Leaders get things done and, on a certain level, it really is that simple. It is impossible to be a leader if you don’t manage to set goals and then achieve those goals. Establishing goals and then taking the steps necessary to see them through is about motivation.
There are many aspects to being an effective leader, such as leading by example, keeping promises, making good decisions and much more. But at the heart of the issue, the real meat, is motivation. Leading is about building and building is about consistency. For consistency to take root, it is necessary to motivate. In short, without motivation there really is no lasting or tangible leadership.
Entire books are written on the idea of leadership, why leadership matters, how you can be a leader, are leaders born or made and all the rest. Yet, choosing to be a leader and then making it happen, again, all comes down to motivation. Followers look for other people to serve as their motivation beacon. On the other hand, leaders choose to create paths and then move forward; this is how to think like a leader.
Leader is always about doing. If you want to think like a leader, start thinking about how to get things done. There is no doubt that the issue of leadership is complex one. But at its core, it is this component of motivation that is so very important.
Given the situation and the setting, certain leadership deficiencies can be dealt with. Poor speaking skills, a lack of knowledge and even a lack of charisma can all be overcome in time with effort and training, but it is difficult to instill internal motivation if it simply doesn’t exist.
The question you need to ask yourself if you want to be a leader is, “Am I internally motivated to achieve the goals that I have established?” If the answer is no, that doesn’t mean that you are not a leader and that you will never have the internal motivation that you need to get things done. What it does, however, is indicate that you may have chosen the wrong goals and path. If this is the case, don’t worry. Instead simply reassess and head forward to find a new path. After all, that is what real leaders do.
Dr. Madeline Ann Lewis is the President/CEO of the Executive Women’s Success Institute (www.exwsi.com) in Maryland. She is a career strategist, speaker, trainer, consultant and the author of Finding Your Best Inside: How to Become the Person You Are Meant to Be and Playing from the Blue Tee: Women in the Federal Government. Reach her by e-mail at www.exwsi.com.