Being an innovator entails understanding how to guide yourself in addition to understanding how you can guide other people.
To become an innovator or leader is really an intimidating thought for most of us. To achieve success within the initial phases you will need to discover efficient methods either with some outside help or on your own.
The character of a leader is visible in the following phases:
Phase 1 – Energy
In this phase, the brand new leader tends to benefit from the ‘protection associated with power’ that’s been given to them with their brand new management role. To achieve the actual self-confidence in order to guide others, you will need an ability to see the overview of where you are placed in the organizational structure. You may get some help from your superiors or the workplace manual. But you’ll need to add your own energy levels to the mix.
Phase 2 – Study
Over time, a leaders’ self-confidence develops.
This can come from experience or study. It pays to study some of the all time great leaders – choose one or two who you admire and that you’d like to use as role models. Then any time you get stuck, apply the “What would X do” test. Once you really get under the skin of your heroes, you’ll find that this is where your study really begins to pay off and you’ll start to naturally lead.
Phase 3 – Proficiency
This is where you actually begin to mold yourself to the leadership role that you’ve gotten. Over the weeks and years, your leadership skills will develop and you’ll find that once daunting tasks are easily achieved.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help or admit that there are things you don’t know. No-one knows everything – Henry Ford was once accused of not knowing things that should (allegedly) have been basic knowledge for him and answered that he had a buzzer on his desk that he pressed to summon someone who knew the answer. Your team will already know the areas that you’re hazy about and will usually rise to the occasion to help you if you have the courage to admit that you’re not proficient at everything.
Phase 4 – Delivering the end result
Ideally, you’d like to be leading a team which works like a well oiled machine. You’ll know that you’ve reached the pinnacle of being a leader when all you have to do is guide your team once in a while. Often this means keeping the inevitable flak away from them. If delivering the end result means keeping your team protected, that’s all part of your leadership function. Your team will appreciate this (although you may need to remind them occasionally!) and this will help turn round the process of leading from the initial daunting prospect to one that you actually enjoy.
The important thing to remember is that you’re not alone. There is help all around – in books, on the internet, from colleagues, friends and family. Don’t be afraid to use it. The sign of a good leader is one who admits their weaknesses and turns that into a strength.
