Identify Your Strengths
Generally, every great leader has one trait that stands out from the others. They have one characteristic that identifies them. It may be related to personality, or to leadership style, or to other areas. What many of these leaders understand that many don’t is that the way you naturally are can be used to your advantage.
It is true that you should always strive for improvement and development of skills you don’t have. If you are so timid that you aren’t able to communicate, then you have a problem. You won’t be able to communicate your vision! But even if you improve that area of your life and find the courage to meet new people and have a healthy social life, you might still be a reserved person. There isn’t anything wrong with that.
It took a while for me to accept that being a reserved person didn’t mean I was doomed to obscurity. Granted, I have learned how to better cope with my timidity. I realized it was holding me back in many areas. But that doesn’t mean I have to be insincere to myself as to who I really am! Learn how to embrace your true self and use your personality to your advantage as a leader. But before doing that, you need to identify what characteristic you naturally have, that may be used as your leadership ‘brand’. I recommend you ask yourself the following questions to accomplish that:
How do you solve problems?
The answer to this question may tell you a lot about your personality. When a problematic situation arises, do you prefer to go by your gut instincts to solve it? Or do you carefully gather the facts, analyze the situation and try to build consensus? Do you prefer that nobody gets hurt? Or are you totally oblivious to the consequences that your decision might have? There is no right or wrong question. Every style has its place, depending upon the situation. Neither are they exclusive of the other answer. Sometimes styles may be synergistic. But generally, most people lean toward one side more than the other. You should discover, if it’s not already obvious to you, which are your inclinations. Stay mindful of that, and trust your style.
What are you passionate about?
Your passions may communicate a lot about you. Obviously, nobody is defined by their interests or hobbies. But they’re pretty good signs. Perhaps your free time revolves around finding out the best way to jump out of an airplane in mid-flight. I might be inclined to think that you’re comfortable with taking significant risks. That attitude could definitely be an asset when acting as a leader!
What do you think you’re good at?
Your skills in various areas of life may be symbolic of characteristics you could use to develop yourself as a leader. For example, a person may be a brilliant robot-builder. Maybe that person is detail-oriented. Detail-oriented leaders definitely have a role to play in society. I understand this may be too broad of a generalization, but you should use this as a guideline.
What do others think about you?
Most times people overestimate themselves. Other times people may ignore a very positive characteristic they have. That is where family, friends, and perhaps even complete strangers come into play. Others may see things you don’t. Try to ask them about what they think you are good at. Ask them about your negative characteristics. If they’re honest and trustful, they should be of great help in assisting you in discovering potential leadership strengths.
Develop that strength
Warren Buffet, the great investor, was capable of using one very specific characteristic he had to build a multi-billion dollar business like Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., of which he is CEO, and becoming one of the richest men alive. In Buffet: The Making of an American Capitalist, author Roger Lowenstein describes how Buffet was always avert to venturing into unknown territory. Throughout his career, he has made it a central element of his philosophy to never invest in any company he doesn’t understand. That doesn’t mean he stands on the sidelines and doesn’t bother to learn, but he is careful to only invest in companies he fully understands. Another trait he is famous for is his Omaha hospitality. People are drawn to him when he talks because of that. In fact, he has a cult-like following that is characteristic of great leaders. So, once you have a pretty good idea of what are those one or two strong characteristics that are capable of catapulting you into mastering the Art of Leading, focus on them. ‘Brand’ yourself. Make it easy for others to identify you.
