What impact do leaders have on others? When you really think about it, a lot. Leaders can shape how people feel about their organization, themselves, where they’re going, what they’re doing, and even how they're doing it. In short, the impact of leadership is tremendous, and it can be positive or negative.
Whether you’re a kids’ club leader or CEO, honing your leadership abilities is a gift to both yourself and those around you, and it’s a lifelong adventure. Read on for some tips and resources that can help you advance your leadership abilities to make a more substantial positive impact within your community.
Qualities That Count
As Inc. explains, certain characteristics are associated with quality leadership. There's no such thing as a perfect leader, so consider whether it’s time to raise the bar.
The best leaders have a clear and concise vision.
With that vision in mind, leaders commit to their decisions.
They follow through with courage.
True leaders are passionate about their journey.
And without fail, true leaders are humble. They admit their mistakes and allow criticism to shape them for growth.
Top Titles
Did you discover some traits you’d like to improve? One way to further your abilities is to allow others to guide you in your leadership journey. The authors of these top titles can do just that:
Valarie Jarrett’s Finding My Voice: My Journey to the West Wing and the Path Forward Jerrett dives into the critical role individual leaders play in today’s world, and the importance of making your voice heard.
Marshawn Evans Daniels’ Believe Bigger Do you allow setbacks to set the stage for comebacks? Daniels explains how hardships and trials can shape your success.
Oprah Winfrey’s What I Know For Sure
This candid essay provides insights into what makes this amazing woman tick.
Courses Worth Considering
Sometimes a short, focused, issue- or skill-oriented class can provide the stimulus you need for advancing your leadership journey. Thankfully, Organizational Leadership Degrees notes there are a number of course providers that are worth your consideration, and you can even take classes online. Here are just a few:
EdX partners with universities such as Berkeley, Harvard and MIT to offer courses in subjects like project management and marketing analytics.
GetSmarter offers classes through universities like University of Oxford, HarvardX, and University of Chicago, and you can take courses on entrepreneurship, business analytics, managerial finance, and more.
Udemy provides instruction from proven, practicing experts, and subject matter ranges from change management to marketing to leadership.
Connection With Your Community
Fast Company explains there is one exercise in which many leaders miss the mark: volunteering. It’s a surefire way to develop your personal and professional journey in pivotal ways, so you can become a better leader:
Volunteering provides the opportunity to make a significant contribution to your community; to make the biggest impact, look for ways to use your existing skills.
Volunteering helps you not only exercise existing skills but learn new ones.
Volunteer work can push you outside your comfort zone, which aids personal growth.
By getting involved with community projects, you have the opportunity to build your network in new and exciting ways.
What is your impact within the community? To advance your leadership role, start by looking within. From there, select some books or courses that will work on skills and inspire you, and get directly involved. There is always room for growth, and there is no better time to get started than right now.
For more articles by Sean Morris please visit http://learnfit.org/