Some people are born to lead, be it the president of a company or the captain of a sports team. But it is when they are given the opportunity to lead, take on the responsibility of running a business and develop a track record of success that they gain the trust of those around them and fulfill their potential as a “good leader.”
To use a sports metaphor to define leadership, we look at the team captain. In order to build a team that can overcome adversity, the captain must identify the strengths of each player and build unity. This also directly applies to running an organization. The president or executives of a company must constantly strive to improve the organization and consider the well-being of their employees in every action taken and decision made. They must work tirelessly and willingly to achieve their goals and contribute to success.
Aspiring to become the head of a company is a necessary motivation to realize one’s full career potential. But perhaps it is even more important to have the mindset and passion to contribute to the company, the organization, the employees and clients. This requires not only a strong will and commitment, but also the inspiration and ideas to realize these goals. It is the same inspiration, commitment and mindset required of the captain of a sports team.
What does one need, then, in order to become a “true leader” or to be “chosen” to lead?
First and foremost, you need “self-awareness.” Many have tremendous potential, but it is also critical to analyze your own strengths, weaknesses and areas of needed improvement in an objective way. Next, it is important to comprehensively assess your leadership qualities, and whether or not you possess the elements to be a good leader. Once this assessment is made, you can truly visualize your “ideal role” and hone the necessary skills to attain it. Everything begins with “knowing yourself.”
Next, you must seek opportunities to carry out responsibilities as a “leader.” By carrying out such responsibilities, your own awareness, spirit and emotions will gradually synchronize, and you will develop the “mind-set” befitting a leader. This will be observed through your daily communication and behavior in the form of “expression”, “body language” and “attitude.” At this point, it will become clear to all that you have become a leader that can be counted on, and your “awareness and confidence” as a leader should be second nature to you. This is the “executive presence” that everyone will believe and trust.
Koichi seeks to provide coaching to those who are developing a true “executive presence” or counseling to those who already have “executive presence” and are looking for ways to take their career to the next level.