Move Up Toward Leadership

This article is about stepping out of the lime light of being the top talent or
What happens when the star employee steps up the ladder to a leadership role. How do they handle this leap? How does moving from important (star employee) to becoming more powerful (leader) effect them and their work.
This week's article is about stepping out of the lime light of being the top talent or "whiz kid" to moving into a "mover/shaker's" role directly impacting the direction of the company. In order to get better understanding of this process let's begin by taking a closer look at the distinct differences between a whiz kid and a leader.
First, as a whiz kid you help your superiors look better, but as the leader your role is different it's about helping the whiz kids become better through maximizing resources, time and support. As a leader, you are responsible for the staff and all their distinct personalities. You become more of a manager of people versus the whiz kid who is only responsible for doing their job. 
As they move up the corporate food chain, leaders are forced to deal with more politics, while as a whiz kid you focus much more on your own world and your own daily tasks. In other words, whiz kids can just shine without effort while as a leader you are expected and get paid to shine regardless of recognition. Actually, you must shine or you aren't fulfilling your role as a leader. So in order to help you take your first bold step, I have assembled ten tips to help you identify what separates a great leader from his followers:
1) Great leaders lead by example with an overriding guiding vision or purpose. They possess an unquenchable passion for successfully implementing the vision of the company at the expense of others disapproval or those individuals who fail to see the bigger picture. They don't waste time worrying about day to day responsibilities or problems, but, instead focus on where the organization needs to go.
2) Great leaders know how to be themselves and are proud of who they are. They are comfortable with who they are and what they need to say, and they say it with confidence.
3) Great leaders have the ability to inspire confidence in others. They can clearly and concisely communicate their message to motivate those around them to greater heights of achievement. People do more for leaders they respect then they would normally do for others.
4) Great leaders are never self-serving. Unlike the whiz kid, they aren't focused on proving themselves but are focused unconditionally (and not selfishly) on what is best for the organization. Their interest is expressing themselves to improve the company.
5) Great leaders rarely question themselves. But instead, they listen to their inner voice and trust it completely. It is their most trusted confidant and they will allow it to be their guide with each step they taken, even as they move in directions that others haven't gone before. To be a great leader you must believe in this voice with complete devotion and trust that it will always be their to guide you.
About the Author
Copyright 2003, Joel Garfinkle, All Rights Reserved
Joel Garfinkle provides a step-by-step Dream Job process that has guided thousands of clients to find the perfect job and reach career fulfillment. For Career Coaching Services: http://www.dreamjobcoaching.com/coaching.shtml