Leadership is not about bossing people around; it’s about inspiring them to follow your lead.
There’s a huge difference between being a leader and being a follower, and it all comes down to your inherent traits. In fact, psychology suggests that some people are just wired to take charge instead of falling in line.
If you’re one of those natural-born leaders, there are some unmistakable signs that you were born to lead rather than follow.
Let’s dive in.
1) You’re naturally empathetic
It might not be the first trait that comes to mind when you think of leadership, but empathy is incredibly important.
Leadership isn’t just about giving orders and expecting them to be followed. It’s about understanding the people you’re leading, their needs, their goals, and their challenges. Only then can you truly inspire them to follow you.
According to psychologist Carl Rogers, empathy is “entering the private perceptual world of the other and becoming thoroughly at home in it”. As a leader, you need to be ‘at home’ in your team’s world, understanding their perspectives and guiding them accordingly.
This ability to truly understand and connect with others is a clear sign that you were born to lead. But remember, empathy is about genuine understanding and connection, not manipulation.
2) You’re not afraid of taking risks
Great leaders are often associated with a daring spirit, the ability to take risks when necessary.
I remember a time in my life when I had to make a big decision about my career. It was risky and there was a chance it wouldn’t work out, but I took the leap anyway. That decision not only shaped my professional life but also helped me realize my potential as a leader.
As the renowned psychologist Abraham Maslow once said, “In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety.”
This resonated with me deeply. Stepping forward into growth, despite the risks involved, is a key indicator that you are naturally inclined towards leadership.
3) You own your mistakes
No one is perfect, and leaders are no exception. If you were born to lead, you understand that making mistakes is part of the journey.
I’ll be honest with you. I’ve messed up more times than I can count. From dropping the ball on major projects to misjudging team dynamics, I’ve made my fair share of blunders. But every time I stumble, I take ownership of my mistakes, learn from them, and strive to do better.
Famous psychologist Carl Jung once said, “The most terrifying thing is to accept oneself completely.” Owning up to your mistakes and learning from them is a part of accepting yourself completely – faults and all. It’s also a sign that you’re a true leader, one who values growth and learning over ego and image.
4) You’re a good listener
It’s often said that we were given two ears and one mouth for a reason – to listen more than we speak. Leaders understand this principle well.
Growing up, I was always the quiet one in a group, preferring to listen rather than speak. At first, I thought it was a weakness, but over time, I realized it was one of my biggest strengths.
Listening deeply to others, acknowledging their perspectives and ideas is a powerful way to recognize their existence and rights.
If you find yourself naturally inclined to listen more than you speak, that’s not just a sign of good manners – it’s a sign you were born to lead.
5) You’re comfortable with being uncomfortable
This may sound counterintuitive, but being a leader often means stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the unfamiliar, the uncertain, and the uncomfortable.
I still remember the first time I had to make a tough call that was bound to be unpopular. I was nervous, uncomfortable, and doubted whether I was making the right decision. But I pushed through and did it anyway because I knew it was best for the team in the long run.
As Chris L. Fernando C. said, “The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable…For it is only in such moments…that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers.”
If you find yourself constantly pushing your own boundaries and embracing discomfort for growth’s sake, congratulations! You’re exhibiting a key quality of natural-born leaders.
6) You inspire others
Perhaps the most significant sign that you were born to be a leader is your ability to inspire others. Not by dictating what they should do, but by setting an example and encouraging them to be the best versions of themselves.
The renowned psychologist B.F. Skinner once said, “We shouldn’t teach great books; we should teach a love of reading.” Similarly, great leaders don’t just tell people what to do; they inspire a love for achievement, growth, and learning.
If people around you often feel encouraged and motivated by your words and actions, it’s a strong indication that you were born with the qualities of a true leader.
7) You’re dedicated to self-improvement
A true leader never stops learning and growing. They understand that to lead others effectively, they must first lead themselves.
I’ve always been a bit of a self-improvement junkie. From reading books and attending workshops to seeking feedback, I’ve constantly sought ways to better myself. While it’s not always easy, it’s this dedication to self-growth that has helped me become a better leader.
As psychologist Abraham Maslow once said, “What is necessary to change a person is to change his awareness of himself.”
This drive to continually improve and evolve is a clear sign of a born leader. It shows that you’re not just interested in leading others, but also in leading yourself towards becoming the best you can be.
8) You value collaboration over competition
As a leader, you understand that success is a team effort, not a solo endeavor. It’s not about outshining everyone else; it’s about bringing everyone together to achieve a common goal.
I’ve always believed in the power of teamwork. There have been times when I could have taken the spotlight, but I chose to share it with my team instead. After all, we achieved our success together.
Psychologist Alfred Adler said, “The only normal people are the ones you don’t know very well.” This quote resonates with me because it reminds me that everyone has unique strengths and insights to contribute.
9) You’re okay with not always being right
This may seem counterintuitive, but true leaders are not afraid to be wrong. They know that they don’t have all the answers and are always open to learning from others.
Psychologist Carol Dweck, known for her work on “growth mindset”, said, “Becoming is better than being”.
This means that the journey of learning and growth is more important than always being correct.
If you’re someone who values growth over always being right, you’re showing a key characteristic of effective leadership. It’s a clear sign that you were born to lead, not follow.
10) You lead with integrity
Integrity is the cornerstone of effective leadership. It’s about being honest, transparent, and ethical in all your actions.
Throughout my journey as a leader, I’ve learned that people will trust and respect you more when you lead with integrity. It’s not always the easiest path, but it’s the one that earns you lasting respect and loyalty.
When you lead with integrity, you’re true to yourself and your values. And that’s a clear sign that you were born to lead.
