6 Truths Nobody Will Tell You About Your Leadership Journey
Starting ProofHub was not an easy chore. Leadership looks simple from the outside, however, the reality is more complex. I realized this when I came in the role of a leader, as the founder of ProofHub. Nothing is as simple as I imagined it to be.
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Now that I have started to write this about my leadership journey, I am flooded with thoughts of so many experiences that taught me so much. Here I am reflecting on what my journey taught me because these are some truths nobody will tell you about your leadership journey, and you need to know.
- Aggression is a sign of weakness, not strength
This is the first rule of leadership: manage your own emotions. Its a sign of critical weakness for those who are not able to handle their emotions.
I have been in situations where I feel the need to yell out at the team because of their laid back attitude but I know the bad result following this action. I am not weak, I do not shout. Any time I have shown aggression, it was a sign of my weakness.
Many people believe that strength means being aggressive. And particularly young leaders are susceptible to this fallacy. As I’ve developed, I’ve come to realize that empathy is the true symbol of strength and not aggression.
2. Patience is a virtue behind the leader’s success
Patience is too often overlooked as a leadership virtue. Since success and respect can’t be gained overnight, leaders should learn to practice patience. You’re into a bad leadership if you are not patient enough to hear your employees’ concerns. Just being result-oriented and showing no empathy towards others is a danger for your long term leadership success.
The solution is to have a patient approach to gain respect. Develop emotional intelligence to be an effective leader that others could trust and believe in. Your impatient nature can be a pressure for people around you.
So, just like some of the world’s greatest leaders exhibit P.A.T.I.E.N.C.E.: purpose, approachability, tolerance, independence, empathy, nurturing nature, confidence, and endurance. Your patience attitude can also improve your time management skills and organize work efficiently.
3. You are on a roller coaster
My leadership journey is a roller coaster. There is no surety of what’s going to be thrown next, so all I have to do is give my best. It’s like driving down a steep road, navigating turns and bends.
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Yes, you will have sleepless nights but they help you relish your victories even more. There will be unbelievable highs and terrifying lows. And the challenge is how you go through these high and low without screaming. You can make the best out of the beginnings and endings. Have a great time on the ride!
4. Clarify your purpose
You’ll be remembered for how you make your team feel. In order to stay on the path, you must have a clear reason why you want to stay. When you get the answers to questions like why do you want to be an effective leader? What is the difference you’d want to see during your leadership? What are my abilities and passion? you’ll be able to take confident steps ahead.
You will keep walking the path, knowing that the effort is worth it, else you will likely stop far too soon. You’ll get the stability to stand in the tough time as your sense of purpose will keep you strong.
5. Personal conflict can destroy your team
Undoubtedly, I have always believed in my product and have the vision to succeed. And I never had an issue where my team did not believe in my mission and vision. They were always motivated to perform up to the mark. Be it making new changes in ProofHub or bringing out new features, they are always up for their ideas and inputs.
But I have heard from many leaders being in trouble because their teams did not believe in their mission and things never worked out then. Personal dissonance is something that arises in these situations. And in these situations it becomes difficult to encourage others to work.
6. Leadership is not a position — it’s a mindset
You do not become a leader by leading a team or finding a startup idea or sitting in a cabin, you need a great mindset. Great leadership comes from a great mindset. What kind of actions comes to your mind? Pay attention to what you think before your actions. It is important to have self-awareness to have a better understanding of your thoughts.
Nobody needs permission to lead. It starts within you. If a leader is mindful of some great ideas then he can motivate people around. Leadership is not a position, it is the journey. It’s how you motivate others with your enthusiasm.
Well, these truths are as per my point of view. I am hoping these tips will help you in your future leadership journey to grow well. Make a difference in your leadership now. What kind of leader are you or what are the kind of leaders you have come across?
Read the other articles:
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- 7 must follow financial tips if you are launching your startup
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