Leadership means different things to different people. For some, leadership is about taking charge and making decisions. For others, it's about inspiring others to achieve their goals. It's also about setting the direction for a team or an organization and motivating people to follow.
There are different leadership styles, and the most effective leaders can often adapt their style to the needs and requirements of their team or organization. That is why knowing yourself is among the best keys to becoming a great leader.
The first step in managing your leadership position is understanding the strengths, weaknesses, and your own motivations that make up who you are as an individual. That way, you can use it for growth instead of stagnating or limiting yourself by focusing only on one dimension at a time.
How you work best might differ from the person next to you. Some are visual learners, while others need concrete examples before they can grasp something new. Still, most individuals gain most insight through action or doing rather than listening and writing things down.
To find your specific strengths and weaknesses, perform a self-audit. Take note of your unique leadership abilities, so you can easily identify areas for contribution within any project setting. Most importantly, list the areas where you may need improvement and embrace change.
Moreover, ask someone – family, best friends, or employees – to give insights into what they can and cannot count on you. Their answers will help determine the leadership style that suits you.