By Generation Next Governor at Large Jennifer
Pellersels
Customer relations manager, Altec Industries
Published in the May 2015 issue of Generation Next Edition.
How does one
become a leader? First, leadership can be defined as the power or ability to
motivate and organize others in the achievement of a common goal. As a young
professional in the work truck industry, I have learned there are different
characteristics common to successful leaders. A few important traits that have
helped me grow as a young leader include: communication, initiative, the ability
to be open to change, and a willingness to volunteer. Before people can become
good leaders, they need to have self-awareness and an understanding of their own
motivations. If you are not passionate, it will be hard to influence others to
follow you.
To motivate others, a leader needs to know how
to communicate well. Communication is essential for all leaders, and they must
know how to do so through various modes, such as email, phone, or texting. Great
leaders ask questions, listen, and effectively communicate with people at all
levels of an organization. Effective communication is the glue that connects
your ideas to others – ultimately improving teamwork, problem-solving, and
decision-making.
Leaders know when to take risks and make
decisions. This can be intimidating, especially if it results in a poor choice.
However, everyone makes mistakes; it is how one learns and rises from those
mistakes that make a difference. From personal experience, I had the opportunity
to join a newly-formed department. This new group was viewed by some as a
threat, because responsibilities were delegated and taken away from other
groups. The decision to join presented a professional risk due to the
uncertainty of the new department’s survival. However, it was the best decision
I could have made. Not only was the new group accepted over time, but I had the
opportunity to create a few new positions. It is not every day you get to create
and define your own position. Press on. If your instinct tells you yes, then
take a risk and make your decision!
If you wait to make
a decision, you could get stuck in the sand. A leader needs to make decisions
and embrace the inevitable – change. It is those who welcome change who will
thrive. One major change that my own industry needs to think about is new
technology. How will the trucking industry embrace this? How will current and
upcoming leaders motivate the younger generation to pursue a career in this
industry? Leaders know embracing change will help their company and industry
move forward. This attitude can separate good leaders from the rest.
Another way to
impact change is to volunteer in your community. There are multiple
opportunities for you to get involved, such as serving on committees or boards,
coaching, or mentoring. I volunteer and serve on a couple of boards and
committees for the local Chamber of Commerce. Through my volunteer service, I
have learned from other leaders outside my industry. By observing and listening
to other leaders, I have learned what kind of leader I want to be and how I want
to give back. For current or future leaders, volunteering is an experience that
will help you grow.
If
you are a young professional wanting to be seen as a leader, try these few tips
or find a mentor. What better way to learn than from someone who is seen as a
leader in your company, community, or industry? A quote by Peter Drucker says it
well: “Management is doing things right; leadership is doing right
things!”
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