Follow the Leader? Or Leap Frog?

Lately, being a leader has been difficult. I sought out the advice of a few good leaders that I know, as well as do some research, and it helped me find my way as a leader in our workforce. There are many important things to be aware of, since people now look up to me.

A great tip comes from Ghandi. Despite what many may think, he did not say “be the change you wish to see in the world.” His actual quote reads

“...As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him...” Through my own experience, I came to see that he is correct in this attitude. There are many things that people do, and that change begins with us, as we mirror the world we live in. The best way to lead is through example. You must be the person to get the ball rolling and inspire your team to be as good as they can be. If you’re asking them to do things that you wouldn’t do, then you’re not being a good leader.

Assertiveness and confidence are also the key when it comes to the persona that you project. You have to have the confidence to put weight behind your instructions, and the assertiveness so that people don’t walk all over you. I have noticed that when I say something or ask for an opinion, it helps to have confidence and approach it in a professional manner, while also maintaining the respect of others. When you are confident, you look more like you know what you’re doing and you’re unafraid of what may come. Through your confidence, you will also gain trust in your words. Self-esteem has the ability to empower and encourage others to be their best selves.

Another thing is respect. You have to respect your team members and they should also respect you. Along with adding a level of trust to those you are working with. Forbes defines respect as recognizing “the inherent worth and value of the other person, and honor[ing] that inherent worthiness in our words, actions, and behaviors.” (https://www.forbes.com/sites/kathycaprino/2019/11/09/3-ways-your-leadership-will-improve-when-you-demonstrate-more-respect/?sh=487586841179) How you treat other people means everything. You can lift them up by making them feel appreciated and valued, or you can hold them down by making them feel small. Who you choose to be is important, and it’s a choice that must be made everyday.

Yours truly,

Jessica Ferrucci

P.S. It's really me.