✔️discover the role you play - who are you leading?
I have to share something with you that will make you blush😊…
…YOU are an incredibly awesome leader.
People are watching you and aspire to be more like you. They may notice your dedication to things that matter most to you, appreciate how you treat them, or see your growth and mindset in action.
The bottom line is this:
You don’t have to supervise a team to be a ’LEADER’. Leaders come from all walks of life, including ordinary people like you and me.💫
Whether you embrace this role intentionally or not, whether or not you signed up for a career of leading others, we’re both leaders. We lead through how we live our lives.
Everyone looks for a role model to aspire to at some point. They seek someone who leads their life admirably, influences others positively, and radiates joy about life.
You might be surprised by how many lives you’ve touched without even realizing it. And when you learn that you’ve positively influenced someone, it’s one of the sweetest moments.
In high school, I had a covert fan in Shawn, a Junior High neighbor girl. My dad knew this sweet girl admired me for playing competitive volleyball and basketball, but didn’t tell me. She shared my love for sports and often persuaded her mom to take her to my games.
At first, I didn’t think much about her presence and was unaware that she was there specifically to watch me. My dad had to clue me in. You know how high schoolers can be oblivious to what’s happening around them. 🙄🤣
Knowing Shawn looked up to me made me more aware of my actions, both on and off the court. I became a better team member and learned to manage my emotions during discouraging moments because I knew an influential young girl was watching me.
Shawn helped me become a better person through her admiration.
When you recognize your role as a leader and become aware of your potential influence, it can change how you show up in life.
Imagine if you could always show up for yourself with the same accountability you feel when someone admires you.
This highlights the importance of having a supportive inner circle. The people around you can elevate who you are becoming through simple, intrinsic accountability in your relationships.
We Are All Leaders
It may be more obvious that you are a leader if you are an employee, a parent, a student, or an entrepreneur. But even if you’re not, you’re still a leader.
Do you go outside? Attend public events? Follow social norms? Interact with others? If you answered yes to any of these questions, guess what? You’re a bona fide leader.
You might not realize it, but someone is likely looking to your actions for guidance. If not now, they will at some point. Our roles as leaders change as our lives evolve, making us all leaders at different times.
Let’s own and honor our leadership roles. Someone is counting on you to come through for them and light the way as they watch you lead. Acknowledge and expand your leadership strengths and remember to always lead with positive intent.
If this news about you being a leader has astonished you, don’t worry. I’ve got your back and will provide you with strategies to build your courage and confidence!
The power of encouragement
Think back to a time when you received negative feedback on something you said or did. How did you respond? You might have considered giving up to avoid embarrassment in front of your peers.
Now, recall a different time when you struggled with something and someone came along to encourage you and offer tips for your next attempt. How did you respond? What was the outcome?
Each scenario likely had different outcomes based on the type of feedback you received - negative versus encouraging. You and I both respond better to encouraging words. This is an important reminder as you interact with others.
Encouraging others creates a ripple effect that spreads positive influence far and wide. When you choose words or behaviors that boost someone's confidence or make success more likely, you initiate the ripple.
Your positive influence can multiply exponentially as the person you encourage goes on to uplift others, continually impacting lives.
In high school, I didn’t fully grasp the power of encouragement as I do today. Luckily, it felt natural to talk with Shawn about sports camps, introduce her to my coaches, and share the drills we practiced.
This helped her envision playing high school ball. She was easy to inspire because she had clear aspirations.
What made Shawn’s journey brilliant was her initiative in seeking a connection with someone (me) who was a few steps ahead to show her the path toward her goals.
She later became a key player on her high school teams, illustrating the lasting impact of encouragement and leadership.
My relationship with Shawn highlighted the significance of maintaining a positive mindset. I realized the importance of staying positive, competitive, and hardworking. You never truly know who is watching and taking notes on how you show up.
Practical steps to boost your growth mindset
Think of your growth mindset as your favorite piece of jewelry or your go-to makeup routine. Just like how you regularly clean and polish your jewelry to keep it sparkling or update your makeup routine to keep it fresh and flattering, your growth mindset needs regular attention and care. This is a necessary tool you need to sharpen if you are to be an effective and inspiring leader.
‘1. Embrace Challenges:
View challenges as opportunities to learn and grow rather than obstacles.
2. Celebrate Effort, Not Just Results
Focus on the effort and strategies used, rather than outcomes.
3. Pursue Curiosity
Pursue a love for learning by being curious and open to new experiences.
4. Surround Yourself with Growth-Oriented People
Build a supportive network that encourages and challenges you.
Incorporating these items into your daily life will support you and elevate you as a leader as you continue to covertly influence those around you: 😉
Elevating those around you
There’s hardly a more noble trait than living your life in such a way that elevates those around you. The irony is that by striving to embody integrity, kindness, and a positive mindset, you not only help others but also become that leader for your family, friends, and colleagues.
Why not step up and be that person for those around you?
If you find yourself mentoring someone, here are strategies to help you step into this role:
Strategies to identify potential and strengths in others
Active listening
Pay attention to people’s interests and passions. Ask open-ended questions to understand their motivations and goals.
Observation
Observe how individuals spend their time, approach tasks, and interact with others for insight into their strengths, potential, curiosities, and passions.
Feedback
Provide constructive feedback and encourage seeking more.
Encourage self-reflection
Promote self-assessment and reflection on achievements and challenges. Encourage them to identify moments of success or energy.
Recognize and celebrate their successes
Show interest in their achievements, no matter how small. Boost their confidence and motivation by celebrating their progress.
Embrace failure is a pathway to success
Remind them that failures are learning opportunities crucial to achieving success. Celebrate their growth and what they’ve learned from setbacks.
Being a leader is both a responsibility and a privilege that empowers you to inspire others.
Helping others achieve their passions and potential promotes their growth and also fuels your personal development, reigniting your spark.
It’s time for quick action
If you’re honest with yourself, you likely already know the action you want to take to embrace the responsibility now revealed by those who admire you.
Here are two key steps to begin your journey toward becoming your strongest and most resilient self, the leader others need in their lives:
Reflect on your mindset
Don’t worry if your mindset needs inspiration; place favorite quotes on sticky notes to reset during the day.
Be observant
Observe those around you. Are family, friends, or colleagues quietly watching and aspiring to be like you? Spend time with them and ask questions to tap into what they need.
Remember, admirers often include children—neighbors, nieces, nephews—who quietly watch and aspire to emulate your example.
Your authentic support will be deeply appreciated by those you mentor.
Staying connected
If you enjoyed this content and want more positive vibes, here’s how to stay connected…
Follow me: Visit my website to learn more about me and explore my Speaking and Coaching Services. Contact me for a free consultation.
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To Your Inner Leader! ⚡
Wendy