17 Sep 5 Tips For Those Who Will Lead The Future
Have you read Andy Stanley’s book Next Generation Leader? It’s a really good book to have in your collection, so many interesting nuggets to chew on. I found it to be packed with several life lessons that has been useful in applying to my own life. If you are a millennial who is forward thinking and want to find ways to lead your community, family, country or personal life more effectively, here are five tips from the book which you may consider using.
1. Find a good leadership coach
– This can be someone who you believe is really good or experienced at what they do and you would like their input to grow in an area. The men and women you target may not always have the time to prepare or develop a training program for you. Simply ask them to evaluate a specific facet of your leadership, or give their opinion. Your aim is to grow on your weak areas. If you have chosen wisely their input will become quite valuable. The important thing is to ask specific questions and focus on a specific area.
Eg. If the person is a leader in the area you work you could simply ask them to evaluate how you lead out in meetings or if they notice any unhealthy dynamics in your group etc.
2. Always be a learner
– Learn everything you can about yourself from anybody who will pause long enough to observe and evaluate. Look for an environment where you will be coached, not just paid. In the early years of your career what you learn is far more important than what you earn. In fact what you learn early on will determine what you earn later. As a leader what you don’t know about yourself can put a lid on your leadership. You owe it to yourself and to those who choose to follow you.
3. Share what you know
– As a leader you may not know everything there is to know about leadership. But I encourage you to share what you know with leaders around you. As you pour into their cup what God and others have poured into yours, they will go farther and faster. They will be better leaders having known you.
4. Become a leadership coach
– While you are looking for a leadership coach, never underestimate your experiences and what you’ve learnt, go ahead and become a coach to another leader around you. You may not feel adequate but trust me you’d be surprised how much you have to share.
5. Observe, Instruct, Inspire
– Invite someone who will observe how you lead, as leaders we are always on center stage in front of all those who have chosen to follow us. An observant coach can evaluate and help you lead better. Good leadership coaches are also teachers, they can help to instruct you in the right way. A good leadership coach will do everything he or she can to help you close the gap between your potential and your performance. That may include brutal honesty so don’t be easily offended. He or she will inspire in you a mental image of what could and should be true of you as a leader. So, get on with it and start leading today.
Some great resources to check out are :
Next Generation Leader by Andy Stanley 21 Irrefutable Laws by John Maxwell