Leadership skills are incredibly valuable. Whether you need to organize a group project in school or lead a product development team at work, having strong leadership skills will help you be successful in all walks of life. However, to many, leadership doesn’t come naturally. If you struggle with leadership, here are a few things to keep in mind.
1. There are different types of leadership.
When most of us think of a leader, we think of someone taking charge and making orders. While there’s no doubt that this is a viable leadership style, there are also tons of other, equally valuable types of leadership. Whether you prefer to quietly lead-by-example, peacefully moderate, or encouragingly coach those around you, you are still a leader. Once you let go of the idea that good leaders are autocratic, you may see that you are more skilled than you think.
2. Leadership is a skill.
Many of us who struggle with leadership like to think that someone is either born a leader or isn’t. But, just like any other skill, leadership is learned. Thus, with time and practice, you can improve your leadership skills. Becoming aware of your weaknesses through continual self-assessment will help you to make a conscious effort to improve your skills.
3. Be patient with yourself.
Leadership is a lifelong skill, and most people don’t master it until late in their careers. Struggling to lead effectively as a teenager is entirely normal. Over your teenage years, you will run into challenges, make mistakes, and learn from them — making you a better leader in the long run. Learning to lead doesn’t happen overnight!
