In group settings, I usually tend to be a listener first.
I remember taking a senior level class in college with about 12 people. Somewhere around 7 weeks into the class I was talking in the hallway with someone else in the class and mentioned a concept we talked about. They paused and said “I forgot you were even in the class with us.”
What I am about to say does not come from an extrovert or someone who owns a room when they walk into it.
You can make a difference in any room you enter. Really, you can.
Not only can you make a difference, you need to develop a mindset that says “I will make a difference.”
I am not suggesting arrogance and conceit. Nor am I advocating being the center of attention. But, if we seriously intend to grow as leaders, if we genuinely want to expand our leadership influence, it starts with believing we can help.
Help. Influence. Impact. Whatever word you choose, the bottom line is the same: you have something to offer. But what is it? What do you bring to the table? What can you do better than anyone else around you?
I have a mentor who has a knack for finding people with leadership potential and giving them a platform to experiment. I know another friend who has an ability to connect with people and in turn connect people with people.
Influence happens not when we decide to have influence, but when we decide to make the most of what we have.
Leadership happens not when we decide to exhibit leadership, but when we decide to make the most of what we have.
I may be a listener first, but I aim to be able to understand a situation and provide new views and new ways to examine what is happening. So not only do I listen, but I process at the same time.
As I seek to answer the 3 questions, I have to believe that I can help. You can help, too. Find a way to lead today.
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