Many of us won’t go for a promotion when one opens up or step up in local politics because we don’t feel we have what it takes to be a leader, and maybe that’s true. Maybe we shouldn’t be in a position for leadership.
Either way, this is probably one of the very few times where it is very important what other people think; after all, they’re the ones being led. So how can we tell that others see us as a good leader? Let’s have a look.
1. People Come To You For Advice
Are you that one person everyone seems to go to for advice? That one person who always has an answer and who sees a way out of any conceivable situation? If so, maybe you should consider that you are a leader. Apparently, many people think you have the brains to help them and you may even have enough charm to make even unpleasant solutions sound good to your audience. Both of these are important qualities in a leader and may mean that you’re cut from the right kind of cloth.
2. People Wait For You To Speak
When in a group and a problem presents itself, be it a work situation or just out with friends, do people wait for you to weigh in? Is there silence until your opinion has been heard? For good or for ill, that means your opinion is worth something to them and that you may be the kind of person that others want to follow. This kind of natural authority is key for anyone who wants to lead; maybe all you lack is the motivation?
3. You Take Responsibility
When chaos reigns and everyone is losing their heads, do you step up? Are you the person who pulls together first and then proceeds to get started on getting things straight again? People who are willing to take responsibility even in unpleasant situations are the kind of leaders people like because they are the kind of people that won’t leave others behind. It’s a trait guaranteed to inspire loyalty and makes you a great leader.
4. You Are Willing To Make Decisions
Are you the kind of person who agonizes over every single decision, often letting life pass him or her by while being torn about whatever is the best option in any kind of situation? Or are you the kind of person who sees that happen, steps in and makes the decision for them? If you’re the latter, you’re the kind of person that the former need in their lives, and you’d be surprised how happy they are to follow you! If you manage to make a decision for them while being kind about it, they’ll probably stay loyal to you forever and carry you as you rise to the top.
5. You Can Read People
Can you just look at someone and tell how they’re feeling? When someone does something, can you tell what purpose it’s supposed to serve and how it fits into their logic? If so, you’re good at “reading” people, an ability that many wish they had and make you cut out perfectly for a leadership role.
6. You Can See The Big Picture
Do you see the necessity for unpleasant actions and decisions because they serve a greater good? Do you understand that sacrifices must be made and are you willing to make them? And do people ask you what the big picture is? Then you’re the leader people need. Sometimes people need to be led into doing something unpleasant so they’ll have something good at the end of it. It’s not fun, and sometimes people will hold it against you, but that quality of endurance is what makes you a real leader.
So, do people see you as a leader? If so, think about this and how you’d like to lead. Maybe you’d like to volunteer as a leader working with children, or perhaps you’d like to seek a more authoritative position at your job. Think about how your leadership strengths will benefit something close to your heart.
If people do not see you as a leader, all is not lost if you want to lead. Take a moment again to read over these six qualities, and then come up with a game plan to incorporate them into your personality. With a little practice, you’ll soon be the person to which everyone else turns.
