Some individuals are natural leaders, but anyone can develop the leadership skill needed with sufficient practice. If you want to take your potential as far as it can reach, then you have to be willing to put in the necessary work. Here are 5 ways to help you grow your leadership skills.


MAKE DISCIPLINE A HABIT
Leadership requires discipline. Developing discipline in your life is a necessity in order to be an effective leader, and to inspire others to do the same. Your ability to lead will be judged by the amount of discipline you exhibit. 
Establish discipline by keeping promises, practicing what you preach, leading by example, and walking your talk. If you might feel it difficult at the beginning,you can start small by applying good habits at home then work your way up from there to your friends' circles and school. 


FACE MORE CHALLENGES
Great things never come out of comfort zones. Challenging yourself to step out of what is easy and comfortable is the only way you will learn something new, worth your effort, and exciting. Allow yourself to take the initiative to achieve something bigger one step at a time: It’s the only way dreams become reality.


BE PROACTIVE
Make things happen instead of waiting for things to happen. Start taking action by being responsible and controlling your responses. The way to go is to focus on solutions rather than problems and maintaining a happier outlook to life rather than a gloomy and cynical one. 


TUNE IN 
A true mark of leadership is the ability to connect and empathize. When you communicate with others, try to listen actively to what they have to say. Try to read beyond spoken words. Only then, can a special bond be created. Good listeners know that communication is not only about words we say , but picking up on non-verbal cues, such as eye contact and body language which can reveal more than words do. When a team member or a friend needs encouragement and reassurance, give it to them by being actively present and in tune.

INSPIRE OTHERS
“Before you can inspire with emotion, you must be swamped with it yourself. Before you can move their tears, your own must flow. To convince them, you must yourself believe.” –Winston Churchill 

If you want to influence and inspire others to do something then you must lead by example: Show the way by living it!
- To inspire others, leaders must be trusted when trust is only earned.
- To inspire others, leaders must be believable, with a clear purpose and vision.
- To inspire others, leaders must be passionate for passion is contagious.

We would love to hear from you. Let us know how do you lead? How do you inspire?