If you are a leader or want to become one, you certainly understand that you need to be calm and confident in dealing with a team that can number dozens of people. But that's not all. In a real leader there must be charisma and something elusive, magical, which distinguishes him from other people. He impresses the audience at his appearance and fascinates with the aura. Sylvia Ann Hewlett calls the state, which includes such people, the leadership awareness.
What is leadership awareness?
According to Hewlett, the author of the book "Executive Presence: The Missing Link Between Merit and Success", leadership awareness has three key elements:
- Significance is how you act.
- Communicative is how you communicate.
- Appearance is how you look.
Hewlett believes that the way we act demonstrates self-confidence and our ability to express ideas and thoughts, especially under pressure. She argues that in our time people value leaders who seem calm and steady, rather than those who demonstrate a manner of behavior based on power and authority.
Leadership awareness also means being in the present tense and continuing to be aware of the emotions and problems of people who are close. It is important to be with them, not to rule over them.
Advantages of leadership awareness
People who are in the present moment are less stressed, and can solve problems in many ways. In addition, they have such features as:
- Clear thinking and perception
- Courage, confidence and sensitivity in resolving a conflict
- Focusing on higher priorities
- Large amount of energy
- Knowing your strengths and weaknesses
- Keeping calm when it comes to changes
- Willingness to see new opportunities
- Confidence in one's own views
How to improve leadership awareness?
Significance
There are several models of behavior, the development of which will help to become significant.
- Demonstrate nobility and courtesy under pressure. People pay particular attention to how you behave when faced with misfortune or a serious obstacle. In these cases it is important not to panic, but to adjust your mindset to stay in the present moment. Meditation can help in this.
- Be decisive. This means immediately starting to work on solving the problem and looking for new opportunities without involving unnecessary emotions. At the same time, one should be careful not to become an authoritarian leader, who is guided solely by goals and orders. Be assertive.
- To tell the truth. It is worthwhile to study the art of communication in order to express it accurately and accurately.
- Possess emotional intelligence. You must learn to understand your feelings and emotions, and then do the same for other people. It takes wisdom to lead a team and not infringe anyone's feelings.
- Be authentic. Find out what your values are and be real. Say what you think and feel, but in the right form.
Communicative
Leaders should be able to communicate with other people, it is on this ability that most people judge them.
- Conversational skills. Your tone, pronunciation, accent and clarity convey a message to your listeners. Nobody respects people who mutter to themselves and choose the wrong intonation. Pay special attention to your voice at times of stress.
- Assertiveness. We have already touched upon this element, it is only necessary to note that besides it you must develop empathy.
- Language of the body. The way you sit, stand, walk, smile and even go into the room, determine the mood of the audience before you say a word. Your confidence also shows the firmness of the handshake and eye contact. If you feel not at ease, try to behave like a confident person - and you will become one.
Make sure your head and posture are kept flat and try to look relaxed and happy. Nobody wants to deal with a person who has drawn on his face coldness and gloominess.
Appearance
A stylishly dressed leader can attract people no less than someone who knows how to speak beautifully can. Even if you have flaws in appearance, you can still look and dress so that you will win respect from others.
Here are some tips:
- People really judge by the cover, so choose clothes and style that match the event and the situation.
- There should not be anything distracting or extravagant in your clothes. Such people certainly exist, but still most successful people try to stand out by deeds and words, and not by appearance.
- Clothes should be comfortable, otherwise you will feel insecure and push people away.
Wish you luck!
