The benefits of climbing the professional stairs to become a leader in your area of interest are worth the hassle. However, contrary to what most people believe, being a leader doesn’t mean it stops there. The countless hours reading books geared towards leadership, having to correct your mistakes to be the best leader you can be, practicing good leadership traits and many other things you did on your way to becoming a leader shouldn’t stop. Becoming a leader only means you now have to be willing to submit yourself through the process once again. It means you;
Be consistent and ever seeking
As a leader, solving problems and handling tense situations becomes your life during your leadership tenure. These problems and situations are endless. This is why you need to be a teachable leader who is always seeking for knowledge to handle these situations continually. You should read news, books, and blogs, attend seminars, and work with others in your level to gain insight on how to deal with your position without caving into its pressure or failing to deliver as a leader.
Become a receiver
One thing that is difficult to get as a leader is genuine feedback. It’s either your subordinates fear to give you negative criticism or you assume you are right. Furthermore, you are a leader because you know what is best, right? Wrong! You need to learn how to be a receiver to grow and continue serving as a good leader. Cultivate an environment where people will give you constructive feedback whether positive or negative. Take the initiative and ask your staff to offer you feedback. And once you receive it, act on it. Work to correct the negatives and keep doing what you are doing to keep the positives. Show people, you are willing to grow with their help.
Be a good follower
Learning never ends. When you become a leader, look for a mentor. It might be another CEO, a leadership coach, or a colleague. It is essential to have such people in your life to help you through the tough times as a leader and even share their past experiences as a way of teaching you how to cope. We need to be mentored as leaders to remain on track.
Become a producer
Finally, being a leader adds another responsibility besides your traditional leadership roles. That is, you need to mentor others. Pass on the knowledge to others wishing to be leaders. Help them grow. Do not let the insights you have gained end with you. This builds your character and adds to your competence as a leader.
Do not allow the power and the feeling of accomplishment get in the way of learning as a leader. Work to have the above traits and help yourself become a great leader.
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