Tips to be Seen as a Leader
Are you a leader? Of course, you are in some situations. More importantly, are you seen as a leader by the group, team, or with whom you are talking to? That’s the real question.
This blog aims to define what a leader is and how you can be seen as a leader by those you are attempting to influence and guide at your speaking engagements. You can do this by using three specific actions that will enhance your leadership image and, as a result, make you feel even more confident when you have your "leadership hat" on.
According to Webster's Dictionary, a leader is "A person who guides others by influence and shows the way by going before."
It is clear by definition that being a leader is a position that is earned; it’s not a title that you are given. In our society, you hear of world leaders, religious leaders, community leaders, sports leaders, and business leaders.
As you consider your role as a leader, reflect on these common adages:
Leaders turn talent into performance.
AND
A leader is someone you would follow to a place you would not go by yourself.
Think about how these expressions are reflected in your own life. Next, think about the people you call leaders and what they are like. Finally, ask yourself how you can start emerging as even more of a leader in your life.
If you feel that your leadership skills need enhancing:
Start seeking out even more opportunities to lead.
Volunteer to take on additional responsibilities.
Speak up and share your thoughts and insights even more often than you normally would.
Take the initiative, and stop waiting to be given a task. Look for ways to make a positive difference by moving forward independently.
Demonstrate your commitment that you’re reliable and dedicated to the goal that needs to be met.
Model leadership behavior and be an example for others to follow. It’s hard for others to find you credible if you’re not modeling the behaviors you speak about.
Take constructive feedback and look for ways to keep improving yourself.
Here is a powerful thought for you to consider… You judge yourself by your intentions; others judge you by your actions!
That means it’s not what is in your heart that people pick up on; it’s what your face looks like, what your voice sounds like, and what your behavior indicates about you that they notice. Decide now to act even more like the leader that you want to be perceived as in your speaking engagements, and take these three steps to start establishing yourself as a leader:
Ask people that know you if they see you as a leader.
Ask specifically what leadership qualities they see in you and what you need to improve.
Read, study, and watch videos of recognized leaders.
What do they do? How do they frame their speeches? Emulate these behaviors in your own speaking.
Ask yourself the important question based on the quote at the beginning of this blog.
If a leader is a person you would follow to a place you would not go by yourself, are you that person?
If you are ready to learn more about how to lead through public speaking, reach out today!
