3. Self-Discipline – Perhaps the best definition of self-discipline ever given was by Elbert Hubbard, who said: “Self-discipline is the ability to make yourself do what you should do, when you should do it, whether you feel like it or not.” Wake up every day and first thing decide what are the 3 MOST important things you need to do today and do them. Don’t go home until they’re done. Then CELEBRATE!

Somebody once said that in looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. And if you don’t have the first, the other two will kill you. – Warren Buffet

4. Integrity – According to Zig Ziglar, Integrity gives you real freedom, because you have nothing to fear since you have nothing to hide. It’s an open-door policy, It’s being the same today as you were yesterday. It’s putting the people your leading before yourself. It’s deciding to do what’s right regardless of what it costs.

5. Decision Making – In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing. – Teddy Roosevelt. Decision making becomes much easier as you develop a clear vision for your future, your family’s future, and the future of the group of people you are leading. Each time you’re faced with a decision (and there will be many), you simply ask, “is this decision moving me toward my vision, or away from it?” You’ll know what you need to do next.

6. Communicate – the ability to connect, inspire, and influence people to work together to achieve a common goal, purpose, or vision. It’s making sure everyone knows not just what and how, but why. Communicate your vision and the plan relentlessly. Communicate to the people around you how important they are, and what role they play in the plan and vision.

7. Commitment – defined as a willingness to give your time and energy to something that you believe in. I think that’s a weak definition of commitment. Commitment is what Napoleon Hill calls Definiteness of Purpose. You must have a clear understanding of what you want (a clear vision), and it must be a burning desire and passion for you. When you have definiteness of purpose you will not be distracted by anything that takes you away from pursuing your purpose.

Leadership is a lifelong quest. I learn new and exciting things about leadership every day. I’m still amazed to this day, that people feel such respect and appreciation for real intentional leadership. A leader that cares about them, and cares about making a difference in their life. A leader that builds trust by connecting genuinely with humor and empathy, and inspires and encourages them to take on tough challenges.

The More Tools in your Toolbox, the more Intentional you will become as a Leader!