Developing into the Leader that People Want to Follow
In the book “Becoming” by David T Jenson, we are taken on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. We witness the author’s personal growth and development as a leader, and how he was able to become someone that people genuinely wanted to follow. This is a topic that is relevant not only in the business world but in all aspects of life. We all want to be leaders, but how do we become the kind of leader that people want to follow? Let’s explore the key traits and lessons from “Becoming” that can help us develop into the leader that people aspire to be.
Self-Awareness: The Foundation of Leadership
One of the key themes in “Becoming” is the importance of self-awareness. The author emphasizes that before we can lead others, we must first understand ourselves. This means identifying our strengths, weaknesses, values, and beliefs. Self-awareness allows us to be authentic and genuine, which are essential traits of a successful leader. It also enables us to understand how our actions and decisions affect those around us, making us more empathetic and relatable.
To develop self-awareness, we must be willing to reflect on ourselves and seek feedback from others. We should also be open to constructive criticism and actively work on improving ourselves. As the author says, “The more we know ourselves, the more we can lead others.”
Vision: The North Star of Leadership
A leader without a vision is like a ship without a rudder, drifting aimlessly. A clear and compelling vision is the foundation of effective leadership. It provides direction, purpose, and motivation to both the leader and their team. In “Becoming,” the author emphasizes the importance of having a vision that is bigger than oneself.
To develop a vision, we must first identify our goals and aspirations. We should then articulate them into a clear and concise statement that inspires and motivates others. A compelling vision is one that is inclusive and aligns with the values and beliefs of the team. As the author puts it, “A leader’s vision should be a collective dream, not an individual one.”
Communication: The Key to Successful Leadership
Communication is a crucial aspect of leadership. It is the medium through which we convey our vision, goals, and expectations to our team. In “Becoming,” the author stresses the importance of effective communication, both verbal and nonverbal. He also highlights the significance of active listening, which allows us to understand our team’s needs and concerns.
To become an effective communicator, we must be clear, concise, and consistent in our messaging. We should also be approachable and open to feedback from our team. Communication is a two-way street, and it is essential to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable expressing their thoughts and ideas.
Empathy: The Heart of Leadership
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. In “Becoming,” the author talks about the importance of empathy in leadership, and how it can create a positive and productive work environment. Empathetic leaders are more likely to have loyal and committed team members who feel valued and understood.
To develop empathy, we must put ourselves in other people’s shoes and try to see things from their perspective. We should also practice active listening and show genuine interest in our team’s well-being. Empathy allows us to connect with our team on a deeper level and build strong relationships based on trust and understanding.
Adaptability: The Key to Navigating Change
In today’s fast-paced world, change is inevitable, and leaders must be able to adapt to it. In “Becoming,” the author talks about the importance of adaptability and how it helped him navigate through challenging times. He also emphasizes the need to be open-minded and embrace new ideas and perspectives.
To become more adaptable, we must be willing to step out of our comfort zone and try new things. We should also be open to feedback and be flexible in our approach. A leader who can adapt to change is more likely to lead their team successfully through any situation.
In Conclusion
Becoming a leader that people want to follow is a continuous process. It takes self-awareness, a clear vision, effective communication, empathy, and adaptability to become a successful leader. As we have seen in “Becoming” by David T Jenson, it is