Most of leaders put a lid on their life and success with boundaries, limitations and excuses. There is perhaps no limit more common, or more practical than “it doesn’t feel natural”. We admire and elevate “natural” leaders and denigrate and belittle our ability to grow. Yet what feels “natural” is often a simple matter of practice, and exercises of the mind and spirit.
Here are a few things that will help you to be a more “natural” leader.
1. Imagination. By regularly using our imagination we can see scenarios, pictures, strategies and positive solutions that don’t currently exist. God has also given us the ability to use our imagination to become comfortable with situations and challenges we have yet to face in reality, but that we will be challenged with in the future. This is why mentally rehearsing positive, God affirming, loving leadership in your mind can help you when you are in pressure situations. You’ve already lived it, in your imagination. Use your imagination to feel more natural in handling your stresses, challenges and interactions more successfully.
2. Dream. God has give us the ability to dream, not just just at night, but wide awake and during the day. To be able to dream up a future, a successful outcome and to help shape that outcome is one of the greatest joys of any person. Yet many people don’t feel comfortable and natural dreaming. This is largely due to a lack of practice and our lack of understanding how our minds are designed. What is your dream for your organization, for your life, for your family? God has a purpose for you, and your purpose should be rooted not just in the here and now, but also where God is taking you. It’s probably bigger and greater than you can imagine, so you need to dream it.
3. Education. Sometimes we don’t feel natural making great, bold, and clear leadership decisions because we lack the confidence that comes from being educated about the world around us. I’m not just talking about schooling, but about the importance of leaders being learners. Being a naturally great leader means getting serious about educating yourself through reading, listening, observing and being a student of other great leaders.
4. Examples. Naturally great leaders become that way because in part because they are exposed to other great leaders, learning from them. We all are affected by those we surround ourselves with. It’s no accident that children often follow their parents into professions and career paths. Sometimes it’s through pressure, but often it’s because the child has seen what life is like working in that environment and it seems ‘natural’ that they would be comfortable there as well. That’s why intentionally putting yourself around people who are leading at higher levels than you is so important.
What things do you do “naturally” that are not genetically programmed into you, but instead are things you have observed, learned, or mentally rehearsed until you became comfortable in that role or task?
David Curry
