Mark Edward Brown's Blog

So you want to be a successful leader?

Then you here are 5 ways that you are sure to fail at being a true leader, so read on.

I am often asked how to become a great leader and as strange as this may sound, it seems as though nobody’s taking my advice seriously.

This led me to research why this is happening and here is just one common thread that I found running through the many reasons why folks are having a hard time becoming an effective leader, and here it is – most “would be” leaders were failing at leadership before they even got serious about becoming a great leader!

Many people want to know how to be a great leader however I have found that if I tell you how not to be a loser you will remember longer what you must do to become the leader you really want to be.

Here is what not to do:

1)  Stop acting like you don’t know what you want:

Who are you kidding here, you know what you want yet still, the most common thing I hear is, “How do I decide how to be truly effective at leadership?  Get serious, that’s fine if you want a generic goal but the problem is, if you don’t know what you want, how will you know how to get it?  No wonder some people don’t experience breakthroughs in thier lives because they are watching life pass them by wondering when they should get off the bench and get in the game. If you want to become a truly great leader, you better make a decision and commit to learning something from someone like me!

2) You don’t truly know why you want to be a leader:

Narrow your focus and stop wanting everything that everyone else has.  If you don’t concentrate on building your own leadership skill set then how will you know the reason why you’re trying to achieve your leadership goal? Seriously, without a solid reason, where are you going to find the motivation and encouragement for you to get serious, overcome your internal obstacles and go for your own success?  Most people fail to achieve their goals because they never start their journey let alone complete it, and most of those that do start, give up half way or just steps away from that which they set out to accomplish.

3) You already think you’re a good enough leader:

Word to the wise, the day you stop learning is the day you stop improving your leadership style and skillset.  If you don’t want to fail as a leader than stop acting as though you already know everything about leadership. The fact is, all truly successful leaders are people who continuously learn to be even more effective and empowering to the people they lead.  The phrase ”you don’t know what you don’t know, you know” applies here especially.

4) You may be following and listening to the wrong people:

Ask yourself why you want to be a great leader and who are you going to lead as you develop?  Do yourself a favor, don’t take the wrong advice from folks who you think are the right leaders.  This is easier said than done, I know however you will know in your gut if someone is giving you a complete line of bull or not. 

5) Stop being blinded by what other people want for your life:

There are only two things that are important in your life as a leader – leadership control and experiencing the happiness of successful leadership.  For example, if you have money, that is great but it does not buy you true followers.  Truly great leadership is not about the money it’s more about what people with money and influence ARE WILLING TO DO FOR YOU!

I know this entire topic is bigger than just these five tips so if you want to hear more you have got to comment and let me know.

I was fortunate to experience great leadership early in my life and because I made a concious decision to learn the most powerful lessons from the most influential leaders on the planet and off it has led me to a unique position which I want to share only with people like you.

Remember to comment and tell me your thoughts about this leadership post.

To Your Leadership Success,

Mark Edward Brown