The Leader You Want to Become
To become the inspirational, empowering leader you envision, consciously model your behaviors, mindsets, and principles on that future version of yourself.
Adam Danyal & Julia Danyal
October 25, 2023
WRITTEN BY: ADAM DANYAL
We all aspire to reach our highest potential as leaders. But the road to self-improvement is filled with detours. Like a climber scaling a mountain, we make progress in fits and starts. Two steps forward, one step back.
How do we stay on the upward path to become the inspirational, empowering leader we envision? By walking in their shoes.
Imagine the leader you want to be 5 or 10 years from now. Picture their qualities. How do they engage their team? What is their leadership style? Envision them as vividly as you can.
Now ask: What would that future leader do today to take one more step up the mountain? How would they communicate with their team during a challenging project? What mindset would they project during turbulent times?
Essentially, play their role. Act as if you're already that accomplished leader. Approach everyday leadership situations with their mentality. See difficulties as opportunities to grow, like they would. Set bold visions while empowering others.
This technique works because we become what we repeatedly do. Thoughts shape actions. By consciously modeling our leadership behaviors on the person we aspire to be, those qualities sink into our muscle memory. We already have that wisdom within us. We just need to consciously access it.
Like a method actor preparing for a role, immerse yourself in who you want to become. Visualize how they carry themselves, then emulate that through your daily habits. Write down their principles. What behaviors reflect them? Which mindsets support those habits?
The climb never ends for great leaders. There are always new summits on the horizon. But the path forward starts with consciously modeling the person we know exists within us. We must be the leader we wish to follow.
By walking in the shoes of our future self, we directionally shape who we wish to be. Progress won't be linear. But the upward trajectory continues when we act the part. Our team will recognize the leader we're growing into. And by embodying that role now, we light the path ahead.
The journey to the summit starts with a single step. Walk as the leader you aspire to be - and you'll surely become them. Let their shoes guide you upwards. The view is worth it.
From our Leadership Bookshelf:
WRITTEN BY: JULIA DANYAL
In his book “The Leader's Greatest Return,” John C. Maxwell shares insights on investing in the things that matter most on the journey to becoming an inspiring, empowering leader. There will be twists and turns, setbacks mixed with progress. How do we stay headed in the right direction? By focusing on the leader's greatest returns.
Get this book from Amazon
Invest in Yourself - Leaders need to continually grow their skills and expand their thinking. Dedicate time to reading, learning, and self-development.
Build Your Team - Surround yourself with talented people who complement your strengths and weaknesses. Empower them to do their best work.
Leave a Legacy - Focus on making an enduring impact, not just short-term results. Nurture the next generation of leaders.
Maintain Your Perspective - Stay grounded amid success. Keep your ego in check and remain open to feedback. Don't lose sight of your purpose.
The ascent requires persistence, self-awareness and commitment to growth. But by consciously walking in the shoes of exemplary leaders, you light the path ahead. Your team will recognize the person you're becoming and follow in your footsteps. Progress won't always be linear, but the trajectory continues upwards by investing in the leader's greatest returns.