I don’t write about politics, but I thought it was timely to talk about the implications regarding leadership. The biggest question I have about Nancy Pelosi is not whether she’s for higher taxes or a higher minimum wage. The question for me is whether she’s read to lead. Now you may say that Ms. Pelosi has been the minority leader for years and therefore can handle her future assignment without blinking. I would say pause…getting promoted doesn’t mean you’re ready. What is or what will she do to prepare?
I don’t have any idea what Ms. Pelosi will do, but I can help you and Ms. Pelosi (if she’s reading this blog). The following are some tips to remember when preparing for the "next" assignment:
- Make sure your character is as strong as your skills. If you’ve been leaving your character alone then you’re in trouble.
- Go to trusted (I MEAN TRUSTED) advisers/mentors to help you get the resources or input needed for a bigger role.
- Don’t believe your on press. In other words, just because you were promoted doesn’t mean you’re ready or the best person for the job. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be there, it just means be humble and do the things that successful leaders do. For example, if Thomas Jefferson recommended that kindness is essential in leading, then you should start working on your kindness.
- Don’t get comfortable…people who get comfortable think that things don’t change and they begin to relax. Ladies and gentleman, I don’t care how many years you’ve been doing something. THINGS CHANGE!
- Be who you are…and follow that end…