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decision about whether or not you will prepare - or demonstrate - your current
level of preparation in pursuit of this opportunity. If you've decided to proceed,
create a timeline that allows you to do additional preparation prior to and during
the leadership activity. Some activities include the following:
Start with informal training: In the privacy of your home or with close friends,
start the correction process. For example, if your dress sense is bad, take the
guidance of someone who is considered to be well dressed. Or, if your body
language is not positive enough, work on this with your friends. There is a lot
you can do on your own to improve yourself.
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The next step is acquiring informal training/education: Do you need to acquire
skills in public speaking or professional etiquette? Do you need to be educated
on general or specific issues relevant to your cause? Start working on these gaps
immediately. Join public speaking classes. Meet people more often and make a
genuine effort to socially interact with all types of people.
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Become an expert in networking: You can never be a leader if no one knows
who you are. The only way to establish your presence and your loyalty to the
cause is to network. Attend meetings. Get to know people and more importantly
allow them to know you. Don't be a silent bystander. Express your points of
view and offer to help where you can. A word of caution here - never be pushy
or give the appearance of being arrogant, but always be confident. Make your
presence felt, so that the next time you are not there, they miss you!!
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Position yourself: Once you've established yourself, the next step is to posi-
tion yourself. Where do you need to be for others to see you as a potential
leader or offer you the position? The key here is to be in the right place at the
right time. Another word of caution - never let your desire to lead overtake
your contribution to the cause. Doing the right thing, while at the right place
and for the right reason, is what opens doors.
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Proceed
At this point, you have committed to pursuing the leadership opportunity, and
if you fully engaged in the three prior steps you are likely the most committed,
knowledgeable, prepared, and qualified candidate to hold the position. The fol-
lowing steps should be used and tailored to your situation as you proceed toward
your leadership opportunity:
Take small steps first: Remember that you have to prove yourself every step of
the way. Proceed in small steps. Work closely with the leader. Try to take some
of the load off her. Perhaps you could, with her approval, fill in for her when
she's not available. Look for things you can do that will show quick results
and allow you to prove yourself. Once you take the first step, how and where
to take the next ones becomes easier.
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Expect and deal with resistance firmly and with understanding: If you're
going to be a leader who makes a difference to your cause you will face
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