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Writer's pictureLindsay Sheldrake

Diary of a Leader: Can Anyone Truly Become a Leader?

Updated: 2 days ago

Welcome to "Diary of a Leader" - Real Stories, Leadership Lessons, and Personal Growth

 
Leadership lesson
"Diary of a Leader" - Can Anyone Truly Become a Leader?


Ah, leadership! The thrilling, heart-racing journey of ups, downs, and all the delightful chaos in between.


Welcome to "Diary of a Leader," where I peel back the curtain on the good, the bad, and the downright awkward moments of being a leader.





 

And Today, I’m Serving Up a Leadership Lesson About What It Really Takes to Be a Leader


Let’s start with this: I believe everyone has the potential to be a leader—if they truly want it. But here’s the catch: wanting to be a leader is just the beginning. Leadership isn’t just about the title or the authority; it’s about responsibility, accountability, and a commitment to growth.


The journey toward leadership starts with three essential questions:


  • Do you get it?

  • Do you want it?

  • Do you have the capacity to do it?


These questions come from a tool used in the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), specifically under the “People” section, called GWC: Get It, Want It, and Have the Capacity to Do It.


Let’s dive into each of these elements because understanding them is key to becoming the kind of leader others want to follow.


 

Do You Get It?


This is where self-awareness begins. Leadership isn’t just a role—it’s a responsibility. So, before you decide you want to be a leader, you need to understand what it really means.


According to the dictionary definition, a leader inspires, guides, and influences others to achieve a common goal. But let’s break that down. Based on that definition, here are the key traits of a leader:


  • Inspiring: Motivates others toward a shared vision or goal.


  • Guiding: Provides direction and support to help others navigate challenges.


  • Influential: Positively impacts others' decisions and actions.


  • Responsible: Takes ownership of outcomes and decisions.


  • Collaborative: Fosters teamwork and encourages collective efforts.


  • Decisive: Makes informed decisions, even in uncertain situations.


  • Motivational: Creates an environment where people feel driven to perform their best.


  • Empowering: Helps others grow, develop, and take ownership of their roles.


  • Communicative: Shares information clearly and effectively.


  • Adaptable: Adjusts to changing circumstances and challenges.


  • Focused: Aligns actions with organizational goals, mission, and values.


  • Empathetic: Prioritizes the well-being and growth of their team members.


  • Leading by Example: Demonstrates the behaviors and values they expect from others.


Take a moment to reflect on this list. Do you “get” what leadership involves? Are these traits that come naturally to you?


 

Do You Want It?


This is where desire and intention come into play. It’s easy to say, “I want to be a leader,” but do you truly understand the weight that comes with it?


Leadership isn’t just about being in charge—it’s about being accountable. It means stepping up when things get tough, making decisions that won’t always be popular, and prioritizing the growth and well-being of your team.


If you’re saying, “Yes, I want it,” I challenge you to ask yourself:


  • What kind of leader do I want to be?

  • Why do I want to lead?

  • What am I willing to give to this role?


True leadership requires commitment, not just ambition. If you’re not fully aligned with the purpose of leading, that misalignment will eventually show—especially when challenges arise.


 

Do You Have the Capacity to Do It?


Here’s where things get real. Leadership isn’t just about desire or understanding; it’s about capability.


Capacity is twofold: it’s about both your skills and your emotional bandwidth. You might get what it takes to be a leader, and you might want it, but if you don’t have the capacity to handle the demands, leadership will feel like an uphill battle.


This is where feedback becomes invaluable. Take the list of leadership traits above to people in both your personal and professional life and ask them to rank you on a scale of 1-5. It’s an exercise in humility, but it’s also a great way to uncover blind spots.


Here’s the good news: you don’t need to be a 5 in every category. But if you want to lead authentically, the traits that come most naturally to you will likely align with how you already show up in your personal life.


Why is that important? Because if you have to create a completely separate persona to be a leader, it won’t be sustainable. And when stress hits (because it will), that inauthentic persona will crumble. Authenticity builds trust—and trust is the foundation of leadership.


 

Born or Made? The Truth About Leadership


So, are leaders born or made? Here’s my take: both.


Some people have been leading in various capacities their whole lives, whether they realize it or not. But leadership is also a skill—a muscle that can be strengthened with practice, intention, and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone.


Leadership isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. It’s about consistently showing up, learning from your mistakes, and doing the work to align who you are with how you lead.


 

The GWC Framework in Action


If you’re ready to evaluate your potential as a leader, start here:


  1. Get It: Reflect on what leadership truly means and whether you understand its responsibilities.


  2. Want It: Dig deep into your “why.” Desire alone isn’t enough—it needs to be rooted in purpose.


  3. Capacity: Seek feedback, align with your strengths, and identify areas for growth.


And remember, leadership is a journey, not a destination. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, there’s always room to grow.


 

Wrapping Up (Because Time is Precious)


Here’s the takeaway: everyone has the potential to be a leader, but not everyone will step into that role. It requires self-awareness, intentionality, and a willingness to grow—both personally and professionally.


If you’re thinking about stepping into leadership or refining how you lead, start with GWC. Use it as a lens to evaluate where you are, where you want to be, and what it will take to get there.


Catch you next time, fellow leaders-in-training—and remember, leadership isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up authentically and empowering those around you to do the same.


 
Can Anyone Become a Leader? Unlocking Leadership Potential
Leading the group on a winter hike in Kananaskis Alberta

Stay tuned for more reflections and lessons from the trenches of leadership in the next installment of


"Diary of a Leader"






 

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