Leaders don't think only of themselves

The fact that you are a high performer still does not make you a leader. Leadership is primarily a way of thinking which drives a specific behaviour that is reflected in all a leader's interactions with their team. Leadership is not about you but about others. How should you start thinking in order to help the people around you give of their best?

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Answers to this question appeared in a recent article at Entrepreneur.com. If you recognise yourself in the following examples of behaviour, then you are on the right way to leadership. You are thinking like a leader.

1. You don't long for recognition

Your main concern is to do your job in the best possible way. The best leaders completely separate satisfaction from results. Their work itself makes them satisfied.

2. You help others to do their best

You understand that it's not just about you and your work but about the quality of work of all the people around you. You strive to create an environment that will allow everyone to perform at their best.

3. You want to hear criticism

You actively seek out the opinions of others and you don't feel any immediate need to defend yourself. You perceive criticism as an opportunity to learn how to grow.

4. You are curious

You're not trying to be perfect. You approach everything with a healthy curiosity and don't become discouraged by negative assumptions.

5. You think in the long term

You are interested in the importance and benefits of your activities in the long term. You spend the least required time on short-term issues.

6. You live a rich life

You understand that you set an example to others. When they see you not only successful at work but also happy in your personal life, living a balanced and healthy life, they feel they can live like this as well.

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Article source Entrepreneur.com - website of a leading U.S. magazine for entrepreneurs
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