Don’t Just Be a Boss. Be a Leader.
As an elementary school principal, at age 24, I had to learn how to lead very quickly. My first lesson was to refrain from being bossy and to influence my staff without being a dictator because they were all older than me and looking to just follow my lead. Something that I have learned in my 37 years, is that everyone is not ambitious, energetic about making change and few like taking risks. However, natural born leaders are all three. Being a young leader can have its peaks and valleys. Many people want to be the boss or to be an entrepreneur, but it is not always pretty at the top. Let’s talk…
Think about it. When things go wrong on the job and yes, things will go wrong, guess who is to blame? You. To be a good leader, you have to take full responsibility for possibly not setting your staff up for success, when problems arise or not being the type of leader that they come to, to ask for help. It is a sexy balance of knowing when to delegate and when to demonstrate the expectation. What sets a leader a part from a boss is that a great leader shows how it’s done versus a boss who tells someone what to do.
Even the high expectations that you place on yourself as a leader, you may want to learn to give yourself some grace. Yes, we have to always think outside the box and try to be as resourceful and as diligent as can be. However, sometimes do not forget to give yourself a break. Not a long break, but remember to stop and “smell the growth” that you have made because a stressed out, critical boss, cannot lead effectively. Check your emotions at the door. A great leader always has to manage his or her reactions because they are always watching you.
Coach them. Serve them. Give them credit for their efforts and stop taking credit for everything. Think about it, even Jesus was “meek,” a word that most of us do not strive to be. However, I have learned that I havebeen way more productive as a humble leader versus an arrogant one. There are a few tricks to leading: use “We” and not “I,” set realistic goals, provide incentives, and remember to praise and acknowledge your employees when the goal is met.
Dr. Tasha received her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in Berkeley, twelve years after graduating from Spelman College. Today, she is the President-Elect of The Association of Black Psychologists, South Florida Chapter and an Adjunct Professor at South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary. Dr. Tasha has a Live Talk Show every 1st Thursday and a monthly Speed Dating Event for progressive singles. As seen on CBS4 Miami and heard on Hot 105FM, Dr. Tasha specializes in getting to the core of an issue, which she calls “Drive-By Therapy.” Follow her on Social Media @doctoratasha.