When we talk about great leaders, we often bring up famous politicians, activists, spiritual leaders, and CEOs. However, leadership is not only relegated to those who speak to the masses, manage large companies, or wield political power. Being a parent, a friend, a team member, or a supportive family member are all ways that we step into leadership roles in our everyday lives. In fact, the wisdom of Kabbalah teaches that leadership is a fundamental part of the spiritual work that we came into the world to do and the path to true fulfillment.
Here are 5 tips to sharpen your leadership skills:
1. Think of leadership as an act of service.
Being a strong leader means being of service to others. One does not become a leader to thousands but rather a servant to thousands. This can be a big shift in the way most of us think about leadership. Yes, leaders are in charge, but the largest part of their responsibilities does not involve strategy or giving orders, it’s in being of service to others. Effective leaders show up for their teams to support and encourage, even when they are busy, tired, down, or uninspired. They take responsibility, not just for their own actions and impact, but for the actions and impact of the team.
One of the fundamental kabbalistic concepts is that the path to fulfillment is through living a life of dedicated to sharing with others. That is what leadership is. Being of service in that way is at the core of what we came into this world to do. Everyone is meant to be a leader in some form. The only way we can achieve the fulfillment we are meant to is by making our goal to be a leader who has a desire to share with others.
For any of us to be successful, we must ask ourselves: How do I push myself to be of more service each day?
2. Believe in your endless potential.
One of the greatest areas that we lack understanding about is how much potential we have. Our souls are limitless. What often stops us from being great leaders is fear. We are afraid to fail, that we aren’t worthy, that we don’t have the right skills, or that we don’t have enough value to add.
Leadership starts and ends with you. Before you can lead others, you must be a leader for yourself first. Believe in your greatness. Know that your accomplishments pale in comparison to your true potential. There is so much more you can achieve than you realize!
3. Believe in the greatness of others.
A great leader not only believes in themself but also sees the greatness in others. People tend to knock others down in order to feel secure, strong, and powerful, especially when it comes to a highly competitive environment or industry. But the strongest way to determine if a person is a great leader is by whether or not they see the greatness in the others around them.
This applies to leaders in all capacities. A manager must see the potential in their direct reports. A parent must see the greatness in their child. Look to find the greatness in others, help them discover their power, and support their growth.
4. Allow yourself and others to be imperfect.
Neither the leader nor those who are being led are meant to be perfect. The greatest leaders are not only imperfect but know they are imperfect. Owning your faults creates an environment where mistakes are not punished and where people are willing to take risks without the fear of being attacked or punished.
From our imperfections arise the greatest forces of leadership. A person cannot be a leader unless they have failed. Failure is the foundation upon which leadership can be built. It’s not about being perfect in all things but the desire to be better.
Don’t look at your imperfections as reasons why you can’t lead. You will not be perfect all the time, but a desire to do good to others and to continually get better makes you a worthy leader.
5. Leave ego behind.
The biggest leadership killer is the ego. It is the greatest opponent of true leadership because it blinds us from seeing the truth. There have been many famous and experienced leaders throughout history who have made terrible decisions because they were blinded to something.
Ego makes you believe that you know more than others. It prevents you from learning, gaining new information, and growing. The best leaders don’t have the desire for people to look up to them and respect them but are humble and aware of their own limitations. Remember that you can learn from anyone at any level at any time.
Many people think the concept of leadership doesn’t apply to them. They don’t feel that they are meant to lead, don’t want to lead, or don’t think they have the qualities that make someone a great leader. But true leadership means being of service to others, and that is the path to true happiness and fulfillment.
You came into this world to be a leader. It doesn’t mean you have to lead millions of people, but by leading yourself, friends, family, or others, you can align yourself with the Creator’s desire to share. Do you see yourself as a leader? If so, how are your actions inspiring others to transform?
