Do you consider yourself a leader? Imposter syndrome and self-doubt can leave us feeling as though we aren't capable of being good leaders. Alternatively, you may feel like there are enough "leaders" or "experts" in your line of work. This limiting belief may be holding you back from becoming the best version of yourself and reaching your full potential. 

In all honesty, the world is desperate for leaders, now more than ever. This applies to all areas of your life, not just your career. Strive to be a leader in your family, social circles, community, work, etc. I believe the world would be a better place if we removed the phrase, "the best man for the job," from our vocabularies. Leadership has no sex or age, so make yourself "the best person for any job." If you want to become a better leader, that desire is the first step to doing so! Becoming a great leader is a challenging and ongoing process that requires a combination of skills, traits, and strategies. Today we'll discuss a few valuable lessons to help you become the best leader you can be, wherever you choose to lead. 

Never Stop Learning.

Continuous learning is key to becoming a trustworthy authority figure. Be an open-minded and adaptable learner, this means learning from both those older and younger than you. It means embracing change and staying on top of industry trends. One of the biggest mistakes I see professionals make is complain about change, whether it's social media, AI, or hybrid working, instead of complaining about uncontrollable shifts and trying to fight against them, try to work with them to benefit you as a professional and an entrepreneur. This is going to help you stand out from the crowd and get ahead of the competition. The world is going to keep moving forward whether or not you want to tag along.

Invest in continuing education, educational seminars, skill-building workshops, etc. to give yourself credentials supporting your experience and goals. Seek guidance from mentors and experienced leaders in your field, networking is everything in today's environment. Collaborate with others, and never stop listening and learning. 

Lead Where You're Planted.

I'm sure you've heard the expression "bloom where you're planted," meaning embrace this moment in time and make the most out of it instead of always focusing on where you could be or wish you were. Apply this same mindset to your current professional position. No matter where you're planted, focus on being the best version of yourself in this position. Be the best mom you can be, be the best nurse you can be, be the best real estate agent you can be, be the best husband you can be, etc. Be passionate about your role in your industry and let that passion drive you to be the best leader you can be. 

Choose a Positive Perspective.

Positivity is contagious. To be a positive influence and leader, you need to choose a "glass half full" perspective. Enthusiasm, ambition, and positivity are contagious. If your team and colleagues see these qualities in you, they'll embody the same qualities, making them more productive, successful, and satisfied. 

Resilience and perseverance are also important qualities to have. You will inevitably face challenges as a leader, how you navigate these challenges and your attitude will make all the difference in overcoming them. Developing positive problem-solving and decision-making skills is important when these situations arise, and they highlight you as a positive leader in front of your peers. Embrace setbacks and difficulties as opportunities to learn, grow, and build a strong positive outlook. 

Understand Self-Awareness.

To be an effective leader, having a strong sense of self-awareness is important. This may require you to do some internal work. ​​Self-awareness is a fundamental aspect of emotional intelligence and personal development. It means having a deep understanding of yourself, including your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, strengths, weaknesses, values, and motivations. As a leader with strong self-awareness, you'll have a clear and honest perception of who you are and how you relate to the world around you. 

How do we build better self-awareness? Sure it's easier said than done, I recommend starting with self-reflection. ​​Take time to reflect on your thoughts, emotions, and actions. They consider why you feel and behave the way you do and strive to gain insights into your own behavior. Identify and label your emotions accurately. This involves being in touch with both positive and negative emotions and understanding the reasons behind them. Self-aware leaders understand their strengths and weaknesses. They can identify areas where they excel and areas where they may need improvement, they may need to outsource or seek extra help from others in these areas. This knowledge allows them to make informed decisions and seek growth opportunities.

Be a Strong Communicator. 

Effective communication is paramount for anyone in a leadership role. It not only is key to successful relationship-building, but it is also key to communicating your value as a leader, your offer, and what makes you stand out in your industry. When it comes to building a strong and successful team to support your goals, communication helps leaders articulate their vision and goals. When team members understand the broader mission and objectives, they can work cohesively toward achieving them. Clear and concise communication ensures that instructions, expectations, and objectives are understood by all team members. It minimizes misunderstandings and reduces the chances of mistakes or misalignment. Once again we look at being a source of motivation and positivity. Effective communication can inspire and motivate team members and even consumers. When leaders communicate their enthusiasm, passion, and belief in their team’s abilities, products, or services,  it boosts morale, encourages higher performance, and boosts business performance. 

Being a strong leader is also all about believing you have the ability to do so. Continue to do the self-work, learning, and build skills to be the very best you can be. We all have the ability to lead within us, it's just about discovering and unlocking those superpowers. At Wilkes Mortgage Group, we believe everyone is a leader in their own way, join the family and let us help you with your mortgage needs!