Are You a Natural Born Leader? 10 Things Natural Leaders Do and 10 Things They Don’t Do

Introduction

Leadership is a complex and multifaceted quality that often feels innate. While some aspects of leadership can be learned, there are certain traits and behaviors that natural-born leaders exhibit effortlessly. These traits can significantly impact their ability to inspire, guide, and motivate others. If you’ve ever wondered whether you possess the qualities of a natural leader, consider the following traits that natural leaders exhibit and those they avoid.

10 Things Natural Leaders Do

1. Inspire Vision

• Quote: “Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.” — Warren Bennis
• Natural leaders have a clear vision and inspire others to work towards that vision with passion and enthusiasm.

1. Build Trust

• Quote: “The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.” — Ernest Hemingway
• They foster an environment of trust, ensuring that their team feels secure and supported.

1. Communicate Effectively

• Quote: “The art of communication is the language of leadership.” — James Humes
• Natural leaders are exceptional communicators, clearly conveying their ideas and listening to others.

1. Demonstrate Integrity

• Quote: “Integrity is the most valuable and respected quality of leadership. Always keep your word.” — Brian Tracy
• They uphold strong moral principles and are consistent in their actions and decisions.

1. Empower Others

• Quote: “As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others.” — Bill Gates
• They delegate authority and responsibility, allowing team members to grow and develop their skills.

1. Adapt to Change

• Quote: “It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” — Charles Darwin
• Natural leaders are flexible and adapt quickly to new situations and challenges.

1. Exhibit Confidence

• Quote: “The greatest leaders are not necessarily the ones who do the greatest things. They are the ones that get people to do the greatest things.” — Ronald Reagan
• They display a calm and confident demeanor that reassures and motivates their team.

1. Foster Collaboration

• Quote: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” — Helen Keller
• Natural leaders promote teamwork and encourage collaborative efforts to achieve common goals.

1. Take Responsibility

• Quote: “The price of greatness is responsibility.” — Winston Churchill
• They accept accountability for their actions and decisions, setting an example for others.

1. Maintain a Positive Attitude
   • Quote: “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.” — Helen Keller
   • They stay optimistic, even in challenging times, and their positive energy is contagious.

10 Things Natural Leaders Don’t Do

1. Avoid Blame

• Quote: “The superior man blames himself. The inferior man blames others.” — Don Shula
• Natural leaders do not blame others for their mistakes but take responsibility and learn from them.

1. Shun Micromanagement

• Quote: “The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.” — Theodore Roosevelt
• They trust their team and avoid the pitfalls of micromanaging.

1. Neglect Personal Growth

• Quote: “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” — John F. Kennedy
• Natural leaders continually seek self-improvement and do not stagnate in their development.

1. Engage in Favoritism

• Quote: “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
• They treat all team members fairly and do not play favorites.

1. Show Indecisiveness

• Quote: “In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.” — Theodore Roosevelt
• They make decisions confidently and promptly, avoiding hesitation.

1. Dismiss Feedback

• Quote: “Feedback is the breakfast of champions.” — Ken Blanchard
• Natural leaders actively seek and value feedback rather than ignoring it.

1. Suppress Creativity

• Quote: “The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.” — Albert Einstein
• They encourage innovation and creativity within their team.

1. Avoid Conflict

• Quote: “The harder the conflict, the greater the triumph.” — George Washington
• They do not shy away from conflict but address and resolve it constructively.

1. Disregard Ethics

• Quote: “Relativity applies to physics, not ethics.” — Albert Einstein
• Natural leaders maintain high ethical standards and do not compromise on their principles.

1. Overlook Recognition
   • Quote: “Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.” — Margaret Cousins
   • They acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of their team members.

Conclusion

Natural-born leaders possess a unique blend of qualities and behaviors that set them apart. By embodying the positive traits listed above and avoiding the negative ones, you can cultivate your leadership potential and inspire those around you. Leadership is not just about holding a position of power; it’s about making a positive impact on others and guiding them towards success.