You Cannot Achieve Any Big Goal by Yourself

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Passion is a key element for a leader. I have observed that people who are successful and achieve great things have passion. It is important to find the areas you are passionate about then stay focused on them.

Communicate shared goals. Lack of communication is often the biggest problem in any organization, community, marriage or the world! Don't assume others understand the chosen goals and objectives. Spell them out in written and spoken form and keep reminding the group of these goals whether short or long term. The more communication, the better.

Push to create ideas. You are in a leadership position because you are capable of organizing a group of people to accomplish a goal. Use your position to accomplish a goal. Use your position to encourage brainstorming sessions and cultivate creativity. Urge your group to envision new plans and search for different ways to meet objectives.

Now back to that level 5-leader thing I said was important. The following five levels of leadership are essential to being a successful leader, and is what stood out to me the most during this course.

Level one; Highly Capable Individual, At this level, you make high quality contributions with your work. You possess useful levels of knowledge; and you have the talent and skills needed to do a good job.

Level two; Contributing Team Member, at Level 2, you use your knowledge and skills to help your team succeed. You work effectively, productively and successfully with other people in your group.

Level three is Competent Manager; here you're able to organize a group effectively to achieve specific goals and objectives.

Level four: Effective Leader, in that category most top leaders fall into. Here, you're able to galvanize a department or organization to meet performance objectives and achieve a vision.

Level five is about Great Leader, refers to the highest level in a hierarchy of executive capabilities. Leaders at the other four levels may be successful, but are unable to elevate companies from mediocrity to sustained excellence.

Through this class I explored the distinction between leadership and management, the pros and cons of different leadership styles, and the challenges of co-leadership.

Applying new skills and practicing them. l also participated in targeted exercises designed to help express myself effectively and improve my ability to lead in any situation.