Born to Lead the Masses: How to Know if You're Cut Out to Be a Leader in the Business World

While some people are natural born leaders, leadership skills can indeed be taught. Whether you're born with these skills or not, you might find yourself desiring to be a great leader in the business world. As your career develops and you move up in the ranks, there are a few attributes that will show whether or not you're meant to be a leader. Different corporations have varying managing styles, so there's not just one definition of what a leader is. If you want to rise to leadership in the business world, there are a few tell-tale signs that will show if you are cut out for the job or not. Read ahead to get a better idea as to whether you're the next great leader, or if you should stick to following orders for now. 

Progressive Thinker

A natural born leader will automatically try to solve a problem, even when no one else can see it. They will offer new ways to approach ongoing challenges and try to improve other processes as well. Some people feel that they aren't naturally out-of-the box thinkers, however a leader doesn't necessarily need to be extremely creative. A leader needs to be more resourceful than creative. Using your faculties to find a different way of looking at things allows you to solve problems more efficiently. If you try progressive approaches to solving a problem (even if your methods seem unconventional) you have the potential to lead others in effective problem solving.

Questioning

If a natural leader has any doubt about their task at hand, they will not hesitate to ask questions about how to get it done right. This may be somewhat irritating for a manager, but a good natural leader always maintains a high degree of integrity. If you're not shy about voicing your concerns or questions, this shows that you are willing to question the norm. Leaders can't just accept everything as it comes to them—they must continually question what they know in order to adapt and improve. Those who don't question anything are followers. They will just do what they are told. Leaders want to know the “why” and the “how” in order to find a new way of doing things better.

Noticeable

An effective leader will stand out from the rest of the group. It’s quite probable that other people in the organization will readily notice them such as other directors, managers, and staff. This doesn't mean that a leader is isolated or doesn't get along with others. In many cases, leaders are popular and get along well with everyone. Whatever the case, a leader will have a distinct difference in their demeanor, personality, or even their appearance that sets them apart from the rest of the group. Just remember, some people stand out from the rest, but not for good reasons. This doesn't mean that you have to conform to be like everyone else, just make sure that you aren't too aggressive, too bossy, or a Mr. Know-it-All, or you'll definitely stand out, but not in the way you want to..

Professional Life Mirrors Personal Life

Another sure sign of a natural leader is how much information they volunteer concerning their own personal life. Do they organize their friends when planning a party? Are they the one who arranges a family reunion or other personal event? How people run their personal life says a lot about their true character. Often, what you see at home is what you get at work. A good leader will likely fill leadership roles in other areas of their life aside from work. Although there are specific tactics that work best when leading in a business setting, many leadership principles can be applied to any industry, group, or activity across the board. If you're able to effectively get people to listen to you and follow you no matter how big or small the group is—you're a leader.

Do You Have What it takes to be a Great Leader?

Once the early signs of a leader are recognized, these traits can be nurtured into a successful and effective leadership role. With the proper boundaries and guidance, a potential leader has the possibility of making a great asset to both a company and their team. As mentioned before, many people are natural-born leaders. However, sometimes leaders emerge out of unexpected people and circumstances. If you have the desire to be a successful leader in the business world, nurture your natural desire to lead, develop the necessary attributes, and you may soon find yourself as a leader instead of a follower. Information for this article was provided for the professionals of Abilene Christian University, who offer an  ACU degree in organizational development for students who want to develop organizational leadership skills.