Being a better leader to your community can be simplified down to ‘always thinking of more ways to listen and help. It is also about modeling strong, positive leadership through example. Here are five ways to up your game as a positive leader in your community!
1. Get Out There And Make Connections
The best leaders are insatiable at learning and improving every area of their lives. Part of this involves just getting out there and networking. Talk to peers and competitors, to find out what’s important to them nowadays. Go to conferences and symposiums and talk to experts. Want to ask someone a question? If you are close enough to have their phone number, just phone and ask!
Some of the best leaders are also introverts.
It’s tough cold-calling or putting yourself out there, if you’re one too—but the successful introvert leaders all say the same thing: You just have to do it. (And that it does get easier!)
2. Be A Lifelong Learner
Great leaders are voracious learners. They read books, as well as search the net.They are not afraid to go to the source and ask the experts. They listen to podcasts in their cars; go to seminars and workshops; find out how things work; and know exactly who to call on for a myriad of needs or situations.
This type of curiosity is a great habit to develop—and it will keep you ahead of your competition and help you come up with concrete or decisive answers when others are still dithering.
3. Be Solution-Oriented
Weak leaders shame-and-blame. Strong leaders hone in on specific problems and look for solutions. And they’re especially good at thinking up ‘third alternatives’ or out-of-the box fixes that far exceed the standard solutions.
4. Be Action-Oriented
Strong leaders not only look for solutions, they are also the first to take action on them and implement them. Leaders will find out the best people for specific tasks while others are still discussing possibilities. Leaders will fix plumbing leaks, find caterers at the last minute while others are bewailing a cooking disaster, and generally build up a“get-‘er-done” mentality. And that includes getting-it-done for your people!
5. Use Mentors and Coaches Great leaders never think of themselves as the top of the heap: There is always someone else they admire, follow, model themselves after, or consult. And they’re not afraid to admit it or shout-out to their mentors, either. Think back over your life: Who was your inspiration? Your mentor? If you’ve let them drop by the wayside, use this as a reminder to reconnect and keep up that valuable connection.