Leadership – Do You See a Diamond in the Rough?
I have been reading Seth Godin’s book Linchpin. I am finding a wealth of information and guidance about how leaders behave, grow, and become indispensable to their companies, organizations, and maybe even friends.
I not only own my own business with really terrific clients, but am involved in the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) in a variety of volunteer positions. Note the word ‘volunteer’. Since joining IAAP in 2001, I have held different offices ranging from committee chair to the 2007-2009 Colorado-Wyoming-Montana Division President. It is not that common to serve two years as President, but I managed – and while managing – I learned a lot about leadership.What it is, what it isn’t, what is expected, and how to (ahem) manage myself and expectations.
I will be traveling to Denver this month to give a presentation about leadership and what IAAP members might get out of stepping up and becoming a leader. There are so many benefits to taking that huge leap and taking charge! Many of them are professional but there can be an equal number of personal benefits. All I can do is speak from my experience, and, of course, from what I read if it resonates with me.
A leader must be able to see the whole picture and guide others in order to get to the goal. I like that Seth mentions leaders are artists and give gifts. How many of us don’t like to receive a gift? A leader’s gifts can be many things – it can be: giving the gift of communication, action, ownership, risk taking, vision, and most importantly – the gift of growth. People who take the reins of leadership in IAAP know they are not left on their own. We have so many intelligent and talented leaders who are willing to share and mentor. IAAP is known to be a very safe place to take a leadership role.
I learned so much from being a leader, trying new things (mainly because no one would tell me ‘No’) because it was a safe place and I had many people who believed in me and my vision. I saw many people and things as polished diamonds – and tried to empower others to just say ‘Yes!’ and do some really exciting things.
Being a business owner lends some strength to my leadership abilities, as I am the creative engineer and mechanical engineer in it. Or as Anastacia might say, I am both a goat and an eagle in my business. Experience as a leader helps both my goat and eagle in so many ways.
Don’t be afraid to be a leader or volunteer for something that might take you out of your comfort zone. It can be hard, true. But, in the long run, you can learn so much about yourself and others.
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