Impactful Leaders are…
- Accountable. Leaders are not victims or blamers. Leaders do not make excuses. They look at what they can do and get it done. They are not perfect and focus on failing forward, not spinning in indecision, perfection, or trying to get ahead. They drive forward because they are constantly building. Rather than feeling down, bad, or guilty, they look at what they can do about it and make things happen.
- Selfless. Leaders have a heart for others along with their goals, but first for others. Leaders are their best when they lead by supporting others to be successful. One win = team win. Do not do things for personal recognition. There is no “I” in team.
- Prepared. Leaders know and work well ahead of deadlines. They are constantly aware of the goal, timeline, and what it takes. They are chipping away, so they are ready before the deadline. They have margin and space for going above and beyond with excellence. Not scraping by on the edge or late. Excellence, not perfectionism.
- Driven and Communicate. Leaders are decisive, directive, and determined because they know what they want, and they make it happen. Not only for themselves but for the world around them. Rising tides raise all, the leader and everyone with them. They do not avoid conflict but gently and patiently navigate through it. They are clear on their mission, vision, and goals and seek to understand others, finding the common win-win. They over-communicate so there is no misunderstanding, confusion, or ambiguity, so any person on the team can share the mission. Clarity is king.
- Disciplined. Leaders are disciplined and act. Always working with a plan because they know what they want, how it will make things better for others, and themselves. They have a path and plan to make it all come together.
- Humble. Leaders are humble and passionate. They are willing to do what it takes and do hard work to get results, rather than feeling entitled to good results without hard work. They ask, “Why does this matter for others and how will it benefit or support them?” They care about people and contribution. Leaders care because they believe people matter, and they want people to know and feel they matter and are willing to work hard for what is right, helps, and makes a positive impact.
- Prosperity-minded. Leaders know there is enough for everyone and know they make the bed they lie in. If they want it, they make it happen by investing over time, not just at the last minute. They are not victim-minded and do not wait for it to be handed or given to them because that is not how it works. God is faithful and blesses, but He wants you to be a wise steward of your gifts and talents and to use them. He blesses what you are doing, not just because you are waiting for a blessing.
- Curious & Adaptable. Leaders are learners. They read books, watch videos, and look to be mentored by those they aspire to be like and ask questions of them. They realize there is always more to learn and seek to NOT be the smartest person in the room. They can admit when they are wrong and love learning and expanding their thoughts, awareness, and ideas. They can adjust and flex with changing winds and situations, rather than being attached to being right or having it their way. They are nimble and agile and find flexibility through constant study, learning, and innovation.
- Self-Aware & Authentic. Leaders know themselves, their strengths, and their weaknesses. Know your strengths and lean into them. Develop the skills you need and accept the ones you do not have. If you do not have it, develop it, or find a partner to support you. Decide how you want to show up in the world. Leadership is not a given. Do you really want to be a leader? If so, be willing to do the hard work to be excellent. If you choose to be a team leader, contributor, or follower, own your lane and be amazing at it. Leadership is not easy, but it is rewarding. If you are going to embark on the challenge, be willing to do what it takes to be GREAT. Leverage your natural skills, expand self-awareness, and grow through blind spots.
- Growth-minded & Resilient. Leaders are always looking to improve. They ask, “How can I be better? What can I learn from that? What will I do differently next time? What is next?” We reap what we sow. When we have a failure or results that we don’t like, we reflect on what happened that did not provide the hoped-for results. Be resilient, life is a journey, not a destination. Resilience is not bouncing back when down, it is having building capacity to stay steady and sustain when pressure rises, giving you bend so you do not break, and reserves, so you can rise up.
Do not be ego-driven, entitled, deserving, squishy, indecisive, a victim, spinning, or hopeless.
Do not pride yourself on status or ego.
You matter. You are brilliant and talented. You got this.
Achievement takes work and it is WORTH it
Have fun. Give yourself grace. Enjoy the process. Find balance.
Know what you want.
Have a plan to get there. Prioritize.
Eat the frog.
Do hard things.
Spend time on things that matter. Do not waste time on busy work that sucks your time.
Rise and repeat.
