Real Leaders Don't Boss (21 page)

To help you better recognize your own passions and develop your path to success, consider the following four-step approach:

Assess
. Make a comprehensive list of what you do and don't enjoy doing now; how you do and don't like to spend your time, or what does and doesn't fascinate you. As part of that, inventory your current skills and those skills you would like to learn.

Explore.
Ask others how they found their passions. Volunteer for a cause that interests you, take a paid or unpaid internship to learn about a business, or take a class on a topic that intrigues you.

Experiment.
Take a risk by doing something new or outside your comfort zone. Seek out opportunities that offer new challenges.

Measure.
Evaluate what you did, and how proficient you were at it. Would you benefit from more training, effort, or preparation? Was the experience invigorating? Most people can improve their skills in weaker areas even if they don't master every technique.

As I remind my students, your confidence will grow as you try new activities. I once took an acting class and studied opera. To my chagrin—or as I suspected—I had absolutely no talent in these areas. But, the experiences taught me to appreciate both arts and the skills possessed by performers. It is okay and healthy to feel strange or awkward when you're outside of your element and as you try new things. Don't be stymied by stereotypes or typecasting, either. We are all different; each of us has our own unique qualities, curiosities, and passions, and they will probably change through time.

Real leaders believe in themselves, their ideals, and their goals and aspirations. If they fall down, they get back up, and try and try again until they are successful.

Real leaders are resourceful; they know what questions to ask and of whom.

Real leaders have passion about what they do and how they do it, enabling them to tap into the needs, hopes, and dreams of those around them. These are leaders who make indelible impressions on others, in their words and in their actions.

Real leaders have the guts to stand up for their ideals and directly confront the challenges on the figurative battlefields of corporate and personal life. Playing it safe is seldom the best option—in business, on battlefields, or in sports.

Real leaders inspire by giving back to the community and sharing with others. Whereas a boss's attitude is “I've got mine; now you get yours,” a real leader's attitude is “Let me share with you what I am fortunate to have.”

Inspired leadership can be the fuel that helps others achieve things they might not otherwise accomplish on their own.

 Chapter 5 
Real Leaders Value and Support Those They Lead