A Guide to Leadership At Any Age

Leadership is about ability, not age. Leaders inspire and support those around them. You can learn to be a better leader right now, regardless of your age. Here are some tips to improving your leadership in a new environment.

Learn About Your Environment:

If you are entering an established group, it is important to understand the environment that they’ve built, and to respect the work that they’ve done. To become a leader of a group that is well established, don’t presume to know about their environment. Ask questions, learn about the group, and demonstrate that you understand it. Then, when you take leadership positions, others will know that you are knowledgeable about the group and will respect you.

Listen to Others:

A great leader listens to those that follow him or her. Find out what is important to your group and come up with ways that you can help them realize their desires. By improving the group’s situation, you will establish yourself as a leader.

Accomplish What Others Have Failed to Complete:

Leading doesn’t always mean coming up with ideas that are revolutionary or unique. Many times it is as simple as taking initiative on projects, or getting something done that other members of the group have struggled with, or not completed. For example, if your company has long wanted to improve the content of their website, but no one has managed to complete the task, taking charge of that project and completing it will be a strong sign of leadership.

Lead by Example:

Actions speak louder than words. Leaders are known for working the hardest, and producing the best work. Set ambitious goals for yourself and meet them. Show up early, stay late and commit yourself fully to projects that you are involved in.

Delegate:

While it’s important to work hard, leading doesn’t mean doing everything yourself. Learn to delegate responsibilities, and follow through to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

Let Others Know About You:

As the saying goes, if you don’t toot your own horn, there won’t be any music. It is important to talk about yourself and let your accomplishments be known! A leader needs to get in front of people and show that they perform. With tools such as blogs and social media outlets available to you there are plenty of ways for you to do this. You can establish yourself as a thought leader by writing or speaking about subjects that you are successful in. For example, if you manage the production of a new product, you can write a blog on managing production. Approach members within your organization, or local business groups to speak about your accomplishments. Let others know that you are succeeding, and they will see you as a leader.

By listening to other members of your group, helping them accomplish important and sometimes difficult objectives, and letting everyone know that you succeeded, you can improve your leadership abilities at any age.

Sources:

http://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/leadership-for-young-professionals

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2012/03/02/youre-never-too-young-to-be-a-leader-heres-how/#5434ce316c97