The 5 Characteristics Good Leaders Have- and How to Integrate them into Your Daily Life
January 24, 2020
In a fast-paced and innovative society, millennials everywhere- whether in high school or recently graduated with their PhD’s- are continually striving to be “the best of the best. ” Howeve
In a fast-paced and innovative society, millennials everywhere- whether in high school or recently graduated with their PhD’s- are continually striving to be “the best of the best." However, there is something that these individuals fail to recognize: anyone can meet the degree requirements, yet it takes someone unique with certain characteristics to stand out from the pool of thousands who want to be the next Bill Gates or Steve Jobs. You can be a leader too! Here is how to land your dream job or achieve the next big goal on your bucket list:
1. Confidence
Being confident is all about believing in yourself by firmly asserting your beliefs. They say fake it until you make it, right? Having self-assurance in the workforce is a key characteristic that employers consistently seek when hiring. Fortune 500 companies find affirmative individuals beneficial to their companies to best represent them and their ideologies. If you have a little faith and practice the art of confidence to the best of your ability, you will be surprised at how enhanced your leadership skills will be!
2. Prioritization
It is a common misconception that the nation’s most successful leaders are doing a million things at once- working, volunteering, and working some more. While this may seem like the case, an adept leader simply just knows how to prioritize, and how to prioritize effectively. Make a list of reasonable goals- both long and short term- that you can realistically see yourself achieving. Create a timely plan to set out to accomplish them but make sure you make some time for yourself along the way. A productive leader is one who not only knows how to work, but also knows how to relax and have some fun. Take a walk, go out with friends, or spend some time for yourself binge-watching a new show on Netflix. Learning how to prioritize is important both professionally and personally, so make sure to practice this skill to the extent of its value.
3. A Positive Attitude
Like confidence, thinking on the bright side automatically increases your mood and perspective on life. Seeing the glass half full may make all the difference. Even if something goes slightly awry, try to see that experience as an outlier on the scatterplot and learn from it, Life happens and things are always unexpected. A positive outlook can transform an ordinary young adult into a powerful executive.
4. Public Speaking
Did you know that public speaking is the #1 biggest fear in America, even over death? Not everyone may be cut out to be a motivational speaker in an arena crowd, yet speaking eloquently and formulating your ideas in a chronological way can impress colleagues. Eye contact, a good handshake, and a mature tone of voice can evoke a greater level of corporate professionalism that you may not have realized you had.
5. Passion
It has been said that if you do what you love, you never feel like you are working a day in your life. This, from personal experience, I can validate. Everyone has something contributable to society and it takes one step- whether that be hosting a fundraiser or contacting Congress- to get to a great destination. Passion is key, so make sure to follow your heart and a true-born leader will begin to emerge.
Five simple steps can surely make a difference. Leadership speaks volumes. Get involved, make a change, and dare to dream.
