Did you know that leadership is proven through actions, not words?
Leadership happens in times when it matters most. One of the greatest modern day examples is former NY Mayor Rudy Giuliani and his handling of the World Trade Center tragedy. The world watched as he made a habit of taking on difficult tasks that most people would avoid. His habit of addressing the multiple conflicting issues provided us all with comfort and confidence that things would somehow be eventually OK.
Habits are formed through repeated and deliberate action. Discipline and courage are required to make the tough decisions and follow through with sometimes unpopular actions. Leaders step up when leadership and clear direction is needed most.
Putting It Into Action
Ask yourself, what are the tough decisions or difficult situations that everyone has been avoiding and you feel need to be addressed? Volunteer to take on those things. Make this reflection and action a regular quarterly habit. If you need help staying on track, assign a coach to keep you accountable for making tough decisions and handling difficult situations. Ask your boss which tasks that she or he dislikes the most. Volunteer to take on those things as a regular habit.
With you along the path towards success,
Joseph