When I get to the top, then I'll learn to lead.

Myth #2 - The Destination Myth

Leadership just does not happen. Nor do leadership ability and skills magically appear when you are handed or assigned a leadership position or title. Leadership takes time, training, and opportunities at all stages.

If you want to succeed, you need to learn as much as you can about leadership before you have the position or title. Good leadership is learned in the trenches. Leading as well as you can wherever you are prepares you for more and greater responsibilities. 

Becoming a leader is a lifelong process!

Learning and practicing your leadership skills and decision-making process when the stakes are small and low will save you from making bad decisions when the cost is high, the impact is far reaching, and the exposure is greater.

So how do you become the leader you desire to be? You start now by: adopting the thinking, learning the skills, and developing habits of the person who you want to be.

If you want to be a successful leader, learn to lead long before you are at the top.

*materials taken from John Maxwell's The 360 Degree Leader