If you don’t want to do the hard things then don’t sit in the big chair. Successful leaders know how to do hard things. They understand that dealing with hard things is what moves an organization forward. There’s value in working through hard things. Holding honest conversations about difficult topics helps build trust, especially during challenging times. It will require vulnerability. It takes skill which means it must be practiced, refined, and done again and again. Dealing with hard things is not easy however it is what successful leaders do.
Lead yourself — know yourself, improve yourself, and manage yourself
In the pursuit of leadership, it begins with a deep understanding of oneself. Leaders who know themselves possess the self-awareness necessary to make informed decisions, communicate effectively, and inspire others. This knowledge serves as the foundation for personal growth and development. By seeking out opportunities for growth, leaders elevate their abilities and stay ahead in a constantly evolving landscape. They recognize that personal development is not a destination but a lifelong journey. Strong leaders who understand the importance of self-management can efficiently allocate time and energy, enabling them to perform at their best in both personal and professional realms. A leader's professional responsibilities should not overshadow their personal well-being. Balancing work, family, health, and leisure is vital for sustained success and overall happiness. By knowing oneself, continuously improving, and managing life's demands, leaders can set a powerful example for others to follow.
Politics
It's not enough to come up with good ideas and new innovations. Most organizations have hundreds, if not thousands, of good ideas and new innovations. That's why leaders need to know how to take innovations, ideas, or agendas and turn them into realities. Leaders need to learn that it's not enough to simply have a good idea or have a mandate from higher up; they need to anticipate resistance, create effective coalitions, map the political terrain, and get buy-in. They need to understand the politics of the organization every day to implement agendas and achieve results.
Energy
Have heard or maybe said, “This job sucks the life out of me”.
Good leaders are energy managers. Energy is managed - like food for fuel for the body. Leaders create and manage energy to fuel their followers. They draw energy and they expend the energy of followers. They must regulate how to dispense energy. If they are expending too much energy and not providing energy to followers, then burnout is a result. How is your leader managing your energy?