Inspired by Seth Godin’s recent e-book “What Matters Now”, I decided to give the topic some thought myself. What better time to ponder these questions than at the start of a new year, right?
If I had been invited to participate in Seth’s book (I wasn’t), I would have written about something that is curiously absent from an otherwise comprehensive list.
Leadership.
Leadership matters.
And let’s be honest, 2009 was not a time of great leadership. (Wall Street, anyone?) So as we turn the page on a new year, here are a few ways to build your own leadership muscle in 2010 and beyond:
1.) Volunteer. Not only is it just the right thing to do, but volunteering gives you an opportunity to lead a team outside your office. It’s a great way to hone your skills in a safe environment, and the lessons you learn will certainly translate to the workforce.
2.) Study. Make a resolution to read at least one business book per month in 2010. This will take some discipline, but the resulting education is guaranteed to sharpen your skills. (Tip: Buy a Moleskine journal and keep notes on items of interest. This will enable you to have all of your best business advice in one place.)
3.) Control. By control, I mean really take charge of everything in your life and your career. Be intentional about how you present yourself in person and online, knowing what kind of impression you want to make in advance. For example, if your goal is to be promoted from associate to senior associate in the next 12 months, you’ll want to show that you have the makings of an up-and-coming executive right now. This means arriving on time every day, dressing for the job you want (not the one you have), offering to take the lead on new projects, and so on.
It’s never too early to start thinking about what kind of leader you want to become. And if you prove you have what it takes now, people will follow regardless of your age. That’s because leadership matters – and there simply isn’t enough of it out there these days.
Will 2010 be the year you go from rank-and-file employee to emerging leader?
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Amen, Em. Never enough in the leadership department.
Emily -
Great site you have here! Loved this post. Clearly as a Leadership & Career Ownership coach I am partial to the need for leadership, but you positioned it well in this post.
I’m a huge fan of #2 and love that you are a “permanent student!” For your readers who want to learn more about the importance of reading to become a better leader, I have a post entitled, “Read To Lead,” which can be found here: http://coachaljohnson.wordpress.com/2009/12/27/read-to-lead/
My 2009 list of books read can be found here for anyone looking for a few good titles to choose from for 2010: http://coachaljohnson.wordpress.com/2009/12/28/coach-johnsons-2009-reading-list/
Emily, what are you reading now?
See YOU at the top,
Coach Al Johnson
http://www.coachaljohnson.com
http://www.inspiratude.com
Al – Right now I’m reading “Tribes” by Seth Godin. A bit late on that one, I know…. Thanks for dropping by! Do stay in touch. /EB