Leading from the Trenches

Leading from the Trenches – 10 Key Areas for Personal Leadership Development

Natacha Dolson | 2018

Abstract

In today’s world being a leader has often been associated with a title or position. However, I was once told by the Dean of Regent University that “leadership is a posture, not a position.” With this being said, this book is intended to assist new or aspiring leaders to understand the responsibility of being a leader and offer a framework of development topics to assist in maximizing their leadership potential. The contents offer a map for self-development, knowledge, and understanding of the need to really ‘get on the ground’ and get to know one’s team, what they do, who they are and how one’s decisions as a leader affect them- both personally and professionally. To be the most efficient and influential leader, one must look inside to one’s core and determine what kind of leader they want to be and work from the inside out. Without a solid foundation in character, the ability to influence others and truly make a difference will diminish.

How a leader communicates, shares knowledge and models wanted behaviors strongly influences those around them. As such, attaining self-awareness and being willing to grow is essential. Often times aspiring or new leaders are so focused on the skills of the profession, they do not understand the need for character development until they begin to fail as leaders. By taking steps to understand what leadership truly is and gaining a perspective of how to approach it, leaders can build a strong foundation for influence and positive change.