Are You an “Accidental Leader” Could You Possibly be Out of Position? Pt I
Did someone wave a wand and say: “POOF”, thou art a manager –NOW LEAD!
Are you, or someone you know, in the wrong role/position in your company? Did someone wave a wand and say: “POOF”, thou art a manager –NOW LEAD! But you have NO CLUE WHAT THAT MEANS or what you’re to do differently? There could be all kinds of reasons you’re out of position:
-
Your personality doesn’t align with the requirements of the role – i.e. say the position needs someone who is commanding, one who is able to change easily and move quickly. However, you’re a process person and like large amounts of details to then check, double check, and even triple check before you make a move. If so, then you’ll be frustrated in this role, along with making everyone around you frustrated.
-
Talents – say you’re very gifted with high amounts of creativity, but you don’t have an outlet to use it . . .
-
Your education didn’t support this role, and you’ve been struggling to try to make it work, but no matter how hard you try, you feel like you’re always behind.
-
The experiences you’ve had didn’t prepare you for this role, and your interests don’t align either
This doesn’t mean you’re bad or wrong, it just means that this role/position is not a natural fit for you. You can still stretch yourself and take on the role. However, be aware that it will take considerably more effort, energy, and possible skill sets you don’t now have to fulfill. Not to mention you may not enjoy it. Another way you’ll know you’re not in the best role for you when required to be THE leader, is if:
-
Setting the big-picture vision isn’t natural for you, and instead is difficult!
-
Directing people – such as: Providing them with the instructions as to what to do, which may be impossible for you to do – due to your personality style. For some personality styles, and I know it’s hard for some of us to fathom, this would mean confrontation to them.
-
Correcting and leading people is difficult and/or frustrating for you, so you’ll avoid it like the plague!
If these sentences resonate with you, then you’ve got another clue that you are an “Accidental Leader”. If so, then one solution for you is to acquire a Business Coach to assist you to discern why you may be discontent, ineffective, and possibly even miserable in the position you’re currently in. If you do, then you’ll receive the assistance to be successful!
On a positive note, I’ve had the most amazing opportunity to pursue what I’ve loved, and what fits me, for the past 35 years. Because of my supportive husband, I was given the gift of creating and designing a career that I thrive in, am passionate about, and which gives me the ability to continually grow with and into. My life mission emerged from one class here and an experience there. As a result, along with my personality, certifications, and education over the years, it has slowly emerged, until one day I realized I was The epitome of an “Accidental Leader”. I didn’t begin with the end in mind, as Covey recommends. I didn’t set out to be a “Business Coach”, that didn’t exist when I went to college. And I didn’t set out to pursue being a leader or trainer, however I was strategic about each small thing I pursued, until it cumulatively transpired into this awesome role called a Business Coach, Executive Coach and Corporate Trainer. Like a puzzle that emerges from the similar colors, shapes, and connectivity of its’ pieces, I now help others to be strategically excellent, by making sure their life and work aren’t built upon accidents, but on the best of what they bring to this world, aligning themselves with the people they’re suppose to connect with and serve.
How my Leadership Ladder was Climbed
Part I WHY AM I THE “ACCIDENTAL LEADER”
Why is this blog called “Confessions of an Accidental Leader”? It’s because I myself never set out to “BE” a leader, or to be “LEADING” leaders. It was a natural progression of my interests, passion, and personality 30 years ago. It began when a friend shared that if you read 7 books on any one given subject, that you would be considered an expert in that field. While recuperating from surgery, I attempted just such a feat by consuming anything I could get my hands on regarding the behavioral styles method called DISC. From there, for fun and personal enjoyment I began sharing the information informally with groups. People found it instantaneously fascinating, and particularly helpful, so I was soon asked by friends and their husbands to conduct workshop for their office staff and employees. What started as a hobby, launched me into the arena of entrepreneurship, consulting, coaching, training on team-building, conflict resolution, communication and ultimately leading. I’ve since become certified in a myriad of applicable competencies see: www.dpdwebsite for more information on my journey.
