Seven Steps to Become a Better Leader

SEVEN STEPS TO BECOME A BETTER LEADER

1. FOLLOW LEADERS WHO YOU LOOK UP TO: There is no better way to learn how to do something than to find someone else who you admire and who does that thing well.

There is an endless number of amazing leaders out there, but it comes down to what type of leader you want to be. So while I could share a list of leaders who you might follow, your list is likely going to look different.

TAKE ACTION: Pick out 2, 3 or even 4 leaders who you admire – either for their speaking abilities, their expertise in a particular industry or niche, their ability to teach others who can learn from their mistakes – and read their articles, follow their speaking engagements, and check out their presence on social media and within online communities.

As you start to follow these leaders, notice how they present themselves, how they teach, and how they communicate.

You will soon find that leaders have an effective way of getting out there and being seen and heard, and that is great news for you because it means you can learn from them.

2. PRACTICE THE THINGS THAT MAKE YOU

UNCOMFORTABLE: If you know you want to become a better leader, then you probably already know many of the things required of you. But there is a reason you have not taken action on those things: you are scared.

I have been there, and I know it is not easy to get out of your comfort zone. I also know that practicing – taking one step at a time – will get you to where you want to go. So, what do you practice exactly? Well, that ultimately depends on what type of leader you want to be, but you can start by:

Practicing to become a better speaker, building stronger relationships, taking yourself out of your comfort zone

TAKE ACTION: Start practicing the things that make you uncomfortable with a mentor or friend. Before you know it, you will not only become better at doing these things, but you might grow to like them!

Anything that makes you uncomfortable will make you stronger and more confident after you have achieved it, and building confidence is necessary to become a great leader.

3. TELL YOURSELF EVERY DAY THAT YOU ARE A

LEADER AND BELIEVE IT!

It is easy to tell yourself all the things you are not: you’re not good enough at this, or strong enough at that… It

becomes comforting to know the things you are not, because it means you cannot fail at those things. If you already know you cannot do it, then it will not be a surprise when you do not.

LISTEN UP: If you want to become a better leader, you have to believe that you are a leader and start acting like one.

TAKE ACTION: Look at yourself in the mirror every morning, and tell yourself out loud that you are a leader.

Follow that up with one thing you will do today to start acting like one.

4. LEARN SOMETHING NEW ABOUT YOUR

EXPERTISE, INDUSTRY OR NICHE EVERY DAY: I do not care what expertise you have, or what industry or niche you are in; in the online world, things are changing by the minute.

To maintain your leadership level and your expertise – your ability to teach people things that will keep them from making the same mistakes you have, and that will help them get to where they want to go – you have to stay on top of the changes that are happening around you.

TAKE ACTION: Do keyword searches for words and phrases that are trending in your world.

Then, find relevant articles, writers, and publications who keep up with the latest and greatest and add them to Feely, or whatever platform you use to track your favorite feeds.

5. GATHER RESOURCES YOU USE AND THAT YOU

WOULD RECOMMEND TO OTHERS: If you are seen as an authority figure by others, then you better believe you are the one they will be looking to for resources and advice.

This is why it is important to have a collection of resources you have not only used and believe in, but that you also feel strongly about recommending to others. TAKE ACTION: Every time you use a new resource or tool, take notes on your experience. Once you have a strong list of 5 resources or more that you know your followers can benefit from, create a resources page on your site. NOTE: Your credibility depends on these recommendations, so choose wisely

6. READ MORE: In addition to following leaders who you look up to, and learning something new about your expertise, industry, or niche every day, it is also important to read. Business books abound, proven and recommended by today’s top entrepreneurs.