Do you like inspiring others?

Do you like to inspire others to do or be better? 

Are you a self-starter? 

Do you enjoy helping others feel appreciated?  

If you answered “yes” to ANY of these questions, you have the makings of a good leader. 

What does the word “leader” mean to you?

For some, it conjures up an image of a CEO of a large company. Others think of parents or guardians. Or perhaps the spokesperson for a social issue.

To be a leader, you don’t have to be a household name or have a title. Everyone is a leader in some context in their life. And learning how to be a more effective leader is within everyone’s grasp.

You see, being an effective leader has absolutely nothing to do with having a big title, ego, fame—or many other things we commonly associate with leadership. 

If you want to become a more effective leader, here are some characteristics to consider cultivating:

• Authenticity. Leaders live in alignment with their values. They know what they most authentically want for their life, and they have a genuine interest in helping others develop and succeed.

• Self-starter. Effective leaders don’t have to be asked to get the job done. They can get their fires burning without depending on external stimuli.

• Humility. The last person you want to be around is the person who is full of himself. Billy Graham once said, “The smallest package in the world is a man all wrapped up in himself.”

• Emotional control. There is nothing wrong with blowing off steam once in a while. It’s the loss of control that ruins the impact of many great leaders.

• Humor. Humor attracts people, and making others laugh a little is a definite asset.

• Positive attitude. People are attracted to positive people. Who wants to follow someone who’s always in a foul mood or is always thinking doom and gloom? Instead, in a dark and negative world, the positive leader shines and draws others to him- or herself.

Being a leader means creating the life you truly want to live and inspiring others to do the same. You’re more than capable of being an effective leader in one or more areas of your life.

To Your Success

Jamshed Amalsadiwalla