The Secret Weapon to Propel Your Leadership Skills

In the professional world, we are quick to assume a good leader is one with a great education, strong experience and knows everything about the area where they are leading. While these are great skills to have, every leader is a person like any other, that must navigate a complex web of emotions among themselves, their teams, conflictive relationships, and challenging issues. After a while, these issues can take a toll and even the grittiest among us can become worn  burn out.

I encourage my clients to engage in mindful leadership practices, keeping their energy levels high as they work to motivate their teams and families towards their goals.

One incredibly effective approach to staying motivated is using positive affirmations. You will be surprised at how many great leaders use this great little tool every day. When you are a leader that is ready and willing to demonstrate your leadership skills in the important areas of your life, then you will only get better by working on these skills intentionally.

You are what you believe. Do not just assume you have great leadership skills, remind yourself you have these skills – daily and be specific about them.

You can start with affirmations as simple as: I am confident, intelligent, and well-spoken. I lead others effectively. My leadership skills are demonstrated by how I think, act, and communicate.

Yet to take your leadership skills one step further, use these four positive affirmations every day. Take a moment and write these down word for word. And for even better results, continue to write them down each day. If you have a busy day ahead, then take a break that day and just read the one that resonates most with you:

1. I bring forward my leadership skills each day.
   Inspiring and motivating others is a priority in my life. There are countless opportunities to practice my leadership skills at home, work, and in every part of my life. Through practice I will be able to master my leadership skills, that is why I practice these skills regularly.
2. I have the thought process of a leader.
   I see life’s challenges as opportunities for growth, reflection, and progress. I understand that some of my thoughts will not serve me, and those are the ones I will let go. My decisions have a ripple effect to those that I influence, both at work and at home. I make intelligent decisions that serve my vision and values, with a long-term focus.
3. Great leaders are made. I am making myself into a great leader.
   I demonstrate my leadership skills through my actions. People can easily recognize my exceptional leadership skills. I handle situations confidently and competently. I am open to the thoughts and opinions of others, but the final decision I make is my own.
4. My communication skills also demonstrate my leadership abilities.
   I am able to communicate ideas clearly. I am compassionate and self-aware.Through my own self-confidence I motivate others to do their best. People want to support me and my plans. I don’t just listen to others I am truly present with them. I know that listening can be more important than talking for both communication and influence.

Now to take this all one step further, ask yourself some self-reflection questions. These are important to truly identify what areas you can continue to work on.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. What are my best attributes as a leader?
2. What leadership qualities do I need to enhance to be the best leader I can be?
3. How would strengthening my leadership skills enhance my career?