Do you have the ability to lead?

Question

I have a brilliant mind which gives me unique ideas, but in groups I'm more of an observer. As a leader I have problems telling people what to do and when. What is something I could work on to make myself better at it?

I'm trying to get out of my comfort zone and become more proactive and productive. I feel I can use this to better myself.

Answer 1

It sounds like you're more of an ideas creator than a leader. Leading isn't for everyone and although I believe it's something you can learn I question whether it's what you really want.

Leadership is a personality thing. You have to be able to talk to people easily and inspire their confidence and respect. It's not about giving orders or shouting people down.

A creative person like yourself has a huge amount to offer and I worry that learning to be a manager (if that's what you mean by leader) would be a waste of your talent. Instead you should use what you've got. Develop those ideas. Promote your ideas and listen to the feedback. Your colleagues WILL notice the positive effect you're having on the group and the organisation. And fundamentally that IS leadership.

Answer 2

First - learn humility. Your ideas are probably not as unique as you think.

I'm 46 and learned a long time ago that if you think of something, someone else has probably already thought of it and likely has already done it.

Never take charge and 'tell' people what to do. Unless your the boss. And then always start off polite.

In most situations it's best to 'suggest' or say 'I have an idea'.

You might even add 'that you may have thought of already'.

Persuasion is often about making other people think the 'idea' was actually their own. A creative boss can make this work with employees too.

Unless your ego needs stroked, you need a raise or you need the votes, it's not really necessary for people to realize how brilliant you are or how unique your ideas are.

Truly exceptional leaders usually don't even realize they are leading.

Answer 3

Know your strengths.

Since you said that you're more of an observer, does that mean you're better at getting things done as an observer or when you refuse to be an observer and more of a leader?

Not everyone is born a leader, and being a leader means different things to different people, and let's not even go into the different styles of leadership out there (not talking about dictatorship, democracy, etc, etc).

For e.g., does being a leader mean you have to boss people around and show off your authority? If it gets things done, then that's good for you. If not, then find another way.

Have you ever noticed how certain people seem to be listened to more than others? Do these influential people have to be more assertive, more aggressive, more charismatic in order to get things done their way?

Have you ever encountered someone who's rather polite, seemingly docile, perhaps a little soft-spoken, yet, things still get done his or her way?

Who do you think would win in a "Who Has More Influence" contest - Mother Theresa or Napoleon Bonaparte? Can you compare Mahatma Gandhi with Winston Churchill? Adolf Hitler and the Dalai Lama?

Answer 4

Cora, I'm sure you're a leader. You're already a leader for the "Re-invent the Wheel". You'll always be a leader to us. Of course you have a brilliant mind or how else would you manage to acquire all those best answers and asking all those questions. Maybe actually starting something that you'll actually lead like a real group called "Re-invent the Wheel." Once you do, call me in. :)

Answer 5

There is an ancient book that is basically the mental handbook of the Samurai. It kind of reads like Proverbs in the bible. The point I really got from it was about being prepared in the way of organization. Plan out different situations and make decisions on how to deal with them prior to it happening. This keeps you from having to think on your feet and you make better decisions.
Also start by trying to lead a subgroup in a larger group to get practice.
Also a leader's job is to make sure everyone else is doing their job.

Answer 6

Lead by example. Example: You have a brilliant mind, but need to SHOW the others by the deeds you do. A good leader is willing to "step up" to get something done the way he sees best, and is willing to take the consequences for his actions.

Work on SHOWING your followers a completed, sucessfull project.

Answer 7

It's ok to be an observer. Thats exactly how i am and it really givess you time to colect your thoughts and to make accurate decisions. It's not profitable most times to have the input of others messing up what we've already determined.

As for telling people waht to do, its just the process of organization and deliberation. If you really know waht is going on then youll know the tasks that need to be done and it will be easier to tell people what to do. It's just trusting them to do it and do it the right way thats the hard thing!

Answer 8

I suggest talking to yourself in the mirror while imagining a situation in which you would need to be the leader. This really helps you to see your facial expressions and gives you practice. I used to have the same problem and after doing this I'm much more of a leader and feel confident in giving orders when I need to.

Answer 9

being a good leader is a gift..a talent...
u always have to improvise and come up with brilliant ideas...
also some ppl are better off being 'the man behind the scenes'....like all those science noble prize winners...each one has at least ten others helping him out and they don't mind being away from the spotlight...cz they like it better behind the scene...

Answer 10

Encourage people to do their best. Entrust your group members with tasks that suit their strengths. Assess each person's strengths and weaknesses. Also try to figure out who works best together. The study of psychology and body language are both invaluable when dealing with anyone. Get the best people you can and then let them do their job.