Dear Aspiring Leader,
Hi! The name is Morghan and let me say, I have both been where you are and am currently there at the same time. What a thought, right? Well, first of all, it is a huge misconception that you ever should stop improving yourself as a person or as a leader, but that doesn't mean you can't help others along the way with what you've learned.
That's what brings me here to you. I may not know a lot in the grand scheme of things, but I've got a few ideas that I think could help you along the way as you work towards being a better leader.
As a leader, the most important job is not being in charge of people or getting attention. In fact, if that's what you're after, take a step back because you're in for a lot more push back than you ever wanted. If you're after being a leader for selfish reasons, it's going to be hard for you, harder than it is for those in it for the right reasons because people don't like following people who are self-serving. Just take a look at our political arena.
The most important job is serving those you lead. I imagine that sounds a little odd. A leader is supposed to lead the troops and be the one giving orders, right? Well, right... kind of. A leader before anything else is supposed to serve the group or people you are leading: doing what is necessary for the entire group's success and anticipating needs before they are actually needed. A leader's most important lesson is to be able to humble themselves and their personal desires to put others ahead of them and serve.
As a leader, you do sometimes lead the troops and you're not always going to be popular or liked. It happens. If you're making choices or doing something for the right reasons, you are never going to please everyone. And again, that's alright. The position of a leader can often be a lonely one. Your friends may not understand and those you are leading may be kind of ticked because the right choice is not always the most popular one. Don't let that deter you from doing what you need to for the good of the group.
Another healthy tidbit, learn to not feel emotions in "real time." You may or may not have a problem with this, but it's a real barrier for a lot of people. Do your very best to think before you act. When something upsets you, deal with it out of the limelight or not in front of those you are leading unless absolutely necessary, and when it is necessary, handle it with grace and patience. This isn't easy because humans are emotional creatures; however, it'll save you a lot of damage from saying and doing things you regret.
When leading as a group, teamwork makes the dream work. Be a team before being friends. Working efficiently as a team with the same goals for the group is the best way to establish a sense of unity among the group you are leading. A united front creates a united group.
Before I conclude, there's a little side note for us millennials. Be careful with social media. Be cautious with what you post and how much. Post about your life in such a way that reflects what you are doing, the people you're with, and the places you're going. Be careful with posts about your most intimate feelings and your die-hard opinions. It can create an image that is not easy to undo and potentially harm your ability to lead.
As I conclude, my final word for you is to love. Act out of love and do what you do because you are passionate about the people you work for and with and because you are passionate about what you believe in.
I wish you luck with your endeavors, leading or not,
Morghan
