According to John C. Maxwell in his book titled 'The 360 degree Leader said:
"The 360 degree leaders take the time and effort to earn influence with their followers just as they do with those over whom they have no authority".
Leadership is not about a title. It is about influence. And influence is not given. It is earned.
The four things young leaders of today must avoid if they want to become leaders of influence and character are listed below:
1. PRIDE
With no doubt, most young leaders in different leadership positions today do one thing in common: "they show pride".
Pride shows up in many ways. In body language. In tone of voice. In the way they talk down to people. It hurts others, especially the trusted followers who stood with them from the beginning.
Pride makes a leader feel untouchable.
Pride makes a leader forget that the position is temporary, but reputation is permanent.
Here is the truth:
If you are a young leader rightly or wrongly chosen by the public, know this you are loved by many people you have never met. There are people praying for you. People defending you. People believing in you. Because of that, you must also show love and mercy to others who are unknown to you but are fully in support of your leadership journey.
A proud leader pushes people away.
A humble leader pulls people closer.
Pride says: “I don’t need anyone.”
Influence says: “I need everyone.”
The moment you start thinking you are better than your followers, you start losing them. The moment you start listening and serving, you start growing them.
Leaders who last are leaders who stay humble. Check your pride at the door every morning.
2. DISRESPECT
Young leaders in our communities and countries today are fresh, smart, and full of new ideas. That is good.
But because you are young does not give you the right to disrespect your elders or those whose views are different from yours.
Disrespect pays no one any good.
Just because you are "in charge" does not give you a license for unethical behaviour in front of your followers.
When you disrespect an elder in public, you are teaching your followers to disrespect you in private. Leadership is not about age. It is about wisdom. And wisdom knows how to bend and be flexible to other people’s opinions.
Learn to say:
“That’s a good point. Let’s look at it.”
“I may not agree, but I respect your view.” Teach me more.
These words do not make you weak. They make you strong.
God has naturally built good character in us as leaders. Part of that character is honor. Honor your parents. Honor your mentors. Honor those who came before you. Even when you disagree, disagree with respect.
A disrespectful leader will always be lonely at the top. A respectful leader will always have people willing to walk with him.
Most young leaders fail to accomplish their dreams and vision in leadership because of poor communication skills.
They have the vision. They have the passion. But they cannot explain it.
They cannot connect with the people who should help them. And because of that lack of communication, their leadership falls unexpectedly.
If you believe you are a good leader, you must build human character and temperament.
Communication is not just talking. It is:
1. Listening to understand, not just to reply
2. Explaining so a 10-year-old and a 60-year-old both get it
3. Inspiring so people move from hearing to doing
4. Networking because if you lack communication, you lack network
Leaders should not lack in any area of human endeavor. That is why they must keep growing all the time. Leaders must be willing to learn without season and without time.
Read books on communication. Join Toastmasters. Go for leadership skills training seminars. Practice telling your story. And ask for feedback on how you speak.
People don’t follow what they don’t understand. If your team is confused, it is not their fault. It is a communication problem.
Great leaders are great communicators. They can paint the future so clearly that people are willing to follow them into it.
4. DISPLAYING WARLIKE CHARACTER
Because you have power does not mean you are a warrior. Having public power as a young person is a gift.
It is good enough to turn many lives into gold if power is used wisely.
But some young leaders use power to fight, to intimidate, to prove a point.
They display anger. They display threats. They display “if you are not with me, you are against me attitude".
That is warlike charater. And it destroys influence without compromising your level of education.
The real WARLIKE field young leaders need to fix themselves in is: STRENGTH IN CREATIVITY.
Fight poverty with ideas. Fight ignorance with education. Fight division with unity. Fight problems with solutions. Young leaders should be peaceful to their followers, whether known or unknown. Peace creates an environment where people can grow.
Peace makes it possible for you to raise and save thousands of lives through your leadership.
Truly, young leaders who are born to save lives are scarce to find.
Why don’t you be one?
Power used in anger breaks people.
Power used in wisdom builds people.
THE HEART OF A 360 DEGREE LEADER
John C. Maxwell said; "leaders must earn influence up, down, and sideways".
That meaning, reason with those above you. Be respectful, not proud. Bend
down with those below you. Be communicative, not silent. Be available
sideways with your peers. Be peaceful, not warlike in nature.
Leadership is 360 degrees. You are always being watched.
3 DAILY QUESTIONS EVERY YOUNG LEADER SHOULD ASK
1. Did I show humility today or pride?
2. Did I communicate clearly today or did I assume people understood?
3. Did I build peace today or did I create war?
If you can answer these honestly, you will grow faster as a good leader.
Are you a young leader, the world is watching you. Your generation needs you. Your community needs you and
your followers need you too.
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