Being consider as a leader is the ultimate compliment. No wonder leadership bestows power, commands respects, and most important, fosters achievement. Unlike vitamins, leadership skills can’t be gulped down, they must be cultivated.

            Contrary to the popular belief, most good leaders are made not born. They hone their skills in their everyday lives. But which do they cultivate? How do they (and how can you) get others to follow? Here are the skills you can develop to motivate others.

1. Always give credit. Many leaders note that the most efficient way to get a good performance from others id to treat them like heroes. It is also an act of generosity that’s never forgotten. Giving credit is more effective that even the most constructive criticism, which often hurts rather than helps.

2. Take informed risk. The best leaders know that taking a risk is not a thoughtless exercise. Because the idea of risk also carries with it the responsibility of failure, many of us tend to wait for others to take charge. But if you want to be a leader, you must learn to fail and not die a thousand deaths. Pick yourself up and start all over again.

3. Show the way. Have you ever notice that when you smile to people, they smile back? Well, if you’re giving, people want to give right back, If you’re surefooted, they want to follow in your footsteps. If you’re confident about reaching a goal, others echo that confidence and try to achieve it for you. The best thing you can do is to get followers to mirror your actions by being what you wish to be.”

4. Keep the faith. Successful leaders often say that if you trust others to do well.

By: Annaliza S. Manalansan | Master Teacher I | JC Payumo Jr. Memorial High School | Dinalupihan, Bataan