So you think leadership is all about giving orders and being the boss? Think again. Leadership is way more nuanced & the signs that you’re a natural one are so subtle that you might not even notice them. They make people naturally gravitate towards you, even if you’re not trying to be “the leader.” Let’s look at ten of these signs.
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You’re the First Person for Advice
Friends & coworkers who always come to you when they’re in trouble do so because they trust your judgment. It’s a kind of trust that doesn’t happen overnight! This is a sign you have a level head and a talent for seeing things clearly—qualities that make you a great leader when you’re not even trying to be one.
You’re a Great Listener
Sure, giving empowering speeches is part of being a leader—but being a great listener is equally important. If you’re the one who everyone knows will lend an ear without turning it into a lecture, congratulations! You’re showing that you’re leadership material. You make people feel heard & valued, which is a big deal.
You Empower Others
Anyone who gets a kick out of seeing people succeed & does their best to help them get there isn’t merely a nice person—they’re leading. Leaders don’t hog the spotlight but they share it by lifting others up. They’ll encourage them to reach their potential. Why? Because they want to make everyone around them better.
You’re Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable
Stepping out of your comfort zone isn’t easy but if you do it with a sense of purpose, you’re showing true leadership. A leader is someone who faces challenges head-on and uses them as opportunities to grow. Don’t confuse that with never being scared—a true leader is someone who does it anyway.
You Have a Positive Attitude
Similarly, keeping your spirits up when things get tough is also important. Are you a person who always tries to find the silver lining and keep the team’s morale high? Then you’re leading by example. Your positivity can turn the tide, making you the kind of hopeful figure that people around you need the most.
You’re a Problem Solver
When something goes wrong, you’re the first to jump in & start figuring out a solution because you’re not afraid to tackle any problems. Rather than shying away, real leaders know they can use them as a chance to shine & help the team move forward. Your can-do attitude is what leadership is all about!
You Take Responsibility
Owning up to your mistakes & taking responsibility for your actions is a big part of being a leader. Even owning up to your team’s failure is important because it shows integrity. It builds trust with other people and especially if you’re quick to say “my bad” and learn from it. Rather than pointing fingers, you’re leading with accountability.
You’re a Natural Mediator
Being the peacemaker during a disagreement is a definite sign of leadership. Leaders have this talent for seeing both sides of the coin and helping everyone involved find common ground. Instead of picking sides, they try to bring people together to solve problems harmoniously and strengthen the team.
You’re Consistently Reliable
While it may seem obvious, being someone others can consistently rely on is a huge leadership quality. It doesn’t matter if it’s meeting deadlines or just being there when you said you would be—reliability builds trust. And, as any good leader will tell you, trust is the foundation of strong leadership. People follow you because they want to, not just because they have to.
You Inspire Others
Lastly, when people keep telling you that you’ve inspired them in some way, take it as a sign that your leadership is shining through. It could be through your actions, your words or simply the good vibes you’re putting out. Either way, inspiring others is the essence of true leadership—you’ve made an impact that encourages people to be their best selves.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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