Leadership: it’s a term we hear thrown around a lot more often than we actually realise. Do you need to be in a powerful position to be a leader? No, say experts. It all starts with you.

The official definition of the term leadership reads as follows: “The process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task”. See? There is no mention of any of the requirements we often hold up to our chosen leaders: you do not have to be a politician, or even a powerful businesswoman to lead others. Anybody can be a leader and practise effective leadership skills in all areas of their lives. Here are a few tips for the uncertain leaders amongst us.

It starts with YOU

In a blog geared towards inspiring the leaders and entrepreneurs in all of us, a few secrets are shared about what it takes to be an effective leader. Weston Lyon, the creator of the blog, lists the following attributes as vital to the cultivation of the spirit and mind-set of a true leader: productiveness, efficiency and effectiveness. In simple terms, leaders get stuff done, they get it done without wasting time, and they get the RIGHT stuff done. With this simple guide to leadership in mind, it becomes clearer how each of us can start to lead and inspire others in our daily lives.

Lead by example

The most important theory of leadership to keep in mind is indisputably that others follow the example those leading them set. When you set an inspirational and empowered example, you invite others to join in. From this position, it doesn’t matter what you do – it makes no difference whether you are a high-powered business leader, committed mother or hard-working employee – but how you do it.

Put a stop to the blame game

Whether it is in your local newspaper, on the international news, or at your neighbours’ braai, we are all too familiar with complaints about government officials, bosses and other people with structural authority. We have it wrong, though. Life is not about waiting around for change: it’s about making it happen where you can, and having the power to accept that it is beyond your control when you cannot.

In his Little Golden Book, American writer and lecturer on self-improvement, salesmanship, corporate training, public speaking and interpersonal skills, Dale Carnegie, wrote: “Don’t complain, condemn or criticize.” I think this is excellent advice.

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