Note that the leadership track as described here has nothing to do with getting hired to do a job. In other words, do not ask to be paid for completing these 6 Simple Steps. These actions are voluntary (or fall within your existing salary if done for your employer). Any money needed is strictly used to purchase and/or rent the supplies and equipment needed to complete the project.
Step 1. Identify several small, positive impact projects that interest you. A quick walk around any city, town or neighborhood reveals dozens of potential projects that young adults can complete. In fact, the number of constructive projects available is truly unlimited. In order to get you thinking about what to do, here are some examples of constructive projects that young adults should consider: food pantry, sidewalk trash clean-up, toy drive, constructing a community garden, leading a fundraising event or project for a nonprofit, winter coat drive, volunteering to fold clothes at a laundromat, car wash, power wash driveways, fruit/nuts/flower picking, snow removal or leaves raking for elderly or disabled neighbors, making arts and crafts gifts for people recovering from an injury/illness or for new mothers, etc. If none of those projects interest you, then you may need to solicit individuals, businesses and other organizations to discover candidate projects or just create your own list. Remember, as a leader you should not wait for a project to come your way; go find one and then volunteer! That’s how you become a self-starter.
Step 2. Select a project that you are certain you can complete. Before making the selection, discuss the candidate projects with people who are competent in regard to the specific projects you are considering and also conduct your own research using books, videos and websites. Just as pilots first learn to fly a single engine aircraft before they learn to fly a 4-engine commercial airliner, your first project should be small and then build up to more significant projects. Ensure that any project you undertake is compliant with all applicable rules and regulations and be sure to obtain written authorization from all the legal owners before beginning a project. Finally, it’s important to re-emphasize that you need to be certain that you can successfully complete your first project before committing to it. Initial success establishes the foundation and confidence to pursue future challenges.
Step 3: Establish a start date, duration, end date, estimated number of team members needed, a planning budget, the overall project goal and the specific objectives you must achieve in order to reach the goal. Think of all of these things as project planning. Why? Because everything of significance requires a plan.
Step 4. Recruit one or more individuals (team members) who are competent, available, and willing to work on the project.
Step 5. Initiate action (Get Started) on the project. Assign team members to specific tasks, implement a work schedule and communicate expectations. Set some performance criteria. Monitor progress and make corrections as needed. Make sure that you are physically working and that your team members actually see you working. That’s how you motivate them to keep working toward the goal when they would rather quit.
Step 6. Finish the project on time and on budget. If the project went well, then give credit to your team; if it did not meet expectations, then take responsibility for the outcome. Regardless of whether or not the project was a success, document the results and compile a Lessons Learned file. Despite your best efforts, realize that it’s impossible for every project to be 100% successful. Do not lose confidence and try not to repeat previous mistakes when you tackle future projects.
Stated succinctly, in order to get on a leadership track trajectory, 1) Be a Self-Starter, 2) Recruit Workers to perform necessary tasks, and 3) Be a Strong Finisher on every project you start. Next, keep gradually tackling larger, more complex, and more expensive projects. The more success you have, the more opportunities you will get. You need to expand your project (and eventually program) envelope in order to grow, but make sure that you do not significantly exceed your capabilities resulting in a potentially disappointing outcome.
Obviously, professional-level leadership is more complex than the items listed above, but those 6 Simple Steps can be used by young adults as a launchpad to high level leadership opportunities. While establishing a life-long leadership mentality is the goal of the 6 Simple Steps, projects that are successfully completed may get the team leader: a) recognized with an award, b) an interview with a tv network or news service, c) a pay raise or promotion at work, d) increased work responsibility, or e) an offer of a new job.
Whatever response you get after completing your leadership projects, know that Overton Leadership Associates wants to hear from you. Please leave us feedback as you grow in leadership.
Herb
Overtonleaders.com