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All successful leaders are always prepared for action. Remaining “on your toes” and ready to spring into action is a key trait of someone who is ready to lead a team to greatness. Here are three tips from the Troy Area Chamber of Commerce on staying ready to lead at all times: 

Are you ready to be a leader?
Are you ready to be a leader?

Tip #1: Always be ready to say YES!: 

Saying “yes” to things can sometimes be scary. It creates an open invitation to push the status quo to new limits. Leading a group to excellence means keeping your team engaged. Saying “no” as your default answer can lead to new, and better ideas!  

So, how can you learn to lead towards saying “yes”? 

Be prepared to ask questions about the proposed question. Ask questions like… 

1. How can you give that a try? 

2. What is the goal we’re trying to accomplish? 

3. What tools are needed to make this happen? 

4. What needs to happen to move this idea forward? 

5. Who will this impact effect?  

Asking further questions allows your team to know you’re taking a genuine interest in the idea presented.  

Tip #2: Be ready to finish a goal 

Starting a new project can become a distraction for the jobs you were previously working on. Making sure there’s a clear path for finishing something is key to making sure you make it to the finish line!  

Manageable time frames create enough pressure to engage concentration. Being ready to lead means you finish something old before you start something new to cut down on burn out, frustration, and cutting corners.  

Tip #3: Stay ready to learn 

Learners go farther than knowers! Being ready to say “yes” is great however, you’ll be preparing for failure if you aren’t open to learning something from each experience. Learning what works for your team and for you personally will help you be more ready to lead in the future. Here are a few tips on how you can stay ready to learn: 

1. Show up asking “What can I learn” to every new experience. 

2. Sometimes you learn the most from the people you expect from the least.  

3. Ask “What am I missing?” if you feel like you didn’t take anything away from an experience. 

4. Take notes about what you’ve learned to use in the future! 

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