Be a leader, not a follower.
Be a Leader, Not a Follower: Unleashing Your Potential for Success
Most people in life are content to follow the lead of others, sit on the fence in a debate, or hide in the back of the class. But the most successful people are leaders; they make things happen for themselves by working hard toward their goals with a positive attitude. We can all be leaders. This article may help you achieve that status.
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| Be a leader, not a follower. |
Most people in life are content to follow the lead of others, sit on the fence in a debate, or hide in the back of the class. But the most successful people are leaders and they make things happen for themselves by working hard toward their goals with a positive attitude. We can all be leaders. This article may help you achieve that status.
Embracing Change: Overcoming Insecurity and Shyness
I grew up as a very nervous, insecure, and very shy person. I hated myself like that and often envied those who could speak up and take control of their work and situations. I wanted to be that kind of leader.
I was unhappy with the company I was working for and joined a recruiting agency to try to find another job. At the reception desk of the agency, I got to talking with a man who was also looking for another job. His name was Mark and we hit it off and pledged to do our best to find each other jobs. We also exchanged phone numbers and pledged to keep each other updated on what was going on.
Stepping Up: Leading in Group Interview Scenarios
I was then interviewed by a man who explained his plan for finding this new job. He was very bright, smart, positive, and had lots of interesting ideas. He seemed very confident that I could quickly find another company that would be a better fit for the skills I had.
At one point in the meeting, he described a group interview scenario. You might be taken to a large room with a big table. When you take your seat, there will be a piece of paper asking you to discuss a certain topic. He said that everyone in the room was in the same position, looking for a job, and nervous, but in that room, I could be who I wanted to be. He then told me that I needed to stand up and lead, saying, "I will be the moderator, so if you have something to say, please raise your hand. That way I would show my prospective employer that I was a leader.
The Power of Empowerment: Inspiring Others and Building Self-Esteem
I went home and thought about this, but I wasn't a leader and didn't think I could act the way he wanted me to. Later that evening, Mark called me and all he could talk about was the group interview scenario. He then told me that there was no way he would stand up for himself in that way.
I did not have to participate in the group interview, but Mark did. He acted on the advice and surprised himself. He stated that he had never felt so empowered and in control after he made his initial statement that he would be the chairman. Throughout the day, the other members of the team regularly questioned him as if he were the team leader. He was very proud of himself, had passed his interview, and seemed very happy in his new position.
Finding Purpose: Helping Others and Discovering Personal Fulfillment
He carried this success and learning experience into his social life and stated, "I have never had such a boost to my self-esteem. He is a genuine, hard-working person and I am very happy for him. He is also one of the few friends I can honestly say I can trust.
Mark has inspired me to get into the business of helping people who stutter to become fluent speakers. This is something I really enjoy and gives me great satisfaction in my work. It has also made me much more confident and finally happy than before. In conclusion, we all have the qualities to be leaders.
We need to take charge with courage and determination and remember that the best we can do in life is to do our best. We only live once, so let's be happy, not second best. Be a leader in life, not a follower.