On Millennial Leadership

Everything starts with a decision and that includes being a leader. You have to decide that you are going to be an effective leader. Leadership doesn’t just happen. I understand and agree with the theory that in every situation where leadership is required a leader will emerge, but even then, a decision has to be made to lead. Once you’ve decided to lead, effective leadership requires an even more focused and deliberate effort.

All of you have the ability to lead and will be required to lead at various levels over the course of your lives. You are faced with leadership opportunities everyday; it’s just a matter of deciding to take advantage of those opportunities.

When your leadership opportunities present themselves, you have to embrace them with confidence.

You don’t have to have a certain title or status to be a leader, you just has to have a clear understanding of leadership and a willingness to lead. Don’t let your age or perceived lack of leadership experience deter you from actually gaining valuable leadership experience.

Decide today that you will start taking advantage of leadership opportunities. These opportunities present themselves everyday in various forms.

Leadership opportunities can range from being proactive with your involvement in an interest group on campus, to an employee resource group at work to planning a trip with friends or family. Another great way to take advantage of strengthening your leadership skills is through volunteering.

Find a non-profit organization that is in line with your area of passion and volunteer. This will require you to adopt a shared vision and make decisions about your genuine concern and interest for the well being of others that yields the desired result, based on specific goals and objectives. That’s what effective leadership is really all about.

Effective leadership starts with a decision just like everything else. You don’t have to wait until someone appoints you as “the lead” to start exercising your leadership skills, you can start leading now.

Don’t wait for someone to tell you you’re a leader. Decide today that you are a leader and start leading. You’ll be pleasantly surprised how quickly and clearly your leadership levels and opportunities will grow once you make the decision to start being a leader and stop waiting for the title.

“Become the kind of leader that people would follow voluntarily; even if you had no title or position.” —Brian Tracy