TL;DR

• True leadership often develops over time — most leaders aren’t born but made through intention and growth.
• Conduct a self-SWOT analysis to evaluate your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats honestly.
• Seek honest feedback from trusted peers or family to uncover blind spots and identify growth areas.
• Build leadership confidence through volunteer roles or formal leadership training programs.
• Practice leadership in your current role by proactively taking initiative and seeking out responsibilities.

“Born leaders” are few and far between. For everyone like David Miscavige, leader of the Scientology religion — who rose to the helm of the fast-growing religious organization as a young man in the 1980s and has been in the position ever since — there are many, many more who grow into their potential more gradually.

Then again, some of the world’s most influential people qualify as late bloomers. They are living proof that wherever you happen to be in your life or your career, it’s not too late.

Not that unlocking your full potential as a leader isn’t challenging work. As you begin your journey, let these simple guidelines light the way.

1. Do a “Self-SWOT” Analysis

“SWOT” stands for “strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.” A SWOT analysis is a common tool in the business world, often used by executives and other leaders to assess the health of the teams, divisions or organizations they lead.

A “self-SWOT” analysis can be useful on a more intimate scale as well. However, it requires deep and unflinching honesty; one can’t just ignore inconvenient information because it’s too difficult to address.

2. Get Honest Feedback From Friends and Family

As part of a comprehensive self-analysis, experts also recommend getting honest feedback from close friends, family or colleagues.

“Ideally, whoever you speak to is someone who knows you well and who has seen you work in various environments or situations,” says Harvard’s Sanyin Siang.

“They should have enough examples to pull from, and you should trust them to honestly share their observations,” Siang adds.

The crucial thing here is to accept their feedback, however uncomfortable it feels. Your self-improvement journey won’t progress very far if you’re resistant to good-faith advice from those who know you best.

3. Volunteer at a School or Community Center

With your self-analysis complete, ease into your leadership journey in a non-professional setting by volunteering at a school, community center or with a nonprofit organization that recruits volunteer leaders. Stick with what you know, be that coaching baseball, teaching high school-level math, or leading a mountain bike class. Embrace any confidence you gain along the way and “reinvest” it in higher-stakes leadership opportunities down the road.

4. Take a Leadership Training Course

Formal leadership training can be a game-changer for your career. People who complete a rigorous leadership course boost their productivity by an average of 36% and operational efficiency by 42%, according to business efficiency expert Dede Henley.

Those numbers aren’t likely to escape the notice of your superiors or prospective future employers.

5. Read a Few Leadership Books (But Don’t Believe Everything You Read)

Leadership literature can be a source of inspiration for aspiring (and established) leaders. They can also lead us astray. It’s important to approach the genre with healthy skepticism, understanding that not every tactic or trope will work as well for you as the author or speaker claims it worked for them.

Should uneven quality put you off leadership lit entirely? Absolutely not. Many experts believe skeptical inquiry is vital to sound leadership. And your reading list could well contain ideas that really do move you to do things differently.

6. Be the First to Raise Your Hand at Work

Be eager to take on more responsibility at work without reflexively agreeing to everything your boss asks of you. It’s no secret that workers who show they’re capable of leading a team through an important project tend to get promoted over those who keep a lower profile, and the process itself will prove invaluable practice for more formal leadership roles.

You’re Capable of More Than You Realize

If born leaders are rare, people who intuitively understand their capabilities and their limitations are even fewer and farther between. Most of the rest fixate too much on those limitations — what they believe they can’t do — to reach their full potential.

“Approximately 85% of the population grapples with low self-belief, imposter syndrome, or low self-esteem, all of which impact their performance,” says leadership expert Kumar Mehta.

Maybe that sounds familiar. Statistically speaking, it shouldn’t come as a surprise. And that’s okay; to know thyself is truly a long-term project. But as we’ve seen, all of us are capable of more. We just need to find — and use — the proper tools to get us there.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a self-SWOT analysis and why is it helpful for leadership?

A self-SWOT analysis involves identifying your personal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It provides clarity on where you stand and what areas to improve to become a more effective leader.

Why should I ask friends or family for feedback?

Trusted individuals can offer valuable, honest perspectives on how you show up in various situations. Their insights help you identify blind spots and reinforce strengths you may underestimate.

How can volunteering help develop leadership skills?

Volunteering allows you to practice leadership in low-stakes environments. Leading community groups or coaching others builds confidence and transferable leadership skills.

Are leadership training courses worth the investment?

Yes. Leadership training improves productivity, efficiency, and confidence — often resulting in tangible career benefits like promotions or expanded responsibilities.

What if I struggle with self-doubt or imposter syndrome?

You’re not alone — many leaders deal with these challenges. The key is recognizing your potential, using tools like self-assessment and feedback, and committing to growth over time.