The Ten Principles of Power

By Karen

I came a across a great article in the October 2011 issue of the magazine, Essence, called "The 10 principles of Power, " - by Lonnae O'neal Parker - (coincidentally, the beautiful Michelle Obama graced the cover of this issue)

As co-founders of Cayetano Legacy Collection, the 3 of us sisters strive to be thought leaders in entrepreneurship, fashion, and philanthropy. Of course, being that we all have different personalities, different lifestyles, different points of view, being a leader comes naturally to some of us more than the other. I'm sure our birth order plays a role in it too :)

I wanted to share bits and pieces of this great article, because even though some people are natural born leaders, its not to say, others can't work at becoming a great leader themselves. 

As Parker says, "What does it take to be a true leader? To start, you must be willing to embrace your strengths. Apply these ten essential traits of power players, for a swift climb up the ladder of success."

1) They keep the end in sight - a good leader has the ability to focus
2) They collaborate - a good leader shares resources and empowers others
3) They are servant leaders - a good leader recognizes a purpose greater than themselves
4) They chart their own course - a good leader actually makes their dreams a reality
5) They reinvent themselves - a good leader is a risk taker and goes with the flow
6) They help others achieve - a good leader knows how to be part of a support group for those around them
7) They take the initiative - a good leader is a self starter
8) They love to learn - a good leader is humble and realizes they don't know everything; they want to learn more
9) They fight for a good cause - a good leader is willing to make sacrifices to fight for what is right
10) they are change agents - a good leader "has an ability to do something wonderful...leaders have a higher power to call upon, some larger connection outside of work."

Are you doing everything to be a leader in your life, in your community, at work?  Everyone has the power to embrace their strengths and share it with the world.