Are you the type of person who aspires, works, or fights to become the leader of groups or communities? Is there something that drives you to managerial positions or take the lead on projects or events?
When stepping up to this role, many find it is not easy to be the “leader”. Undertaking a leader position means taking on responsibility, working harder than others, and not getting much recognition or praise. Many find the role of leadership is often unfair due to the lack of credit given for success or finding you cop the blame for failures.
So why would anyone want to be a Leader? What are the benefits and rewards?
If I asked you to list as many reasons as you could for why you want to be a leader, how many of these would make the list?
· I can do it better than others
- I want to make things better
- I want to have a say in what happens
- I want to have control over (people/environment/customers etc)
- I want to grow personally/professionally
- I want to give back
- I want to help others
- I want to be able to make a difference
- There isn’t anyone else, so it will have to be me
- I want more money & benefits and being in a leader role will give me this
- I want to be important
- I want to be needed
Interestingly everyone has their own reasons for why they want to be a leader. In the list above some of those answers are positive and negative. The question isn’t really why do you want to be a leader or what’s in it for me? The real question is what type of leader do you want to be?
If you undertake a leadership role for positive reasons v’s a self-centred approach, then the trials and tribulations that come with the position won’t weigh you down. You’ll naturally feel good about the role as you inspire, guide and lead people towards the common goal.
