Timeout for Leadership-your one-minute leadership idea

Tip Sheet #13

What is your gift?

Last week I implored you in your leadership role to be yourself. Believe me, it is easier said than done.  Today, I ask you to take a moment to think about your personal gifts.  I am sure there are many qualities that you possess that are very special to you.   No two leaders are alike. When we try to be someone else, we stifle what makes us great.

So, what is your very special gift?  What do you do better than anyone else? What is that special quality that sets you apart as a leader?

Is it your….

• Drive
• Focus
• Ability to build relationships
• Ability to communicate
• Determination
• Unique perception

I could probably go on for pages of special qualities.  I felt that my special talent and leadership quality was that I was able to build relationships with my team where I could walk with them with “my arm around their shoulder and figuratively kick them in the butt at the same time”.  Each person I hoped knew I cared about them as individuals and my goal was to help make them a champion. I hope I was able to do this with my own children.

Today I ask you to consciously identify your special quality and understand what makes it special to you.  At the end of the day, how do you use your special quality to lead your team? We all know that the daily grind of our jobs can wear upon us and when it seems to beat you down, we tend to lose that special quality.  It becomes hidden and dormant.  The sooner that we can understand this, it will become easier to prevent it from happening. This is your special gift that you bring to share with the people you work with on a daily basis.  It is unique and helps make you the leader that you want to be.