I’ll never forget the first time someone told me, “You’re a natural-born leader.” I resisted that notion because I had never managed or led anybody in my professional career. And yet, this group of strangers at the Enlightened Warrior Camp I was attending seemed to disagree.

After only a few hours together, I was elected to be their “spokesperson” or leader.

I’ve often thought back on that experience and wondered what they saw in me to have them so convinced that I could lead them. As a High I behavioral style, sure I’m charismatic and outgoing (if I do say so myself!) but that can’t be all we want in a leader. Otherwise wouldn’t all the bubbly cheerleaders from high school be qualified to be CEO’s?

I didn’t have time to demonstrate any specific skill-set to the group. So it didn’t seem that they were particularly interested in my skills or previous knowledge. What I didn’t realize at the time is the very traits I thought meant I shouldn’t be the leader were the very things my tribe of 50+ people sensed when they selected me to lead them.

1) Since I didn’t know what I was doing, I displayed humility and before taking action, I solicited input from others as to our direction and then made tough calls when needed.

2) When we were given an unfair disadvantage, I took the burden on myself and sacrificed my personal win for the other team members (we were judged individually and as a group).

3) During one trial, when we were tempted to cheat to win, I spoke up and refused to compromise our integrity, even though the other tribes would likely have never known.

You could probably argue all day long whether I was born with these qualities or developed them through my life experience. But it doesn’t really matter. When push comes to shove, true leaders show up and step up to the challenges they are presented with…no matter their title.

So if you’re ever tempted to promote someone into a leadership position because they aren’t happy and doing good work where they are, I encourage you to ask yourself one question…

“Are they exhibiting the traits of a leader right now?”

If not, think long and hard about promoting them into a leadership role to assuage their discontent.

Nancy Roberts
The DISC Wizard