Instead of looking for a great leader, we are in an era where each of us needs to find the great leader in ourselves. ~ Werner Erhard

How often do you stop to think about great leadership qualities? You may think about it in terms of leaders you admire. But do you think about your own leadership qualities?

I recently attended an excellent leadership course. It took us in a different direction when it comes to examining outstanding leadership qualities. Rather than talking about the doing of leadership, we spent two days inquiring about what it takes to be a leader.

For most of my life, I didn’t think of myself as a leader. Something inside me always wanted to be a leader, but I didn’t see myself as having leadership qualities. I thought people were either born to be leaders or they weren’t.

In my mind, I wasn’t. That’s what I get for trusting my mind over my heart.

I thought leadership belonged somewhere “outside” of me to people who were bigger than life, like Gandhi or Mother Teresa. Or at the very least in my worldview, leaders were “given” that responsibility through hard work, promotions, elections or some other “appointment”.

It’s taken me awhile to embrace my inner leader and yes, there are still times when I doubt myself. But I don’t have to let my doubts stop me and neither do you.

Here’s what I wrote in my journal after completing the course:

“I went to an amazing Leadership Course…there were interesting people in attendance. Very international, or should I say global. Big dreams…they are all about transforming something. Education. Poverty. The environment.

My dream seems little. But this is one arena where size doesn’t matter. My dream is my dream and it matters to me. When I shared it from my heart, people got my dream and they got me and who I am…I may not always land where I expect to land, but I will land safely. And if I am true to myself and true to my vision it’s possible that I will land in an even better place than I could have imagined. ”

Whether you believe it or not, inside you lives a leader with the leadership qualities you need to accomplish whatever inspires you. When you are inspired, your leadership qualities will show up effortlessly, especially when you take a stand to create your Sexy Second Act – the authentic life you are designed to live.

Inspired leaders can’t help but break away from same-old, same-old to live large and honor what matters to them. And don’t you know it? Authentic leadership qualities are downright SEXY! They have an aura about them that comes from commitment and passion for doing something that matters. For no other reason than it does.

How do you discover your unique leadership qualities?

• Get clear about what you want and what’s important to you
• Stop waiting – for someone to give you permission, or for the right time or right circumstances. Take ownership of your dreams NOW.
• Stop worrying about whether or not you know how. If you know how, your dream isn’t big enough. You’ll figure it out as you go. That’s what great leaders do.
• Find the support of people who believe in you and believe in your dreams even when you are in doubt.
• Commit yourself like your life depends on it. Living your best life DOES depend on it.

Before you know it, you’ll attract amazing people and opportunities and the quality of your life will expand exponentially. You will be a leader! How sexy is that?

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Are you ready to embrace your inner leader? Putting yourself in a Mastermind Group is a great way to get started. Contact us for more information. New groups are now forming.