As we all know, being a leader does not require a title or a certain pay grade. It doesn’t even mean that you have to work in an organization. Leadership is something that can be done at work, but it also can be done among family, friends and just as an every day person going through this journey of life.  Great people lead because it’s in their mind and in their hearts to just do it! Secondly, it’s always a good reminder that leadership starts within. We can’t expect for others to lead with us if we are not doing it ourselves. So let’s get busy on making sure we are walking the talk as a leader! Let’s be ALL IN on this!

[bctt tweet=”Leaders don’t wait to achieve a certain status in life to lead. They do it, because it’s in their heart and mind to do it. -Cynthia Bazin” username=”thesmartchic”]

8 Ways To Walk The Talk As A Leader

  1. Taking Care of Yourself Emotionally and Physically
    If you are looking for others to lead their life, don’t you want to encourage others to live their healthiest life possible?  This is an area that is really passionate to me because I have always believed that you have to put your own self-care as number one on your list. If you take care of yourself on the outside, you are going to be able to be stronger as a leader on the outside; have more energy and stay healthier. In what ways is it possible for you to take better care of yourself?
  2. Treat Everyone With Respect
    In my mind, a true leader is someone that displays kindness and respect for all people. I have always believed that no one is better than anyone else. I know that most of you have had an experience with someone who has some level of ‘status’ that appeared to look down on others and/or did not give them the same treatment as someone else. Lead by example. Be the type of leader that always treats others with a high level of respect.
  3. Be A Good Listener
    I think that most of us would be in agreement that we value someone that is a good listener; someone who takes the time to not only hear what we are saying but also to understand the message that we are getting across. This is one area that I believe we can always work on; always striving to becoming a better listener and being able to work with people with various communication styles.
  4. Make Confident Decisions
    Part of being a great leader is making lots of decisions and often they are difficult ones! Do the work to really get to understand what you believe in and what your true core values are. And when you need to make a decision, look to your values and make that confident decision. Don’t be a flip flopper!
  5. Keep Your Integrity At All Times
    One of the most important things that I value, are people that keep their character intact. There is definitely a lot of noise out there and plenty of distractions for people to get thrown off the right path. We all make mistakes, therefore don’t be kicking yourself if you’ve made them. However, remember that your character and reputation are so important. You can build up a reputation over 20+ years and you can do something really uncharacteristic and your reputation can be tainted. Be intentional about taking inventory on where you at right now and when making decisions for the future, always be sure they align with your values.
  6. Be A Mentor
    We all started as a novice, a newbie at what we do in life and I think it’s fair to say along the way, we’ve all had someone in our life that has uplifted us, guided us, believed in us and maybe gave us a shot at something. Walk the walk as a leader and be that person that is there for people; willing to extend a hand, guide and teach others. Be a Mentor!
  7. Praise and Celebrate Others
    One of the best things you can do as leader in your home, at work, among friends is give lots of praise! Lots of praise and be sure to do it alone with people and out there in public. It costs nothing to do this and this will mean so much to the person that you praise. People need more uplifting and support and you’ll be walking the walk as a leader if you highly support others in their journey.
  8. Always Learn and Grow Through Life
    One of the best things we can do as a leader is be the example of always being a student. We never know everything and the best way to walk the walk as a leader is to always ask questions. Be willing to be open to different solutions and always continue to find ways to work smarter and become a better person.

[bctt tweet=”Be that person that people look up to because you always remain humble, are reachable and are always teachable. – Cynthia Bazin  ” username=”thesmartchic”]

Out of the eight things that I listed, which are the ones that are most important to you? Also, which one(s) do you need to continue to work on? I would love to hear from you!

Cynthia Bazin is passionate about helping you reduce the noise in your life, providing the best tools and strategies, so you can live intentionally and make your greatest impact. Her expertise is getting you Laser Focused in your Personal Development, Branding and Business Strategy.  She mentors men and women and does Keynote Speaking and Workshops across the country.  Book Cynthia today at www.smartchic.me.