Ever heard the saying, “Leaders are born, not made”?

How does it feel to be told that either you’re born with the ability to lead or you’re born to be a sheep, to follow the crowd, to bend over backward for other people?

It doesn’t feel great, does it?

That’s because this saying fails to capture a large view of the whole picture; some people are born into greatness, while others have to work for it. One of those people has everything going for them; the other has to work in their blood, sweat and tears to get where they are.

Who can be a leader and who can’t?

There’s no one who can ascertain what a person is destined to do. Nobody knows what roadblocks you have in your way, or what your skills and talents are, how passionate you are and how determined you are to succeed.

Eventually, your actions begin to speak for you but it’s a long way to get there. Not everyone is born in a home where things are handed to them.  Many people have to scrape together morsels and take every opportunity that comes their way.

Your journey might be tougher than everyone else in the race but you stand a chance; always remember this.

What makes a good leader?

A good leader is a person who doesn’t leave behind their team. They carry everyone with them, working on their strengths and weaknesses. A good leader is someone who leads by example, not by ordering around.

A good leader is one who puts the interest of others before their own, while still working for their people. They’re able to give room to others to grow, without feeling threatened.

A good leader is someone who commands respect, instead of demanding it. People want to listen to them, follow them, be like them. Fear is scarcely the sign of good leadership, but trust is.

Habits that Good Leaders Follow

Some of the most common habits that good leaders adopt include:

Stimulating their Minds

Whether it’s through reading or painting, or perhaps music, good leaders know the importance of staying stimulated. It’s essential to one’s emotional and mental well-being and growth.

Taking Care of Their Bodies

Speaking of well-being, good leaders also value their physical health. From their diet to their exercise, they know that their bodies are sacred and need to be kept safe. Physical activity by going to thegym or playing a sport is part of their routine.

Learning from Others

This is incredibly essential. Whether it’s learning from their teams or from other leaders and role models, it’s important to have someone to look up to and learn from. It’s also an exercise in humility. Everyone has a lesson to teach you and it’s your loss if you miss out on it.

Being Honest and Open

This cannot be emphasized enough! You need to be open to criticism, suggestion and change. Nobody is perfect and people will admire you more for telling the truth than for pretending to be perfect.

If you aspire to be a leader, there is nothing standing in your way.

As the keynote speaker, Steve Rizzo, says:

“Achievement does not make the person. The goal is just a gift. It’s how you’ve lived and what you’ve done to achieve the goal that brings value to it. It’s the challenges that dare you to learn and grow that make you who you are. It’s the people you meet and the relationships you make along the way. When you choose to adhere to this creed, then you will have no problem appreciating and enjoying what you have, because you will be fully aware of how you earned it.”

About Steve Rizzo

Steve Rizzo is a professional motivational speaker and a Hall of Fame inductee known for his humor, wit and honesty. He is a master with his words and knows how to evoke emotion to inspire his audience.