James Smith’s Info Serv

Author: Willie Horton

It only takes one person to believe. That statement is littered across so many texts, over so many centuries - from spiritual literature, to the chronicles of the great explorers and inventors, to the field of professional sport. That belief may sometimes be described as single-mindedness, focus or vision - but they’re all just words that describe a state of mind that is not only abnormal or exceptional, but one which is the defining hallmark of great and inspirational leaders.

I’m not simply talking about people whose names we all know - anyone can be an inspirational leader within his or her chosen field of endeavour - all it takes is an understanding and experience of the clear and present state of mind that sets inspirational leaders apart.

But first, what do I mean that it only takes one person to believe?

Many years ago, I worked with a client who was the National Sales Director of a major life assurance company. As Sales Director, he directed the troops - he had no direct influence over individual sales. But he told me that he “set his mind” to the achievement of $274,390 new sales for a particular week - there was no science to the calculation of the amount, it just “felt” like the correct figure even though it was more than three times their normal week’s sales.

On the Friday morning, an hour before their midday deadline, he stood in their New Business Department. At that moment, as a result of a number of policy cancelations, their new sales for the week stood at -$14,000! Staff where telling him that he was deranged - but he retorted that he didn’t want any of their negative energy getting in the way of the flow of business. In his own words, he described how “It was like standing in the middle of that large room, waving a magic wand. The ‘phones started ringing all over the place, business was coming in from salesmen who hadn’t had a decent sale in weeks. At five minutes to midday we had clocked up $274,389.13 - 0.87c short of my goal! All I had to do was stick to my belief, it didn’t matter what those around me thought.”
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In today’s competitive world, it pays to be smart. No matter how smart you are, I am sure there is something you could “get smarter” about. Below are some qualities of smart people. As you read the list, ask yourself: Am I as smart as I could be in this area? How could I get smarter?

1. Make Decisions Intuitively

Smart people listen to and follow their intuition. They know how intuitions and insights come to them and are tuned-in internally to make wise decisions.

2. Are Self-Aware

Smart people are aware of who they are— strengths, weaknesses, personality, values, etc. As Confucious once said, “He who knows others is wise, he who knows himself is enlightened,” they know that the most important (and interesting) thing to know about is “self.”
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What does it take to become a good leader? What are the traits that set leaders apart from those who just follow the pack? Are leaders born or made? These questions may plague a high school kid who is about to run for school presidency, or an employee who has just been promoted to a supervisory position. Even those who are about to become first time parents have secretly asked themselves questions about the new leadership role that they are going to have to play in their child’s life.

If you examine closely, you will discover that leaders tend to share some common characteristics, whether they lead in their sports team, at the work place, or at school. They tend to have something that sets them apart from the others. This is called leadership quality. But before you become a leader, you must first develop your leadership skills.

Earn the respect of your peers by leading through example.

Follow what you preach. What better way to lead others than by setting an example. The best way for a leader to earn the respect of their peers is by showing that they work hard and put in a lot of effort into what they do. Most of all, they show their dedication to getting the job done.

Be an inspiration to others.

It is important for leaders to be able to effectively work with others. Leaders must possess excellent communication skills. This involves not only being able to express their vision and communicate what needs to be done; but also, leaders must know how to listen. They have to be able to appease the concerns of those they are leading. They also have to earn their trust, and be considerate to their needs. The ability to lead and work well with others is especially crucial when applied to a working environment. Leaders have to know how to motivate their employees, and get them to do what needs to be done.

Read books on how to become an effective leader.

Those who want to become efficient leaders have to invest their time in reading motivational books. There are hundreds and hundreds of instructional, motivational, how to books and videos dedicated to the topic of leadership. This is a great place to pick up tips on effective leadership. Also, those motivational stories might come in handy for those one on one pep talk that sometimes leaders need to conduct.

Emulate the leaders you look up to.

Try to think of two or three leaders you admire, and assess the reason why you look up to these leaders. Try to learn as much as you can about their lives. Find out what traits and quality they possess that made them such effective and influential leaders. See if you have learned anything about the great deeds of these people that you can incorporate into your own leadership style.

Attitude is everything.

Leaders do not give up. They go on, even though the odds are stacked against them. They do not get easily fazed when confronted by setbacks and crises. They do this by being optimistic, maintaining a positive attitude, and showing their strength through perseverance. By doing so, they become inspirational figures to others.

Becoming a leader is not always a choice; sometimes, it is born out of necessity. Practically anyone has the potential to become a leader given the opportunity, proper training, and the right set of circumstances. Leadership skills can be developed; it is just a matter of having some discipline and dedication.

About the Author:

Leaders are often made not born. If you want to efficiently lead any team to success then you have to know these 12 winning qualities of a highly competent leader: http://www.top-leadership-secrets.com
Read more articles by: David Idle