North Columbus News

By Marilou Butcher Roth, Master Coach

Would you do something for me? Walk to your nearest mirror, take a good look at yourself, and say out loud, “I am a leader.” I realize that some, if not most of you, are not going to physically go to a mirror and do this, and that’s okay; you can just imagine it. How comfortable are you being a leader? Did you ignore this invitation because you are not serving in any type of leadership capacity?

We are all exposed to leaders in many areas of our lives. Have you considered the possibility that each of us is a leader? We look to leaders to impact. Take a moment and reflect on a time when something someone said or did had a great impact on you. Then, think about a time when you said or did something that impacted someone else. We frequently underestimate ourselves, not taking into account our influence and inspiration on others.

Today, I want to share seven practices that, when in place, will define you as a leader regardless of whether or not you are holding what you deem to be a leadership position.

- Make a positive impact

- Listen with your whole self

- Speak authentically

- Have self-awareness (emotional intelligence)

- Live intentionally rather than by default

- Be open to learning

- Create balance within your life

Take some time and consider each of these opportunities to grow as a person and find ways to incorporate them into your life. Then, when you return to the mirror, see yourself differently.

Marilou Butcher Roth is the owner of The MBR Group, a coaching and training company working primarily with REALTORS who have a desire to work and live from a more inspired place. She is also the Broker/Owner of Group REALTORS in Cincinnati. Marilou is a member of the Ohio REALTORS Board of Directors and past chairman of the organization’s Communications Committee.

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