Five Steps Courageous Leaders Take
Get Clear.
Leaders who focus on becoming difference makers are intentional about the act of leadership. They have focus. They maintain clarity. Courageous leaders have a dream, a goal, and a plan to get there. Most of all, they aren’t easily deterred from working toward their dream. Yes, you could say courageous leaders are tenacious.
How did the iPhone make it to retail stores in 2007? (Yes, it’s only been 10 years). Steve Jobs was focused on creating a product that was easy to use. Steve Jobs wasn’t trying to develop the technology for your new washing machine. He was working on developing a smartphone – an easy to use smartphone. Ten years later, whether you use an Apple iPhone or another smartphone, the way we communicate has changed. All because of a little device we hold in our hands. Jobs was a unique kind of difference maker.
Who are Difference Makers?
While you may not be working on the latest technological innovation, you want to be a difference maker. Difference makers lead in many sectors of society. They’re found in homes, schools, and community organizations. Difference makers work in business, media, and health care. They are faith leaders and entrepreneurs. At the heart of being a difference maker is a person who develops clarity that yields confidence. But there is more: confidence brings courage along as its sibling.
The list below offers simple steps toward well-known concepts. The concepts are reframed to guide you toward making an impact. These five steps will help you reduce the noise distracting you from being a difference maker. More importantly, these steps help you focus becoming one.
Here’s my challenge: Take 30 days to focus on the five steps below.
And if you’re thinking, “I don’t need one more thing to do.” Neither do I. This isn’t about doing. This is about becoming who you are created to be. Here are the five steps.
Here are the five steps. Watch. Read. Repeat.
1. Claim your innate talents.
There is only one you. Claim it. Claim the good, the bad, and the ugly. But, please focus on the good. Read More…
2. Clarify your goals.
If you don’t know where you’re going, how are you going to get there? Answer the question, “What do you want?” Read more…
3. Develop a plan & include partners.
Here’s the place where your talents and goals come together to provide you with a clear path forward. Then identify who is going to join you to make the journey a success?
4. Chart your progress and adjust your plan as needed
Take the steps you need, one at a time. Monitor your weekly, monthly, and quarterly progress. Adjust your plans when you encounter roadblocks, detours, and “a-ha’s”. Check your adjustments to make sure you’re still focused on your goal.
5. Celebrate your progress
Yes, progress. If you’re moving forward – celebrate with a high-five, written note, or drink from your favorite coffee shop. Positive reinforcement is good for the soul.
Bonus: Shine a light on a moment of brilliance
- Put a colleague, friend, family member in the spotlight. Shining a light on brilliant moments don’t have to be one-time acts. But, remember, brilliance points to something special, different, and outstanding.
Are you ready to take focused steps toward becoming a difference maker? You’re only 30 days away from a milestone moment!
So, what do you say? Will you accept the 30-day challenge to begin focusing on being a difference maker? Let me know your commitment in the comments below.
To your success!
PS- Look for more content about the 5 Steps in the coming weeks. Want to be the first to know when new content is added? Give your thumb’s up on the form below.
