by Tim Hebert & Giselle LaFrance

The call for leadership has been heard often over the past year, resonating in messages of economic crisis, presidential campaigns and an optimism of change. Yet, like the infamous Bat Signal shining bright on a darkened, uncertain city, this call awaits a response. This call must be answered by Superheroes, but it will not be answered by Batman; nor will it be answered by national and global politicians. Instead, this call to leadership requires a response from the heroes with common powers, with common lives – it requires a response from you, the breadth of America, its business employers and employees.

In our homes, in our workplaces, in our states and across our nation, we are being assaulted on all fronts. The beliefs we held as facts are being exposed, the institutions we once trusted are faltering, the faith we once had in a “land of opportunity” has been shaken. Gone are the corporate structures, businesses and even workforce roles in which our parents and grandparents once found success. Our globalized world of the 21st century has become flat and the economy tough – and the domino effect is that knowledge is everything and 8-5 will barely get you by, never mind ahead.

John F. Kennedy – one of the most inspirational leaders and heroes of our time, someone who saw what this “land of opportunity” could be, said a quote famously spouted by every school child, a slogan for the dream of America: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” It is again a time for each of us to ask ourselves that crucial question and respond to that Bat Signal glaring into the night. It is an intimidating endeavor, yes; but it is also a response of hope and of promise for a brighter, stronger, more prosperous future. To find success, as individuals and as a nation, it is time we set our fears, our differences and even our own personal gains aside to answer this call to change and become the leaders – become the heroes – of our own time.

How?

Many debate whether leaders are born or made. I strongly believe each of us is born with the makings of a great leader. Deep inside of us are a combination of attributes, characteristics and skills which we have spent a lifetime honing. Some stand out more than others – charisma, for example is a popular attribute in a leader. However, it is not the only one. A leader needs much more than charisma to be effective, and there are many more leaders out there who are not charismatic, but posses other characteristics to make them strong leaders. Leaders are not defined by one single attribute; rather they are characterized through a culmination of many. Success is created in how all of those attributes come together, how we utilize our stronger ones and how we work to cultivate our weaker ones.

Unfortunately, we can’t instantly become leaders by jumping into a telephone booth and throwing on our “Leadership Suits.” Instead, we have to sharpen our skills day by day.

The following are 5 ways in which we can begin to become leaders:

You are a Leader – To become a leader, you must first recognize that you already are a leader. Whether preparing your kids for school, presenting at a company meeting, becoming captain of your baseball league, or mentoring an intern or coworker – at some point each day you take on a leadership role.

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