Leading from the Gut

WHO are you as a leader?

WHAT is the vision you have concerning leadership?

HOW is that vision communicated by action?

WHEN do you stand, and when do you bow out?

Leadership is a highly personal ‘personality’ trait.

With training and desire ANYONE can become a leader that other’s follow. It is critical though that you have a vision of who you want to be as a leader and then GO THAT DIRECTION.

People are full of opinions on how you should behave, how you should act and what you should do. HOWEVER, if it doesn’t ring true in your GUT…it probably isn’t for you.

All of us become emotionally attached to ‘our thing’ no matter how hard we try to be objective. Be honest in your assessment of the advice or direction that people are giving you. Are you resistant because it is ‘your pet’ or are you resistant because it just isn’t the fit for you?

Recently, in another realm of my life, I had to make a decision to either try and be a leader for something the way someone else wanted me to be — or bow out. After months of searching, I decided to bow out.

When YOU are the one responsible for results, activity and performance and when YOU are the one who can control the activities — you’ve got to STAND for what you believe.

When OTHERS control the activities, you sometimes have to bow out. Not because you aren’t invested in the group or activity — but because conflict is the only result of 2 heads trying to be the leader. When you can balance, it is a great place to be to learn new techniques and get a new point of view. But when it is obvious that ‘it just isn’t going to fit’, why cause further heartache? There is probably someone else that should be in the position you are not happy being.

Does that mean you should QUIT at the first sign of conflict?

ABSOLUTELY NOT!

It simply means that YOU KNOW what is right for you. BE your own MANAGER…be your own LEADER. Give yourself some great advice. Stand or bow out.

Leadership takes GUTS.