Two types of leaders are always in demand. The Firefighter and the Bridge Builder. If you can become one (or even both)of these types of leaders you will become in demand. Your opportunities for influence will increase. Your value to your current employer will skyrocket and prospective employers will view you as a highly sought after commodity. Better yet, you will be able to more effectively serve those around you. You will be able to add value to the most important people in your life.
The Firefighter - Firefighters are brave, selfless heroes who save others from dangerous situations. The popular saying goes "they are running into burning buildings, while everyone else is running out." They save people who are in need. They problem solve. They keep small fires from becoming large fires.
The "Firefighter Leader" is someone who solves problems and makes everything else run smoothly. When you get to a point that you "bring solutions, not problems" you become increasingly valuable to your organization. You are the person who comes to meetings with solutions to problems.When everyone else is bailing out and running for safety, you are the person who can fix everything. Firefighter leader are proactive as well. They anticipate needs and problems before anyone else in the organization which allows them to be quicker to see the solution. They do not allow little "fires"/problems to become a big problem. They find solutions before any major damage is done, while protecting the people they are in charge of.
The Bridge Builder - Bridges connect two separate things. They connect two parts of town that were previously separated by a river, creek or ravine. They make life easier and help everyone to be more connected.
The "Bridge Builder Leader" connects people. They come along and see two people who could have a mutually beneficial relationship and puts them together. Bridge Builders connect people to ideas. They teach and instruct. They lead a follower to find answers through books or new ideas. They are constantly connecting. They connect people to opportunities. They are constantly looking to make someone's life better through helping them be better connected to people, ideas and opportunities.
Become a "Firefighter or Bridge Builder" today. Find ways to solve problems and help people connect with other people or ideas that can change their lives.
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