Personal Development: Leadership as A Lifestyle

 All Leadership is influence. ~ John C. Maxwell

Leadership skills are not only for your workplace, but should be used in all areas of your life. In your role at work, as a spouse, a mom, however challenging they may be, your exposure to them helps create the leader in you.  Embracing those areas of your life where you have a leadership role helps you to lead better.  Living a leadership lifestyle will set you apart from others as someone who is in charge, capable and intently driven. It puts you in a place where others watch what you do, look to you for direction and notice if your actions are in line with your beliefs.
 

Living Life|With Purpose

Being intentional and focused, which are, by the way, fundamental traits of a leader, will not only clarify goals for those around you, but inspire those you are directing, to tune into your vision...whereby, illuminating your influence. A lifestyle of leadership in your own  home, alone, can teach your child how his or her contributions; such as doing chores, contributing to family meetings, and participating in family activities, fit into the big picture and can lead to a lifetime of success. There are a few simple but important rules to follow when applying leadership skills  as a lifestyle, at work and in life.

1. Walk the walk. You give your words real meaning when you act on them yourself.  When you act out the concepts you say you believe in, whether at work, home, volunteering or wherever, you show that something is true through your actions. Not only are your employees watching you, but your family is also; your kids and your spouse. Always keep the phrase, "actions speak louder than words", close to you.  A lifestyle leader, who believes in and lives by the principles he or she defends, will inspire results. 
2. Focus on one simple concept or goal. While your company, family or group may have more than just one goal, focusing on one in particular will put everyone involved in the same mindset. Naming a single goal likely will actually answer a lot of questions about specific scenarios. By singling in on one goal at a time you won't have too much going on and it keeps motivation in check.  Having to much going on often leads to you splitting your focus and nothing getting done.  A leader will eliminate the picking and choosing of projects, trading difficult responsibilities for easier ones or skipping out on chores at home. Formulating one clear, result-oriented goal that could be achieved in a specific time, is the best way to get results, whether with subordinates at work or in your home with family. 

Dare to.... Be at the Top of Your Game

It's easier to go down a hill than up it but the view is much better at the top.
Henry Ward Beecher

Dare to...

Are you at the top of your game?  Are you doing really well, doing extraordinarily well? Maybe you're a doctor and you've been recognized as the best in your field. A well respected lawyer who's a partner in a top firm. Perhaps you're a super stay-at-home mother and the envy of all the parents at the playground. Dreams don’t come true unless you are motivated enough to work towards your goals and strive persistently until they are accomplished. As the road to success gets tougher, most people lose heart and soon give up on their dreams, but keeping your eye on your vision and working diligently will propel you to the top where the view is much better.

But if you are doing extraordinarily well; where you have achieved that kind of recognition and success, you're considered to be at the top of your game.  As notable psychologist, author and speaker, Dr. Robin says it's easy to become arrogant... it can go to your head, but you shouldn't. "You don't have to be a jerk because you are excellent; you don't have to be a jerk because you do it better," she says. "You don't have to be a snob; you don't have to act in that oh-so-powerful way if you are at the top of your game."  Dr. Robin says those really at the top of their game, in every way possible, are people who are:

• compassionate 

• willing to share their expertise 

• great role models for anyone looking to find success.

"Partner your passion, your purpose with your skill set, and you will be a winner and at the top of your game." Dr. Robin Smith

You want to be at the top of your game? Just apply the very strong, intense emotion or desire you have inside of you to something you love to do, to your intentional or voluntary behavior of active awareness, with the ability you have to do something well, whether it arises from talent, or acquired through training. And as Dr. Robin implied, just leave out the arrogant, full of yourself attitude and add some compassion, be willing to share, and be a role model to any. You can do it... I dare you.