When I think of great leaders my mind tends to focus on a specific set of
traits: integrity, the ability to take action, fairness, focus etc. There are
many published books on the topic that will no doubt focus on these and similar
traits but in my experience, great leadership is much more nuanced and requires
deep understanding of an area that is often ignored.
The first step to great leadership is a deep examination of yourself.
What makes you tick? Why do you get out of bed in the morning? What are your
strengths and more importantly your weaknesses? Introspection in these
areas can and will be quite difficult but vital if you want to bring your best
self to the front lines of whatever your cause is.
While getting these answers can be achieved on your own, I recommend taking
the first step by taking an assessment and being open-minded to the results.
One great option is offered at understandmyself.com.
Jordan Peterson’s test is based on the Big Five Aspects Scale, takes about 15
minutes to complete and at the end will provide you with a comprehensive report
on where you lie within those five personality traits.
I found the test to be an eyeopener and is helping me develop a game plan
for the next time I find myself in a position of leadership.
Give it a shot yourself and take your first step developing into a great
leader!
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