Owning your entrepreneurial leadership

There is this notion that runs through many an entrepreneur that they are not a leader, that leadership belongs only to those in roles of great power. If you are unclear about your role as a leader, re-think that viewpoint so that you may take full ownership of your business and individual leadership style. When you fully take on the gifts of leadership, especially as an entrepreneur, you can change the face of the world all around you.

Think about it.  In owning your leadership you first need to get your arms around the most basic of quintessential leadership elements.  And here are a few to get you rolling:

1. Be the change. 
Taking the steps forward with your business and life that makes a difference in the lives of others.  Even if it is only a hand full of people – you doing what you do makes a difference to the people you touch. 

2. Courage to stare fear in the face and do it anyway. 
Fear has stopped many a person in their tracks.  The entrepreneur takes that fear and uses it as fuel to move their business forward.  The leader comes to expect it. 

3. Creation of something new. 
It is the vision of the entrepreneurial leader that moves their ideas and dreams forward. Seeing past what others could not see, while breathing new life into their business and community. 

4. Communicate with compassion and caring.
We really can’t talk about leadership and not use these words.  A true leader hears the thoughts and heartbeats of others – making things happen for the overall good of all.

5. Think differently.
A leader pushes against the “norm” in to go where possibly no one has gone before.  If they are walking the same steps as someone before them, they walk to a completely different tune. 

6. Keeper of the peace.
One who picks their battles wisely is one who spends little time on the battlefield and more time in making a difference. 

7. Head past adversity to laugh out loud.
When the going gets tough can you stop and laugh as you guide those around you towards victory?  Whatever that looks like for you and for them? 
Dwight D. Eisenhower said, “A sense of humor is part of the art of leadership, of getting along with people, of getting things done.”

Here’s to acknowledging and celebrating your role as the entrepreneurial leader you have the power within you to be in your business.  It is the belief of this writer that it is the entrepreneurial leaders in our country that will be our collective source for great economic change. Let your leadership unfold, no matter the current size of your company