Screw Waiting, Lead Your Life Now

The Trap of Inaction

People linger in comfort zones far too long. They convince themselves tomorrow holds better opportunities. Excuses pile up like unread emails. Fear grips harder than ambition pushes. Habits form chains around potential. Distractions steal hours meant for progress. Society rewards followers over pioneers. Routine dulls the edge of innovation. Awareness breaks this cycle first. Recognition sparks the initial shift.

Benefits of Taking Charge

Ownership transforms uncertainty into power. Decisions flow faster without external approval. Confidence builds through small victories. Networks expand when initiative leads. Skills sharpen under self direction. Opportunities arise from bold moves. Fulfillment replaces regret in daily actions. Resilience grows against setbacks. Vision clarifies future paths. Empowerment becomes the new normal.

Steps to Launch Leadership

Assess your current position honestly. Identify one area needing change. Set a clear goal for that space. Break it into daily tasks. Execute the first step today. Track progress without judgment. Adjust based on results. Seek mentors who lead effectively. Practice consistency above perfection. Claim your role as decision maker.

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Leadership | Influence Is Your Only Tool

Influence Is Your Only Tool

Why Influence Trumps Everything

Leadership boils down to one raw truth. You can have fancy titles, corner offices, or a slick company car. None of it matters if nobody listens. Influence is the only tool that gets people moving. It’s not about barking orders or flexing authority. It’s about earning respect, maybe even a little admiration. Piss off your team, and you’re toast. Build trust, and they’ll follow you through fire. The IT world is brutal. One wrong move, and your team’s scrolling job boards.

Respect Is Earned, Not Demanded

You want influence? Start by not being a jerk. People don’t respect leaders who strut around like they own the server room. Show up, listen, and solve problems. Fix a bug before it crashes the system. Stay late to help a teammate meet a deadline. Small actions stack up. Your team notices when you’re in the trenches with them. They’ll start trusting your calls. Screw this up, and you’re just another suit they tolerate.

Likability Isn’t Weakness

Don’t confuse being liked with being soft. You can be tough without making enemies. Share a coffee, crack a joke, or remember someone’s kid’s name. These things make you human, not a pushover. People rally behind leaders they connect with. In tech, where stress is constant, a little warmth goes far. Ignore this, and your team’s loyalty stays at zero. Get it right, and they’ll back you when the stakes are high.

Take Control of Your Influence

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Leadership Is About Honor Not Perfection

Leadership Is About Honor Not Perfection

Perfection Is a Trap

Too many people believe leadership means never making mistakes. That mindset holds them back. The reality is mistakes will happen. Leadership isn’t about being flawless it’s about taking responsibility. The best leaders don’t hide from failure. They face it correct it and move forward. People don’t respect perfection they respect integrity. If you’re afraid to make mistakes you’ll never take the risks needed to grow. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers it’s about having the courage to act.

Mistakes Test Your Character

Anyone can lead when things go right. Real leadership shows up when things go wrong. How you handle mistakes is what defines you. Do you blame others or do you step up. Do you make excuses or do you focus on solutions. Every mistake is a chance to build trust. People follow leaders who own their failures not those who avoid responsibility. Strength isn’t pretending to be perfect it’s being accountable when things don’t go as planned.

Integrity Builds Trust

Leaders who admit their mistakes earn more trust. When people see you take responsibility they know they can count on you. A strong leader corrects the issue communicates clearly and moves forward. Trying to appear perfect only creates doubt. No one expects perfection but they do expect honesty. Leadership is built on trust and trust is built on integrity. If people believe in you they will follow you through any challenge.

Lead With Honor

The next time you face a mistake don’t waste energy trying to cover it up. Own it fix it and move forward. People aren’t looking for perfect leaders they’re looking for ones they can trust. The best way to lead is by example. Show your team that responsibility matters more than perfection. When you lead with honor you build a reputation that lasts.

Leadership: Stepping into Growth

 Stepping into Growth

1. Finding the Value in Discomfort
Growth rarely comes from predictable routines. Instead, it arises when we push ourselves to do unfamiliar tasks. Embrace discomfort because it is the cost of growth and leadership. Discomfort signals that you are stepping out of your comfort zone. Each new challenge expands your expertise and sparks creativity. Through steady effort, you strengthen your resilience and sharpen your skills. A strategic approach to discomfort turns it from obstacle into fuel for progress. Genuine growth emerges when you keep moving forward with courage.

2. Shaping a Positive Mindset
Cultivating a positive perspective helps you stay inspired when barriers appear. Instead of avoiding pressure, shift your mindset and view trials as opportunities for growth. This mental shift allows you to maintain composure when deadlines or unexpected twists arise. Each obstacle you face becomes a lesson that enriches your knowledge. Progress occurs when you lean into these lessons and find practical ways to apply them. As you adapt, you begin to see results that build confidence. Holding a hopeful outlook is not about denying challenges. It is about focusing on what you can do next to forge the future you envision.

3. Leading with Resolve
Leadership requires a willingness to learn from each trial and refine your approach. You have the ability to rise above hesitation and make clear decisions that benefit your team. Praise your progress and celebrate every small victory. By acknowledging each step, you reinforce a cycle of motivation and high performance. Great leaders are not fearless, but they act with courage in unfamiliar territory. This bold mindset helps them transform discomfort into breakthroughs. When you embrace growth, you discover hidden talents you never knew existed. You set an inspiring standard for those around you to follow.

4. Embracing the Transformative Journey
Stepping out of your comfort zone may feel daunting, but it leads to meaningful transformation. Keep your energy focused on consistent improvement and refuse to retreat when difficulties arise. Each purposeful step you take brings you closer to the person and leader you want to be. Embrace discomfort as a reliable friend that reveals your true potential. Your ability to keep moving forward with a confident mindset makes you unstoppable. Share your insights with others and watch your influence expand. Through every obstacle, remind yourself that growth is a continuous process. You are ready to elevate your journey and inspire others by daring to lead.

Elevate Your Influence by Creating Opportunities

Elevate Your Influence by Creating Opportunities

Set the Foundation

Leadership is more than a position or title. It is a commitment to guiding others toward success. When you believe in your ability to encourage growth, you create an environment where fresh ideas flourish. Taking initiative involves focusing on constructive strategies that foster consistent improvement. You can strengthen your personal brand by seeing potential in each project you undertake. Always keep an open mind and welcome input from trusted peers. By doing so, you demonstrate that leadership is a shared journey. This approach sets a powerful foundation for long-term achievements.

Inspire Positive Change

Leadership grows when you demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for improvement. Embrace fresh thinking and remain open to unexpected solutions. Be a leader who creates opportunities and inspires change through actions that spark engagement. This approach highlights your commitment to moving forward with a dynamic mindset. Strive to energize others with confidence in their potential. Offer a safe space for testing ideas and celebrating small victories. Creating opportunities showcases leadership and vision that others want to follow. With every step, you reinforce a culture of transformation and optimism.

Cultivate Growth

Opportunities often arise when you look beyond immediate goals. Challenge your limits by seeking projects that demand fresh perspectives. Each new collaboration presents a chance to learn and expand your network. Taking calculated risks demonstrates resilience and a willingness to adapt. Stay mindful of your progress and refine your approach based on genuine feedback. This level of awareness ensures that you keep evolving in your field. By encouraging purposeful experimentation, you encourage a spirit of innovation in your team. Celebrate every win, no matter how small, to keep motivation strong.

Elevate Your Personal Brand

Your personal brand is the sum of your actions, decisions, and guiding principles. Focus on consistent communication that reflects your leadership style. Support your community by sharing insights and uplifting others. Thoughtful engagement fosters trust and positions you as a reliable resource. Keep your momentum strong by setting goals that challenge your talent. Seek growth through diverse connections that spark new insights. As you progress, remain rooted in your commitment to create opportunities for everyone. This approach elevates your reputation and inspires future leaders to follow your example.

CEO of Your Life: Guiding Your Own Path

CEO of Your Life: Guiding Your Own Path

The Day You Decide to Lead

Today is your turning point. You’ve juggled projects, deadlines, and unexpected challenges for too long without fully owning the outcomes. True leadership begins when you recognize you’re not just a player in someone else’s plan, you’re the architect of your destiny. It’s time to step forward, acknowledge your potential, and shape the life you deserve. I want to commend your diligence so far. You’re more capable than you realize.

Understanding the Value of Choices

Every decision you make, from how you spend your morning to how you approach your career, adds up to define who you are. When you see yourself as the CEO of your life, every choice gains significance. You’re not at the mercy of external forces. You have influence over your path, and you can harness that power to create lasting impact. Each step you take affirms your ability to lead effectively, both personally and professionally.

Owning Your Direction

To be in control, not controlled, requires focus and resilience. You may face setbacks, but every hurdle is a lesson. Use every challenge to sharpen your edge and refine your strategy. Stay objective, and don’t allow distractions to undermine your progress. Instead, treat each obstacle as a prompt to innovate and fine-tune your approach. This mindset reminds you that no matter what happens, you hold the ultimate responsibility for your choices.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Believe in your capacity to rise to new heights. The world of IT demands agility, and you possess the creativity and skill to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape. Embrace the role you’ve always had but rarely claimed, the one where you lead, decide, and set the pace. Your colleagues, clients, and family benefit from your unwavering commitment to excellence. Own your destiny without apology, and watch as your vision becomes reality.

Growing in Cultural / Professional Development

Thriving in Cross-Cultural Professional Development

Understanding the Value of Diversity

Global organizations thrive on the diversity of their teams. With individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, the opportunity for innovation and creativity multiplies. However, navigating these differences can feel overwhelming for leaders tasked with uniting multicultural teams under a shared vision. Success begins with recognizing that diversity isn’t a challenge—it’s a strength. By shifting your mindset, you can unlock the full potential of your team and create an environment where everyone contributes their best.

Adapting Leadership Strategies for Global Teams

Effective leadership requires adaptability. What works in one cultural context may not resonate in another. Start by learning about the cultural norms and values of your team members. Pay attention to communication styles, attitudes toward hierarchy, and decision-making preferences. Simple adjustments, like embracing a more collaborative approach or providing clearer expectations, can help you bridge gaps and establish trust. Remember, leadership isn’t about imposing your way; it’s about finding the best way together.

Growing Through Cultural Intelligence

Cultural intelligence is a skill that grows with intentional effort. Seek feedback from your team to better understand their perspectives. Attend workshops, read about cultural dynamics, or even ask direct questions to learn more about what motivates and inspires them. The more you invest in understanding, the more equipped you’ll be to lead with confidence and clarity. Growth happens when we step outside our comfort zones, and cross-cultural professional development offers a perfect opportunity to do just that.

Encouragement for the Journey

Leading in a multicultural environment is a skill that sets exceptional leaders apart. It’s not always easy, but the rewards are immense. By fostering an inclusive atmosphere where all voices are valued, you’re building a team that can overcome any challenge. Celebrate every small win along the way, knowing you’re not just leading a team—you’re shaping a culture of respect, collaboration, and success. Your efforts matter, and they’re making a difference.

Charting Your Own Path: Following the Right Leaders

Why Following the Crowd Is a Mistake

The crowd often moves aimlessly, guided by trends, not purpose. Following the masses means you risk adopting the goals of others instead of defining your own. Look at the herd mentality on social media: people chasing likes and fleeting attention. Instead, aim for clarity. Focus on your goals, not the noise around you. The right path isn’t always popular, but it’s always yours to forge.

Seek Out Proven Mentors and Leaders

If you want a fulfilling career, a strong personal brand, or financial freedom, follow people who already have those things. Seek those who have walked your desired path, learned the hard lessons, and achieved what you aspire to. These individuals don’t just inspire—they offer roadmaps you can trust. Find their books, listen to their podcasts, or study their habits. Model what works, and leave behind what doesn’t fit your goals.

Your Focus Defines Your Future

Attention is your most valuable resource. When you give it to the right leaders, your perspective sharpens, and your priorities become actionable. Success isn’t about doing everything; it’s about doing the right things consistently. Surround yourself with people whose achievements you respect, not those chasing trends or validation. The more intentional you are, the clearer your path becomes.

Step into Your Potential

You don’t have to wait for permission to succeed. Choose your influences wisely, act decisively, and believe in your ability to grow. Progress comes from action, not perfection. You’re capable of creating a meaningful life. The moment you align your goals with proven strategies, you’ll start seeing results. Remember, you’re not here to follow the crowd—you’re here to lead your own journey.

Chart Your Own Course: Follow the Leaders, Not the Crowd

In a world brimming with voices and opinions, it's easy to follow the crowd. Most people settle for the comfort of conformity, mirroring what others are doing without questioning the outcomes. But success doesn’t come from blending in—it comes from standing out. The key is not to follow the masses but to learn from individuals who embody the life, career, or achievements you desire. These are the people who can show you what's possible and how to get there.

Seek Role Models, Not Noise

The crowd often moves aimlessly, chasing trends without understanding their purpose. Instead of chasing the latest fad, look for leaders who align with your goals. Observe those who have achieved what you aspire to, whether in career, personal growth, or relationships. Their experiences are roadmaps, filled with lessons and strategies that can save you time and prevent mistakes. Remember, success leaves clues—find them and use them.

Emulate, Adapt, and Innovate

Learning from others doesn’t mean copying them. Instead, take the principles that resonate and make them your own. Adapt their methods to fit your personality, skills, and goals. Innovate by adding your unique touch. By doing this, you create a path that feels authentic while drawing from proven practices. The result is a brand, career, or life that reflects your values and aspirations—one that feels uniquely yours.

Celebrate Your Journey

Following this approach is not about instant gratification. It requires discipline, persistence, and patience. But each small victory along the way builds momentum. Celebrate these milestones, no matter how minor they seem, and stay focused on your ultimate vision. By charting your own course and learning from the right people, you'll not only achieve your goals but also inspire others to follow in your footsteps.

Encouragement: You are capable of greatness. Do not follow the crowd; follow the people who are living the life you want. You have everything you need to start—trust yourself and take action.

Building Basic Leadership Qualities | Brand-Yourself.com Blog

Growing up my mom would always say to us, “Be a Leader and Not a Follower.” I would nod my head okay as if I truly understood what it meant. As a child, I thought it meant being bossy. This thinking got me in lots of trouble on the Bronx streets and eluded me to what the true qualities of a leader are.

As a result, I spent years studying business and other leaders to figure out, “What does it mean to be a leader?” Finally, I learned much of what makes a great leader are the things both spoken and unspoken. Much of this is not taught in a classroom but through years of “real world” experience. For instance:

Leadership Tips & Career Advice from Career Expert Deborah Shane : CAREEREALISM

By CAREEREALISM-Approved Expert, Deborah Shane

“Leadership is much more an art, a belief, a condition of the heart, than a set of things to do.” (Max De Pree)

I was very inspired by the people and presenters at  our recent “Empowering Women in Leadership” event. We covered and discussed growing into your potential, influence vs. authority, leadership defined through personal, business and family and the future of how women can grow into their leadership.

The data and trends strongly point to women continuing to be a majority and a force. They are  starting businesses 2 to 1 over any other ethnic group, 60% of college students and control 66% of  global consumer spending!

Women are still unfortunately struggling with equity issues, especially in the workplace, so any discussion of leadership must be far more holistic. Leadership is defined in many areas of our lives and in many ways.

Here are 5 ideas that can accelerate your leadership skills, inspire you to grow and continue to self actualize. These are especially indispensable if you are  in career transition or job searching.

1. Always strive for  peak performance

My colleague Andy Robinson, Career Coach and Strategist, talks about the benefits of striving for and developing a mindset for being a peak performer. Peak performers have  job security because they are highly valued, they are a magnet for opportunity, they have much higher income potential and they usually love what they do for a living. He talks about the 3 Keys to Peak Achievers: desire, knowledge and habit. They have a deep desire, know the truths and live the truths!

2. Leading through  influence

Being a power of example and walking the walk is the only way to build a following. Do what you say you are going to do and be what you want others to be and become. This is how you become authentic and people know how serious you are. Qualities like integrity, openness, having and sharing  a vision, and honoring others successes are key.

3. Develop an Entrepreneurial mind

No matter what you do, developing an innovative, creative, visionary mindset is an asset. Assume some calculated risk and take some leaps. Are you a doer? Mover? Shaker? Make it happen kind of person?

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4. Tell your story

Sarah Owen is the CEO of the Non Profit,  CCMI, Community Cooperative Ministries Inc, and presented an idea at our Women’s Leadership event I think was so powerful. It is based on the following quote:

“In the heart of each of us, there is a voice of knowing—a story that can remind us of what we most value and long for, what we have known since we were a child.” (Jack Kornfield)

The powerful thing about “your story” is everyone has a story, with characters, plot, setting and scene and we all are connected by the common things that make up our life story:  the people, the moment, the power of the moment and directing all the characters in the moment! So, telling your story, listening to others story and looking for the commonalities that bond us not separate us are keys to relationships.

5. Be a catalyst

“Leadership is more tribal than scientific, more a weaving of relationships than an amassing of information.” (Max De Pree, Center for Leadership)

So how do we weave relationships?

By making connections for others,  inspiring others to take actions and get results, and seeking opportunities to collaborate and partner.

If women are going to take advantage of this moment, of being a majority and power demo and really make a difference in the world they live and work in, they need to step up, speak out and step out.

Developing the art of your leadership takes vision and painting that vision on your life canvass everyday, until the picture tells your leadership story!

Get out that canvas, brushes and paints and start your leadership masterpiece today!

Did you enjoy this article? Read more articles by this expert here.

CAREEREALISM Expert, Deborah Shane delivers business education and professional skill development specializing in women in business, those in career transition, sales and personal and social brand strategy and integration. Follow her on Twitter and LinkedIn.

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Alexandra Levit's Water Cooler Wisdom: Can You Lead Without Authority?

In a business world of shrinking hierarchies and individual contributors, one of the toughest challenges for the high-achiever is learning to lead without authority.  In my years in the workforce, I’ve been responsible for several large, multi-departmental initiatives with only a few direct reports to engage.  Here’s what I’ve learned through my own experiences:

Let your passion shine through

It’s hard to be critical of someone earnest, and if you infuse your communication with a genuine sense of excitement about the challenge ahead, your colleagues will naturally want to follow your lead.  Show them – through your behavior – why you got into this field in the first place, and what your experiences (good and bad) have shown you about what needs to be done next.

Appear humble

It’s bad enough when your boss has an ego that needs some serious downsizing, but it’s even less appealing when someone without power thinks too highly of himself.  The manner and content of your communication must demonstrate that you are pursuing this approach because it’s the right thing to do for the organization, not because you will receive personal credit or rewards.

Develop deep relationships

There is no shortage of psychology and business research out there showing that people like to work with individuals they like and to whom they can relate.  Before you attempt to lead your colleagues, get to them know first.  Spend time with them outside the office and show sincere interest in their personal and professional lives.

Help them help you

Your colleagues will be more likely to come on board if you make it clear to them why your idea’s success is tangibly tied to their own.  Take steps to understand the pain your colleagues are facing (an inefficient process, etc.) and create solutions that will make everyone’s lives easier.

Don’t be overcontrolling

Since you don’t have official authority, don’t get caught up in acting like you do.  Use your expertise to guide and support your colleagues, but release the need to micromanage every aspect of a project.  If you share your ideas and then allow your co-workers to take partial ownership of their implementation, they will gradually put more trust in you and the approach.

This post was originally published on Intuit's Quickbase blog.

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Motivational Posters: Bear Bryant | The Art of Manliness

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