There’s a big difference between being someone in a higher position compared to being in a position of leadership.
In a variety of industries – martial arts, teaching, theater, tech – to name a few, people who are insanely proficient and talented oftentimes find themselves in a higher position above other people. The more skilled you are, the higher rank you become.
But there’s often a big difference between being in a higher position and being a leader. Someone in a higher position who is not quite a good leader, they may consider themselves an expert and tend to focus on everything that’s wrong. They believe they know how to do things correctly and can see what needs to be done better.
But being a leader is more about inspiring people. You don’t demand people look at you as a leader, but you earn respect and give respect to people. Being a leader is not just about giving direction or orders. When someone’s doing something, or struggling with something, you find ways to make them understand and feel good about what they’re working through. Give them a reason to continue learning.
As an instructor in martial arts, when someone struggling with something, we work focus on what they’re doing well and then take that confidence in that technique and blend it over into other areas of training.
Watch the video below from ADKM Chief Instructor Greg Mills.