How to Perform Like a Leader
Leadership is not a title. It is not a position. It is a mindset: an established set of attitudes, habits, and actions. A position or a title is not necessary to perform like a leader, but a certain mindset makes a significant difference. For example, I have seen countless “leaders” in executive positions who struggle with poor communication, lack of empathy, micromanagement, and an unclear vision for the future. On the contrary, I have seen leaders who have no title whatsoever, but who embody every characteristic necessary of an executive. The difference? Their set of attitudes, habits, and actions. Their mindset. Let’s break this mindset down into actionable steps for you to perform your best as a leader.
The Attitudes of a Leader
Leadership does not start at the appointment to a position. It starts with the way you carry yourself, how you treat others, and your mental traits. Leaders possess:
Confidence, without arrogance.
Responsibility over blame.
A clear vision and forward-thinking.
Resilience through challenges.
But, how can you gain these qualities? In my opinion, the easiest way to adopt these traits is to pretend to embody them already. Fake it till you make it. It’s a cliche, but it’s well-known for a reason. Pretend that you already possess these traits (even by creating an alter ego!) and make the conscious choice every day to perform in the path of the traits. For example, you might have made a mistake in a group project that led to a bad grade. A leader would not blame this mistake on another member of the group; they would own up to it, apologize, and correct it. Once you start taking actions in the path of these traits, you will begin embodying them. You lead first by mastering your own mind.
2. The Habits of a Leader
One of the most influential books I have ever read is Atomic Habits by James Clear, in which Clear dives into the effect that simple, consistent habits have on your life. Habits are the key to creating change. What you do consistently matters much more than what you say. Leaders do these things consistently:
Plan each day with intention
Continually learn and improve
Practice discipline and time management
Communicate with clarity and empathy
Reflect and journal progress
These habits can easily be integrated into your daily routine. For example, every night you can reflect and journal about your day, then you can plan tomorrow. You can ask those around you for feedback or perform a life audit in order to consistently improve. You can create a schedule of your tasks (ChatGPT is great for this!) to practice discipline and time management. The possibilities are endless. This week, try implementing 1 habit from this list and stick to it. Maybe even plan a reward for the very end of the week if you stick to the habit successfully!
3. The Actions of a Leader
Now that we have established your attitude and habits, it is time to move onto your actions. Progress is not made without real, actionable change, and we will be diving into just that. Leaders take these actions:
Take initiative before being asked
Lead with service and humility
Give credit and take accountability
Inspire and elevate others
These small actions not only change your perception of yourself, but also others’ perception of you. This is when you really become a leader. For instance, you can ask your boss or teacher what you can do to help or get ahead. This signals to your brain that you are someone that takes action and initiative before being asked. Then, you will unconsciously perform this action more because it fits the perception you have of yourself. (a form of cognitive dissonance!) Try taking initiative this week, and watch yourself slowly morph into the leader you have wished to be.
When your attitude, habits, and actions line up, you will create real change in your life. I encourage you to take 1 step in each category (attitude, habits, actions) this week and document your progress. Next week, look back on your progress, reward yourself, and add on another step from each category. Slowly, but surely, you will grow into a leader. Don’t wait for the title or position– perform here, perform now.
Which 3 steps will you implement this week? Drop it in the comments, DM my instagram (@studystrongbusiness), or connect with me on LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/in/juliet-barker-0226b0387) I would love to chat with you!
Share this post with someone who inspires you to lead!
If you are interested in how I grew my leadership skills and started Study Strong, check out one of my older blogs, “Dream It, Do It: My Business Story & How You Can Start Yours.”
RISE. LEAD. SUCCEED.
Love,
Juliet & Study Strong