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Step 1
Identify your strengths and weaknesses. Defining your skills can help you develop a leadership philosophy that best suits your personality and personal vision. Review written assessments to uncover performance patterns. Listen to your "inner voice" as you answer important questions regarding your leadership aspirations. Avoid trying to force yourself into a rigid "leadership mold," as doing this can cause you and your team members undue stress.
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Step 2
Assess the leadership styles of mentors and past supervisors. This type of analysis can reveal positive and negative leadership traits. Remain objective as you reflect on leadership during daily and special operations. Outlining polarizing events can help you determine actions worthy of emulating and those needing modifying. Avoid placing your favorite leaders above scrutiny or demonizing every action of leaders that you dislike. Understanding that no leader is perfect can help you create a balanced leadership philosophy.
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Step 3
Reflect on your leadership mistakes. Although it can be difficult to admit to poor decision-making and flawed strategy, doing so can help you become a more effective leader. List negative events along and analyze of what you could have done better. Asking for input from people you've managed can help you remain objective.
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Step 4
Study different leadership techniques and strategies. Exposing yourself to a variety of philosophies can provide you with a greater knowledge base. Attend leadership classes to learn how to adapt your leadership style to best support your team members and objectives. Read general and industry-specific books on leadership.
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Step 5
Test your theories within your current leadership position. Applying leadership principles to real-world scenarios can help you eliminate strategies that don't work well for your team. Pay attention to team-member reactions, including objections and praise for modified techniques. Avoid sticking with methods that don't enhance or worsen existing operations.
