Leading yourself is about things like managing your emotions, time, and priorities.
If you can’t manage yourself well, over time, others won’t trust you, respect you, or follow you. Eventually, they may not even listen to you.
Here’s the point; you matter, your leadership voice matters, and people are counting on you. So don’t forfeit your potential by ignoring the basics.
3. Know when to speak up and when to be quiet.
I remember well when John (Maxwell) said to me, “Dan, don’t give me a history lesson. If you think the train is headed over a cliff, tell me before it happens.” That was a leadership masterclass in 30 seconds.
If you think your boss is making a mistake, say so before it happens.
Anyone can say, “Yeah, I saw that coming” (after-the-fact,) but how is that helpful? Trust your gut and speak up.
Speak up respectfully, but speak up.
In contrast, when you have spoken up and been heard, it’s now time to be quiet.
Don’t make your boss feel like they must always take your advice. They soon won’t want to hear it any longer.
4. Add specific value.
The first way to add value to those above you is to fulfill your responsibilities and accomplish your goals.
It’s surprising how quickly others want to know what you think (hear your leadership voice) when you are really good at what you do.
Adding value to those above you is not office politics; it represents a servant’s heart and the desire to lighten their load when you can.
It is true that if someone wants to add value only to those above them, that is unfortunate, but that is not my assumption.
A simple way to add value is to ask your boss this question, “How can I help you today?”
Adding value is good; adding specific value is great. Find out the real needs and be willing to do what others won’t. Take the initiative.
5. Do what you’ve been asked to do before you ask for what you want to do.
It’s tough to wait, I know. We all have drive, dreams, and want to make a difference. However, it’s essential to allow your growth to catch up with your aspirations and give others room to see your value.
It’s unwise to attempt to force this process.
My advice is to thoroughly love what you’ve been asked to do, build that ministry well, enjoy the process, and in time you’ll be asked to do your dream job.
If you are not invited into your dream job where you are, you’ll have been preparing, and another door will open.
6. Seek to be aware of the pressures your leaders carry.
When you’re aware of some of the pressure your leader(s) carry, it helps you gain perspective on their decisions, how they use their time, and what matters most to them.
You don’t have to fully understand your boss’s pressure, but just being aware and grateful you don’t have to carry it increases your ability to lead up.
