REALity Question: How do you know when you’re ready to lead?

For the past six months, I’ve had the pleasure of working with an individual on our team who is being groomed to lead at the next level. For months we’ve been giving this person additional leadership responsibilities without the comfort of a title. Leading without the title has allowed her to focus on influencing and serving teammates instead of being in charge of teammates.

As we discussed the sacrifices and accountability associated with leading, she asked an incredible question:

“How do you know when you’re ready to lead?”

Wow! I loved this question for a lot of reasons but mainly because of what it showed me about the seriousness and respect this person had for the call to lead. I believe leadership is a calling, and when a person is called to something, their commitment and awareness to its importance is heightened.

Here is how I know when someone is ready to lead: (more…)