Have you attend a live sport event? Or watching sport with your friends? I usually noticed that there are people, including me, like to be coach of that match. We say things like, “it such an easy shot, why he missed?” Or something like “pass it to your left, he’s free. What are you doing?” Etc. But that’s it, it’s just talk. I can’t do what the player can do. Just like sport, there are times on my work, when I think om what should be done. Only this time, I know what I can do. The only thing that I don’t have is the power to move things as fast as I want. So my self talk about an issue is that it’s because of that person. Is that true?
That thought might be true, but nothing will improve if we only depend on one person. Recently from talking with my boss and also listening to some podcast, I learn several things about the importance of leadership. It might be obvious for you, but not for other people and me. Here are 4 lessons to learn about leadership
1. Leadership is not a status
You might be a boss or manager, but it doesn’t make you a leader. It’s a position given by the company. But are you a good leader? Leading somebody else is possible without the status. Lead yourself to do what you need to do and show other what needs to be done is more beneficial rather than talking about the problem. Being a leader doesn’t always about being the boss, but being there with your peer for better purpose.
2. Leadership is not about gift/talent
Of course there are some people who are more gifted than others, but i tend to believe leadership is not a gift, it’s nurtured skill. Everyone have their own style. how about you? How do you lead people? The more important thing, how do you lead yourself? I know some people who seems loud, but that doesn’t mean that he/she leads. You can be soft spoken and lead in your own style. It’s not so much ruled by your talent, but with your learned skill.
3. Leadership is influence
It doesn’t matter what your job title is. You have a leadership skill in you. You have different way to express yourself. You can notice this by looking at the influence you brought to the group. It can be in your workplace or in your circle of friends. The besr thing of all, your influence can affect people, including your peer, your subordinate and your superior. Thinking about this, what kind of influence you give to people around you?
4. Leadership is a way of life
It doesn’t matter whether you’re working or not, like what I’ve mentioned above, you can show your leadership in everything you do. The way you treat others will show how you actually lead them. Remember that what you do, will have an impact for other people. What kind of impact do you want to give to other people? I learn that if you complain about everything, you’ll surround yourself with complainer. But that’s not the end of situation. You can learn from it and grow out of it There will be somebody that will teach you or influence you to stop complaining. But it depends on you. Whether you want to move or you want to stay.
I remember a scene from Karate Kid (2010) movie. Well, it’s more like Kung Fu kid. In one of the scene, there’s a conversation between Dre (Jaden Smith) and Mr Han (Jackie Chan) after Dre got beaten up by some Kungfu kids. Mr Han is just a handyman, but he gives great influence to Dre. He said, “there’s no such things as bad student, only bad teacher.” Your life is about influence. Give good influence to other people around you. Remember, even though your life can be influenced by others, you too van give influence. Take charge on what you can and give better influence for people around you.
Question: What kind of influence you want to give to people around you? How do you keep your positive influence in negative environment?
“There’s no such things as bad students, only bad teacher” – Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) – Kung Fu Kid (2010)
