Yesterday, I attended the first leadership training meeting developed by the Young Adult Ministry that I volunteer for. In reflecting on the information I gathered during this first meeting, I have concluded that I now know what type of traits I need to develop in order to be an effective leader. If you are also interested in becoming a leader, here are three traits you should definitely cultivate:
1. Excitement.
In order to remain in a state where they are intellectually and spiritually fulfilled, people need to have passion in their lives. In addition to being able to develop and sustain passion through their individual efforts, people become passionate when they see others who are excited about the things going on in their lives. Thus if you are interested in being a leader, being excited about the vision you’re attempting to realize can play an integral role in motivating others to help you implement the strategies that will bring it to pass.
2. Servanthood.
Although we oftentimes think of terms like “leader” as references to having power over others, great leaders are those that serve others. This is the case for several reasons, including the fact that leaders who function effectively are aware of and respond to the needs of the people they lead. Without the ability to identify and address the personal and professional issues that your followers face, your efficacy as a team leader will dwindle drastically. And that is why developing the heart of a servant is integral to effective leadership.
3. Organization.
In discussing the importance of being organized, Jill Lee notes that “Employees with better organizational skills are more productive on the job, make better impressions on bosses and receive more promotions than those who keep sloppy, inefficient work habits.” While being organized is vital for any employee seeking excellence, developing organizational skills is equally important in the world of leadership. This is the case because carefully planning events and keeping track of names, numbers, and important dates increases the likelihood that the execution of big projects will be smooth and therefore more successful. If you’re not in the habit of engaging in activities that facilitate organization like wearing a watch and keeping a planner, you should make the necessary behavior modifications to help ensure both your success and that of your team.
Conclusion
Although being a leader can be emotionally and spiritually taxing, there are a variety of traits you can develop to make your job more fun and productive. If you are interested in growing as a leader, consider implementing the strategies I’ve outlined above. Good luck! :)
