Why Should You Become A Leader?

We’ve taken this question for granted.

Much has been said about how to become a leader.  On the skills, tools, mindset, qualities, and traits.  Even their routines, and superstitions.

Why, then, would you want to be a leader?

For the recognition, power, and accomplishment

Traditionally, especially in our corporate, industrial revolution-informed world, being a leader meant being put in a position, to manage, lead, and control.

And being put in a leadership position usually comes after years of hard work, so it is seen as a laurel, and recognition of the hard work, talent, and contributions in an organization.

Yes, there is power, recognition, and a sense of accomplishment with being a leader, but there is also a lot of responsibility that comes with it.

Being a leader also doesn’t always mean you are in the right.  It doesn’t always mean you are doing good.  History is littered with leaders who have achieved recognition, power, and accomplishment, and have left in their wakes harm, poverty, and destruction.

Ultimately, leadership is a tool.  It is up to you to use the tool for whatever reasons you so wish.

Let’s make the world a better place, alright?

Leaders are in control

They have a say in what’s to be done, when it needs to be done, and sometimes, how it’s to be done.  Leaders have control of people, resources, and direction.

But more than control over those outside factors, leaders have control over themselves, their internal factors.  Because to lead others, they have to start leading themselves first.  True leadership happens, even without the position.

Every one can be a leader.

The true power of leadership is the power over self.  To have better comfort and control with one’s thoughts, feelings, and actions.  Which then lead to more control and influence over other external factors.

It is this power and control over self which enables leaders to do what they do.  It is what allows them the freedom to then flex their talents and skills, and get to the work that requires their leadership.

Lead yourself first, then others.

Leaders create results

And a lot of the current leadership literature has this as their focus.  Leaders are expected to lead, influence, and get things done.

Being a leader means using what you’ve got to create, to birth, to bring about something to the world.

Hopefully, something positive and will help a lot of people.

Making a will and a way to then get the various elements together, to create change, and to bring about results.

Leaders take purposeful action.

Leaders can make dreams into reality

Leaders have a power to get people together to work together towards a common goal.

And dreams, especially big dreams, are seldom achieved by one person alone.  Even if it’s your personal dream, you would be hard-pressed to be able to achieve it all on your own.  You’ve got to have the help of others.

Look at history, and all the stories of people achieving grand dreams and accomplishments are often hailed as leaders.  It is that mix of skills and qualities of leadership that then allows them to do what it takes to make dreams into reality.

Leaders are able to influence and inspire

Through their words, actions, and example, leaders are then able to inspire others to become better versions of themselves.

They are able to influence people to see the same view, the same vision as them, and eventually, to share and have a stake in that vision.

There’s magic in rallying people together.  It’s also a skill of a leader to communicate vision and expectations, and to always be in touch with who they are leading.

The journey of becoming a leader is a journey of self-development

For me, this is one of the most enticing benefits to be a leader.

Because to get to the point where I am able to consistently create results, make dreams into reality, and influence and inspire others, I’ve got to level up.

I’ve got to improve my skills, thinking, and my over-all being.

Being a leader is a full body-mind-heart-spirit exercise.

And the constant challenge, stretching, and growing, sharpens our skills, broadens our perspectives, and increases our influence.

If we let it.

A big part of the journey of development of being a leader is also about letting go.

Letting go of pride, prejudices, the need to be right.

Letting go of failure, success, and the pressure to be perfect.

Letting go of your current self, and to start transforming into your better self.

That process alone, is large enough reason to want to become a leader.

 

Why do you want to be a leader?  Please share in the comments below!