Leaders are often portrayed as born with the gift of leadership and some have it and others do not. But the truth is, that successful leaders do not have the gift from birth but had to learn how to develop the gift. Becoming a good leader requires self-awareness and continually learn and commit to personal development. They must unlock their own potential to become an impactful leader by focusing on key areas of understanding values, embracing emotional intelligence, commitment to being a lifelong learner, adopting resilience, and developing a vision that inspires others.

The journey begins with a good sense of self-awareness. What this means is to understand the values that guide their decisions and action. Those values serve as an internal compass, helping navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Leaders take time to reflect on what matters most. Is it excellence, compassion, integrity, humility, or integrity? One must identify the core values that align with their leadership style. When actions align with their values, they lead with authenticity and people develop trust in their leadership and follow them. Authentic leaders inspire loyalty and respect because they are perceived as genuine and trustworthy.

Emotional intelligence is a crucial component of effective leadership. It involves the ability to understand, recognize, and manage your emotions, as well as the emotions of others. Leaders with high emotional intelligence are better equipped to manage stress, make thoughtful decisions, and build strong relationships with their team members.

To develop emotional intelligence, practice self-regulations. This means staying calm and composed under pressure and responding to challenges with a clear mind rather than reacting impulsively. Leaders who practice emotional intelligence seek to embrace empathy in understanding how others are feeling and make that a part of their leadership style. These leaders are better at resolving conflicts, creating a positive work culture and motivation.

Leaders never stop learning and contributing to their team. The world is constantly changing, and one must stay ahead by being willing to seek out added information, skills, and experiences. Take courses, read articles and books continually (audio books are a great resource when driving), attend webinars and conferences on relevant topics. Write posts in LinkedIn groups and end the post asking for others to share their wisdom.

Lifelong learners are open to feedback and constructive criticism from peers, bosses, and subordinates for gaining valuable insight to grow professionally and personally. Leaders do not view feedback as a threat but as an opportunity to improve. They are better equipped to lead through any changes that will be beneficial for improving processes and efficiencies.

Leadership is not without its challenges. Setbacks, failures, and obstacles are inevitable, but what separates successful leaders from others is resilience which is their ability to bounce back from adversity. Resilience is not about avoiding difficulties, but about facing them head-on and learning.

To nurture resilience, cultivate a positive mindset. Focus on solutions rather than problems, and view challenges as opportunities for growth. Build a dedicated support network of colleagues, mentors, and friends who provide guidance and encouragement during challenging times.

Resilient leaders also practice self-care. Taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being is crucial for maintaining the stamina needed to lead effectively. Look for ways to recharge and stay balanced. By building resilience, you will be better prepared to lead through the highs and lows of any journey.

Finally, to unlock the best version of yourself as a leader, cultivate a clear and compelling vision. Your vision is the roadmap that guides your team toward a common goal. It must be ambitious yet achievable, inspiring yet based in reality.

A successful leader not only has a vision but is able to communicates it effectively. Sharing your vision is a way that connects you with others and influences them to work with passion and commitment.

Leadership is a journey, not a destination. As you grow and evolve, so too will your ability to inspire and guide others.

Proverbs 12:25b Encouraging words can uplift and bring joy to others.