Experience-Driven Leadership

Want to learn how to lead? Yes, you can read about leadership, model your behavior after leaders you admire, and attend programs that focus on leadership skills. But the most effective way to become a capable leader is to learn by doing…try on-the-job action learning for leadership development.

If you are really serious about stretching yourself and learning all you can about what it takes to lead well, you cannot wait for others to notice you and feed your goal. It is up to you to take the first steps on the path to leadership. Set up your own development plan this way:
  1. Identify what leadership skills you need to build or strengthen. Perhaps you need to learn how to fix problems created by others or to communicate a new strategic direction for the team.
  2. Figure out what specific opportunities there may be to enhance these skills while continuing to fulfill your current job responsibilities.
  3. Spell out a plan and persuade your boss that you are willing and able to take on this new challenge.

Great Leaders Know How to Manage Energy

So many definitions of leadership yet so few make sense in the real, day-to-day world.  But those who subscribe to the concept of action learning for leadership development make the point that leaders do not work in a vacuum. They need to manage the energy of others and they need to realize their vision, not in theory but in practice.

True leaders know exactly what they want. The desired end is always in sight. And they know how to communicate that vision to others in a way that inspires committed followers. Great leaders’ passion is contagious. Their energy is focused on their goal and they are able to marshal the energy of others toward the same end.

Communicate your goal clearly and simply. It is the specific purpose that ignites fire in others. They will not be inspired by a general hope to expand the organization but will be positively influenced by a direct goal of, for example, ensuring that every young student in the country has their own computer. This is a goal that every employee can support and work toward.