The heart and soul of leadership is about inspiring and influencing others.  Leadership is like light.  It is impossible for darkness to exist when light is present.  Darkness can be defined as confusion, procrastination, ineffectiveness, selfishness, dishonesty, guilt, regret, dictatorial, and condescending just to name a few.

If we are honest, we all have been guilty of being in darkness until someone shared light or proper leadership with us.  The most effective leaders will all tell you that their inspiration or light stemmed from an example from another leader.  

Who was the leader that inspired you?  Better yet, who are you inspiring with your leadership?

The best way to radiate your light as a leader is by discovering your passion as a leader.  To effective lead with passion there are 5 essential characteristics every leader should possess.

1. LEAD with PURPOSE

How motivated are you to do anything that has no meaning or purpose?  Leading with purpose is a journey that starts with intention.  Leadership is more meaningful and fulfilling when your decisions and actions are intentional.  The most effective leaders understand that leading from a position of purpose is empowering to themselves and anyone else associated with their leadership.  What is the purpose of your leadership? 

2. LEAD with VISION

How clear are you about the direction you are headed in with your leadership?  Leading with vision is having clarity and direction.  Vision helps with navigation of the various situations you will experience with your leadership.  How is your vision?

3. LEAD with COURAGE

How courageous are you with your leadership?  Leading with courage is basically leading with heart.  And there is no substitute for heart.  Either you have heart or you don’t.  Leading with heart or courage causes us to do things out of the ordinary.  How are you utilizing courage in your leadership?

4. LEAD with INTEGRITY

How can a person be successful as a leader without integrity?  Leading with integrity is being in harmony and balanced with our core essence.  It is being our authentic self.  Leading with integrity allows leaders to lead from a position of power, strength, confidence, and grace.  This can only happen with humility and a profound sense of inner peace, which comes from leading with integrity.  Are you leading with integrity?

5. LEAD with DISCIPLINE

How disciplined are you as a leader?  Leading with discipline requires initiative, accountability, action, and stewardship.  This means doing whatever it takes ethically necessary to execute your intentions.  It is taking risks, sacrificing, going the extra mile, showing up early, or staying late to get the job done well.  Are you setting goals for yourself?  Are you holding yourself accountable?  Are you challenging yourself and others to raise the bar? 

So how are you leading?  Can people feel and see your passion as a leader?

How are you leading with passion?  Please leave a comment below or email me directly.

Bryant 

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