THE TRUE MEASURE OF LEADERSHIP IS INFLUENCE; PRIORITY; SACRIFICE ETC

PAULA S. MENESES

The true measure of leadership is influence- nothing more, nothing less. In leadership, you can’t lead if nobody is following you…

Myths about leadership: The Management Myth, a widespread misunderstanding that leading and managing are one and the same. The main difference between the two is that leadership is about influencing people to follow, while management focuses on maintaining systems and processes. The best way to test whether a person can lead rather than just manage is to ask him to create positive change. Managers can maintain direction but they can’t change it. To move people in new direction, you need influence. Knowledge Myth, “Knowledge is power”, most people believing power is the essence of leadership, naturally assume that those who possess knowledge and intelligence are leaders. But that isn’t automatically true. Those people whose ability to think is so high but whose ability to lead is so low. IQ doesn’t necessarily equate to leadership by Sir Francis Bacon. Position Myth, “It is not the position that makes a leader, it is the leader that makes the position” by Stanly Affty. “He who thinks he leads, but has no followers, is only taking a walk.” If you can’t influence others, they won’t follow you. And if they won’t follow, you’re not a leader. That’s the Law of Influence. No matter what anybody else tells you, remember that leadership is influence— nothing more, nothing less.

Leaders understand that activity is not necessarily accomplishment. How to prioritize?

Ask these questions; What is required? Your list of priorities must always begin with what is required of you. If it’s not necessary for you to do something personally, then delegate it or eliminate it. What gives the greatest return? “There are many things that will catch my eye, but there are only a few things that will catch my heart.” Nothing energizes a person the way passion does. Spend most of your time working in your areas of greatest strength. If something can be done 80% percent as well by someone else in your team, delegate it! A Leader Must Give Up to Go Up. Many people today want to climb up the leadership ladder because they believe that freedom and power are the prizes waiting at the top. They don’t realize that the true nature of leadership is really sacrifice.

Sacrifice is a constant in leadership. It is an ongoing process, not a onetime payment. You’ve got to. GIVE UP to GO UP!

The Law of the Lid, Leadership Ability Determines a Person’s Level of Effectiveness .

The Law of Influence , The True Measure of Leadership Is Influence— Nothing More, Nothing Less.

The Law of Process , Leadership Develops Daily, Not in a Day.

The Law of Navigation , Anyone Can Steer the Ship, But It Takes a Leader to Chart the Course.

The Law of Solid Ground , Trust Is the Foundation of Leadership. The Law of Respect, People Naturally Follow Leaders Stronger Than Themsel ves.

The Law of Intuition, Leaders Evaluate Everything With a Leadership Bias. The Law of Magnetism, Who You Are Is Who You Attract.

The Law of Connection , Leaders Touch a Heart Before They Ask for a Hand. The Law of the Inner Circle , A Leader’s Potential Is Determined By Those Closest to Him.

The Law of Empowerment , Only Secure Leaders Give Power to Others. The Law of Reproduction ,It Takes a Leader to Raise Up a Leader.

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The author is Volunteer Youth Coordinator at Masantol High School