5 Signs You’re a Community Leader

Leadership comes in many forms, from those who inspire dedication and support to those who rule through fear and intimidation. A true leader is someone who can command those under them without having to resort to extreme tactics. Many great leaders share some common traits, so work to improve these qualities in yourself to establish yourself as a leader in your community.

A Vision for the Future

You won't get very far as a community leader if you don't have a destination in mind. In order to get your friends and neighbors to rally around you, they need to have a sense of what your goals are for the community. Take the time to think about what it is that you want for your neighborhood, and find out whether others share your vision. This way, you can all begin to work together towards a common goal.

Humility

One of the marks of a great leader is the ability to recognize when you don't know something. Admitting that you need outside help or advice is not a sign of weakness but rather a show of wisdom. Just because you ask for help doesn't make you any less of a leader. Of course, you don't want to discount your own knowledge, as you have a unique perspective to offer your community. The key is to recognize when others are more qualified to handle certain tasks. True leaders know when to do the work themselves and when to delegate.

Charisma

Some people seem to have a quality about them that just draws people to them, even if you can't pinpoint what it is exactly. You'll need charisma to succeed as a community leader because you need to be able to persuade people to listen to what you have to say. Take every opportunity you can get to refine your public speaking and networking skills. As you continue to rise through the ranks of your community, you'll need to draw on these skills more and more frequently.

Bringing Out the Best in Others

A true leader knows how to maximize other people's strengths by encouraging and supporting them. Rather than clawing your way to the top by tearing down those around you, it is far better to build yourself up by building a strong team. With everyone working together, the entire team gains greater recognition, and as the leader, you'll get the most recognition of all. You'll get greater loyalty from your team as well, as they'll be more inclined to support you when they feel valued and that their skills are being put to good use.

Patience

You won't become a community leader overnight, so you'll need to have the patience necessary to gradually build your audience over time. If you take the time to get involved in your community and listen to what your peers are saying, you'll establish yourself as an active member of society. Over time, your neighbors will start to get to know you and value your opinion. As you continue to grow and expand your influence, you'll be well on your way to establishing yourself as a community leader.

There is no time like the present to start thinking about the self-development you will need to help improve the community around you.

Connect with the Chamber's Development Programs:

1. Business Leadership Form: Empowering Business Success Through Local Storytelling - Join local business leaders for an inspiring day filled with powerful stories of local business success, and learn new ways to elevate your business through the power of storytelling. Check out the speakers page and register for this November 6th event. 
2. Management and Leadership Certificate Program - Area employers have expressed a need for employee training in basic management and team leadership. Based upon input from these employers, Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg has partnered with The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce to offer a five-session Management and Leadership Certificate Program, designed to develop and sharpen leadership skills in today's workplace environment.   Interested in being notified when applications are open for the spring cohort? Email cberleth@columbiamontourchamber.com
3. Leadership Central Penn - Established in 1992, LCP is a nine-month program designed to identify, educate, involve, and motivate a select group of area citizens for positions of leadership. Its goals are to seek individuals from a broad range of geographical, institutional, and economic backgrounds interested in and able to assume effective leadership roles in their work and communities. LCP starts in August and ends in May.  Interested in being notified when Applications open for the 2026 Class? Email foundation@columbiamontourchamber.com.