Richard Cox asked:
Perhaps the most fundamental characteristic of leadership, and therefore of transformational leaders, is personal leadership. The ability to define what you want out of life and how you are going to get there is the first step in developing leadership. With that being the starting point, it all seems pretty local, however there are other parts to the experience that are not always easy to access.
As a transformational leader there are many uncertainties to navigate. There will be times when you are shaken to your core, and put in positions that you would not likely have chosen to be in, had you the choice. Nevertheless, there you are, in the situation, and the person that can help you out right now, is You. You are the one that will make a choice as to what you will do next.
Knowing about your BEING as much as your DOING will assist you in finding your own guidance on the matter. Any experienced leader will tell you that it is a mixture of head and heart that will guide you to your destination. Personal transformational leadership is about more than doing. It is about being the master of your internal and external realities.
Here are some steps that can guide you on your path:
1.Know who you are
This is critical. If you are able to define who you are, and never lose sight of that, you have a solid standpoint to come from. There will be forces that seek to pull or push you off your path, and you may be taken off track more than once. If you can know who you are, you can return to that, time and time again. When all else around you makes no sense, you can trust yourself.
2.Be prepared to change
Life is change. Change is all around us. What we see in front of us, may not always be what is real. Our minds can trick us into believing all kinds of lies about ourselves, others and the world around us. If you are willing to shift your perspective, and be flexible, your Transformational Leadership journey will be easier to walk.
3.Do what it takes – lead by example
When you are willing to do what it takes to change for the better, or to weather adverse situations, others are more likey to respect that. If you are asking others to change, they will most likely check your integrity before they fully commit to the vision, mission or goal. They want to be able to trust you, and you are willing to lead by example, you increase the chances of that happening.
4.Be Authentic (Yourself)
In a nutshell, it is about being authentic. The real you, as you are. Be honest and be human. We are all in this together. If you are trying to be someone else, or wear a mask to influence or manipulate others to follow, they will eventually see through it. Besides, it takes a huge amount of energy to keep that facade up, doesn’t it?. Being yourself, you can relax, and focus on the most important issues, rather than being stressed out and anxious about how others are going to see you.
As a transformational leader, you can activate your personal transformational leadership by being aware of yourself. Be willing to change the parts of you that no longer serve you or those around you. Then you will be respected for who you are, not just for what you do.