“Lead by example,” is a widely used saying and as simple as it is, it does have a significant message behind it. When it comes to the idea of leaders that have inspired others, many people automatically think of individuals such as Martin Luther King Jr., John F. Kennedy, Cesar Chavez, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Oprah Winfrey, among many others. However, you do not have to be a famous public figure in order to be considered a leader.
Out of the many successes one can have in life, perhaps the most rewarding is being seen as an inspiration to others around you. Believe it or not, you can positively impact other people by simply taking actions that influence others to want to follow in your footsteps. How is such a thing possible? One of the easiest ways to rise above the crowd and take the lead is to participate in a cause you are passionate about. Whether it is education, the arts, community affairs or even politics, virtually anyone can find a way to become a part of an organization that supports the cause they care deeply about. For example, if you want to improve a section of your neighborhood that is old and falling apart, gather together a group of friends and family members and have them reach out to people they know. Then pick one weekend to clear debris, sweep the sidewalks, plant a garden and add a fresh coat of paint to older buildings or to cover up graffiti.
Great leaders take charge and use their experiences to teach others. Do you care about higher education and want to inspire students to attend college and obtain a degree? Start contacting local middle schools and high schools in your area and ask to be a guest speaker. Share your college story and career highlights. Use your life experiences to show students of all ages that if you can do it, so can they. But don’t just stop there. Tell your colleagues, friends or family members that are in career fields that would be of interest to students and invite them to speak as well. Just one visit and one story can dramatically transform a young person’s life and his/her future goals.
Leaders not only take charge and inspire, they are also diligent about spreading the word. You can’t inspire if no one is listening. The Internet and social media outlets have made it easier than ever for individuals to take their message global. From Twitter and Facebook to blogs, your passion can inspire others to not only follow your lead but to become leaders themselves. Taking advantage of technology and communicating with others is one of the best ways to get even more people to participate in your cause.
Attending WJM Success Solutions’ seminars and boot camps can teach individuals the skills needed to become leaders, such as how to expect more and achieve more, develop leadership and management skills, and how to strategically plan and build effective teams.
