Description
Most of us will never have seen ourselves as leaders. For the majority of us, the thought of taking charge of an office will not so long ago has seemed completely absurd. That’s a job for high fliers, for people-people… for born leaders!
But despite any initial apprehension, leadership roles are something that many of us will have thrust upon us against any protestations. In the vast majority of industries, progress and a hike in salary mean taking on more responsibility. And that responsibility will very often take the form of some kind of leadership role. You can only progress so far before you start having staff under you and the further you then climb the ladder, the more people will start looking to you for direction and the more people you’ll be responsible for.
That then leaves two choices: shy away from the pressure and the responsibility and live on the modest salary that comes from that, or learn to suck it up and take charge.
And guess what? When you do accept that mantle and become the leader that you can be, you’ll find that it’s one of the best experiences imaginable for your personal growth and development. You’ll become more confident, more able, and more authoritative and it can completely transform the way you see yourself.
So now the big question: can you learn leadership? Are some people simply destined to be good leaders while others will forever be disrespected and awkward in the role?
Well, while some people are ‘born with it’ (as Maybelline would have us believe), it certainly is possible to learn the skills needed for leadership if you don’t already have them. And as it happens, that’s exactly what this book is about to do for you!
So read on and prepare to learn the ins and outs of leadership and what it takes to inspire a team and get the very most out of them.
What you will learn…
• What makes a great leader
• Should you be feared or liked?
• How to become instantly more charismatic
• How to use ancient techniques like ‘transformism’ to control your team
• How to understand the differences between your team and get them to work for you
• How to handle a crisis
• How to cultivate inspiration
• How to give your staff motivation How to create new teams
And more!
And once you’ve honed these skills, you’ll find that they become powerful not only in the office and the boardroom but also in all other walks of life. Prepare to become a more inspiring friend and a more effective parent!
CHAPTER 1:
WHAT MAKES A GREAT LEADER?
Perhaps the best place to start is by asking what makes a great leader. What is the end goal here? What are you aspiring to?
When we think of great leaders, we will often think of inspiring superhero types. People with heroic, puffed-out chests, powerful voices, and cool air of confidence. They always know the right thing to do and they have the uncanny ability to reel off motivational and inspirational speeches at the drop of a hat. No one ever defies these great leaders because they don’t want to – the leaders are so just and wise that they have no need. But if anyone ever did cross them, they would be immediately put to rights with a stern but fair judgment and unquestionable authority. These are the leaders that make us feel safe, steer our ships through uncharted waters, and make us feel like we can do anything as a team. These are the heroes taken straight out of the Saturday morning cartoons you probably watched as a child (which, by the way, are based very much on our Father and Mother archetypes).
Now the chances are that you probably have known a few people like this in your lifetime. Perhaps you have a parent who really is that wise, all-knowing figure. Or maybe you had a teacher that inspired you when you were younger and helped you to make the career choices that led you to where you are today.
You might also know of some famous real-life characters who fit this bill. Perhaps you know of a few celebrities who you look up to, or a few historical characters even.
