Not everyone has what it takes to be a leader. It requires certain qualities and characteristics that are partly innate and partly can be learned over the years. A leader is not someone who plays the boss or someone who tells others what to do. On the contrary. A true leader has very different characteristics. Are you a leader or a follower?
Do you think in terms of opportunities?
A leader thinks in opportunities and in challenges. With every problem and in every difficult situation, the leader sees how this creates new opportunities. A follower, on the contrary, thinks in limitations and impossibilities.
Are you holding on to your vision?
Whether it is a business strategy, a marketing campaign or product development; a leader comes up with his or her own plan and sticks to it no matter what. Not copying what others do, but formulating a unique, individual vision that differs from how the majority does it. Leaders realize that in an age of enormous competition, it is important to differentiate yourself by doing things completely differently.
Do you dare to make decisions?
What do you do when you know a decision could turn out to be wrong? In that case, do you find it safer not to make a decision? That's where leaders differ from followers. Sometimes you are faced with a difficult choice. Do you turn left or right? A leader knows that not making a choice is not an option.
"Leaders rather make a decision and be wrong than suffer from the paralysis of indecision."
Do you take responsibility?
When something goes wrong, a leader dares to take responsibility for it. Even if it is not directly his or her fault. This is better than pointing fingers at others or blaming circumstances.
Do you bring out the best in people?
A leader is only as good as the performance of his or her followers. As a leader, you inspire and motivate others. You give them confidence, appreciation and acknowledge their qualities. In this way, you bring out the best in them.
Are you learning new things every day?
Regardless of your experience, your knowledge and your past successes; as a true leader, you are not shy about recognizing that every day is an opportunity to learn new things. As soon as you think you have all the wisdom, your personal development stops. As a leader, you are always open to new sounds, new ideas and new developments.
Can you see far ahead?
Leaders have a clear vision for the future and share it with others. They know their ambitions and the goals they want to achieve. Followers think only one step ahead, focusing on the moment or aligning themselves with the leader's vision.
But...a good leader is sometimes also a follower
A good leader also knows at what times it is better to listen to others, respond to events and change plans or strategies. In other words, to be a follower at the right time.
