What does it take to become a leader, famous, revered, worshipped, followed, respected, and loved? Have you always wanted to have a ‘leader’ personality, to be the one everyone looks to for a decision, the one who ’steps up’? So many crave the top position but few achieve it. Why? Is the person at the top most intelligent of all, the one with exceptional looks, the creative person, the warrior, the most forceful person? Nope. There are so many brilliant, exceptional, creative, beautiful, aggressive people and most of them end up ‘average’ , doing well but not the one who wears the crown.
Leaders are not flukes and their achievements are not accidents. Out society does not clamour around and hand over the reins to the most talented or the hardest workers. So what are people looking for in leaders, you ask. It’s called charisma, personal magnetism, believability, and the ability to exert influence, tremendous influence, over others. It’s called communication , painting a picture of a path most likely to succeed. We have had dark, terrible leaders and leaders who have inspired us to do what we thought could not be done and do it. IT’S THE PERSONALITY which turns each great person into a leader.
Is there one set of characteristics which determine whether you will be a leader? Do you have to fit a certain mold to get to the top? Many books have been written telling you that you have to somehow ‘evolve’ and become someone who is not naturally you. There are certain ‘musts’ , according to the experts you must adapt and change in order for your personality to lead you to the top. Folks, you cannot change your basic personality. If you are not a bossy, aggressive, hard charging, and controlling person, you are not going to be able to transform yourself into one. The secret is, each person’s personality gives each person the means to rocket upward. Anyone who thinks the road to the top is paved with lies, pretending, and trying to impersonate others is being silly.
Some people are natural dreamers, others are watchful and observant, while some are planners who think things through and plan for contingencies. Some are strong and silent while others are outspoken and direct. Some are distant and intellectual while others are easy going and compliant. Each of these type of personalities have their own, unique, and special way of rising upward. Just being able to know how to use your special talents, you can spiral upward. On the other hand, you also have to know what can be a problem with the way you act, react, and communicate.
Emotions are a huge part of your personality. Instead of trying to push them down, you need to learn how to let them out and let people see your emotions as an important -yes critical- part of your whole winning package. Each personality can be a leader and history bears this out. So you don’t have to remake yourself or try to pass yourself off as someone else. You have it in you to be the leader who influences others.
The path to glory comes from letting people know who you are and understand why you act the way you do. Communication is everything because if people have to guess what you are up to, their guess will usually be incorrect and inaccurate. You have to come out of your closet rather than presume that people can read you and know what’s coming.
If you want people to follow you, you need to say what is on your mind and speak in terms people can relate to and understand. One of the very top characteristics of a leader is making sure of being understood. No one will follow someone who is not on the same page because they are not seeing things the same way. You must have passion and everybody needs to ‘get’ your passion. People follow passion and confidence. They will follow you if you have passion, great communication skills , and inspire confidence.
We will be going though various personality types and how each person can use his or her own unique personality to go for the leadership position desired. Be sure and e mail me about how you think your personality has helped you or how it has gotten in your way. Remember, all e mail is confidential and real names will never be used for illustrations.