Leadership. It’s a word we hear hundreds of times a day. Because it is used so frequently, it has almost lost its value. We interchange manage and lead so often, many think managing a situation is leading. This could not be further from the truth. In short, when we manage, we tell others how to do a task. When we lead, we allow others to define how a task will be done.
Understanding the difference between leading and managing often creates a leadership challenge. As leaders, how do we ensure daily tasks are completed in a timely manner while simultaneously inspiring others to complete their tasks? We could rely on charisma, charm, or threats to motivate others, or we dig a little deeper and learn how to use our natural strengths to be the leaders needed today.
We can study the different types of leadership and debate what makes people follow leaders or we could learn about ourselves, identify our strengths, and use this information to become the leaders that are needed, and in all reality, the type of leaders we want to be.
Looking at your past victories and failures, what came easy? What work was needed to achieve those victories? We can see patterns and start to identify our strengths. To truly know our natural strengths, we must go back to our childhood. As a child, what skills and activities brought you praise? Did those skills and activities feel like work or play? When left to your own devices, which activities did you choose? The answer to these questions can tell you a lot about yourself. These answers can highlight your natural talents and strengths. As teenagers and young adults, we worked to master the skills we lacked.
Believe it or not, I am not a natural communicator. Yes, I love to talk! I have no problem talking for hours. As a child, I was very social. I enjoyed being around others, and never liked leaving anyone out. I am a natural includer. But communicating ideas or sharing information clearly with others is not a natural strength for me. Reading, doing research, and writing, those are all skills I had as a child, but communicating, teaching, problem-solving are all strengths I intentionally learned.
In my first leadership role, I quickly saw how my lack of communication skills could be crucial to my career, so I worked diligently to develop those skills. What you see today is a learned skill.
Knowing what I am intrinsically good at has helped me develop my leadership skills. I enjoy listening to what others have to say, making sure to hear every voice, and doing the research. These are my natural strengths. When I choose to lead with these skills, my team is stronger, and the results are better.
Identifying and embracing your natural strengths is the first step to becoming a leader.
Sara Orellana is an independent entrepreneur who specializes in strategic planning, leadership, and grant writing. She can be reached at sara@3raptorconsulting.com.