Surprise! You're a Leader! Three Leadership Lessons.

Leader: (n) a guiding or directing head, as of an army, movement, or political group.
Something I have been noticing more and more are little comments that people make that indicate to me that they view me in some ways as a leader.  Example: Teach me to...
Whether it is cooking, applying makeup, proper skin care or anything else I have learned how to do well.

It is an exciting feeling because I would like to be a good leader, and I feel that I am developing the qualities of a good leader.  It is nice to get positive affirmation of that.

The three lessons I have learned of leadership over the years are:

1. Good Leaders are in the front lines.
• I learned this from several history lessons in school.  It's been a while, so I don't remember which leaders did this.  For some reason I think of Napoleon, Alexander the Great and George Washington.
• Anything you ask other people to do, you have to be willing to do.
2. Good Leaders make others feel good about themselves

3. Good Leaders are good listeners
• We all know that person who is in a leadership position where it goes to their head and they only listen to their own ideas.  It is really frustrating to "follow" these people.  Not only does listening to people develop trust and rapport which is important for successful leadership, one person does not have all of the awesome ideas.  As you listen you get access to a database to a treasure trove of ideas.

A good rule to follow is "But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant."