As the saying goes, not everyone is born a leader. Why do young professionals let that deter them from seeking management roles or starting their own business? Just because you need to improve on certain leadership traits doesn’t mean you weren’t cut out for it. Developing the skills necessary to be a leader – a good leader – takes patience, time and lots of practice no matter who you are.
In the school yard, the natural leaders that emerge are the outspoken, opinionated kids that no one wants or cares to challenge. Note that once we grow up, we know that superior leaders are skilled in the art of listening rather than talking. Listening is the key to learning and passing your knowledge along to everyone else – and isn’t that really what having a leadership role is all about?
Many people incorrectly identify coworkers that are persuasive as leaders in the workplace. It is not up to a leader to convince anyone; rather, they need to be able to understand that others will always have different views and opinions. A good leader will be able to walk-in someone else’s shoes. A great leader will not only walk in someone else’s shoes, but they’ll also paint a larger picture of what needs to happen and why.

As a young entrepreneur, you may be used to being one of the smartest in the room. When it comes to leading a business or a boardroom, it pays to surround yourself with coworkers and colleagues that are smarter than you. Even if you are running your own company, you can’t do it all. Who else would be better candidates to have at your side than those that are just as ambitious and smart as you?

Taking the steps now in your young career to finesse your leadership skills will ultimately help you in your quest to become an effective and successful entrepreneur. Did we miss any characteristics that would help young professionals become better leaders? Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter (@JCI_Iowa) to let us know! Already have your leadership skills down and want to work on your networking? Contact the Jaycees to find out more about our social networking club!

Between life and all that it encompasses – work, family, friends and of course, the Jaycees – little time remains to engage in the community that surrounds us. It is easy to feel overscheduled, but it’s important to remember all we can gain as businessmen and women by giving more attention to the causes that need it most. That’s right – giving back to your community can actually give you beneficial skills for life in return.

Young professionals often participate in their communities as both betterment to themselves and their local neighborhood. What many Jaycees and other participants may not realize is that community engagement can also lead to establishing relationships, building trust, refining leadership skills and more. What you are doing by becoming more involved is actually the gaining skills that will ultimately set you apart from others in the real world.

As you participate in your community, professionals can get a better sense of your identity while also learning the importance of social responsibility and the advantages that networking has to offer. Want to play an even larger role in your community? Consider organizing a community event of your own or with the help of fellow Jaycees members.

Oftentimes young entrepreneurs let their busy schedules dictate what they do or do not have the time to achieve. Be sure that you are setting aside extra time to become more engaged in your community – don’t forget that you are helping yourself as much as the people around you. Do you have any suggestions on becoming more involved in your community? Visit our Facebook and Twitter and let us know!