Our viewpoint on life is governed by our beliefs about the world. These beliefs are ultimately subjective, but each one we hold either helps or hinders us. Successful leaders understand this and consciously build the beliefs that aid to their success. Here are ten core beliefs of successful leaders that helped get them to where they are, and that you can use on your quest for success.
They believe in promoting themselves; they don’t have to be “found”
With the global interconnection we have through the internet, you can promote yourself any way you like and to any audience. Gone are the days of needing to be discovered. Successful leaders put their destiny into their own hands.
They believe that success is never assured, but always a product of hard work and perseverance
People may achieve prestige in society strictly through raw talent, but wise and insightful leaders know this can only take them so far. At some point, putting in the necessary effort has to become a habit–a lifestyle–in order for them to achieve what they desire.
They believe in providing a service, not being self-serving
Successful leadership requires an acute understanding of what one is actually providing as a leader. Are you providing intuitive guidance? Are you making your client’s needs a priority? Is your decisiveness and ability to see the big picture your greatest asset and are you making use of it? The service you provide determines your value, so focus on increasing the quality of your service.
They have an undeniable belief in their will to persevere
As other people begin to fall by the wayside, having compromised their willpower in the face of difficult tasks and decisions, the truly successful push on backed by an undeniable belief in themselves. They know that even though other people ahead of them may be better connected, have more money, or what have you, what they do not possess is the will to never give up. Thus, when they inevitably do give up, successful leaders snatch the opportunity to advance.
They believe in doing do what no one else is willing to do
This is how ordinary employees become great leaders. When others slack off, they try harder. When other people decide to do the bare minimum, they go above and beyond their requirements. No one else is willing to do it, so they do it.
They believe in building connections, not networks
It’s the strength of your connections that ultimately provide the most benefit, not how vast it becomes. With no true bonds, you will get no true help. But if you take the time and put in the effort to build meaningful connections, that’s when you will rise up the ranks.
Successful leaders don’t dwell on strategy, but execution
These leaders believe that execution is at the heart of successful endeavors, not the specific strategy that was in place beforehand. Strategy provides a jump off point but it’s executing the strategy and constantly modifying it that leads to a great product.
They measure their position in years
A true leader sees the everyday work they put in as the source of their success. It’s their daily habits and rituals stretched out over the course of years that lead to their monumental accomplishments.
They believe that payoffs are the reward for hard work, not the motivation
Successful leaders don’t focus on compensation as the motivator for their work. They never say that they would work harder if the payoff was greater, but that they work hard for a greater payoff.
They believe that they can make history
If you don’t believe you can be successful, you never will because you will never see opportunities that lay themselves down in front of you. But if you believe that you can be successful, and not just successful but make history, that’s when you give yourself the greatest chance to achieve it.
[fusion_alert type=”general” class=”custom-fusion-alert-grey”]Y Scouts is an executive search firm that helps nonprofits and social enterprises find exceptional leaders. Contact us if you are looking to find an exceptional leader. To be considered for exceptional leadership opportunities with our clients, please take the first step by joining the Y Scouts Leadership Community.[/fusion_alert]