Anyone can become a capable leader if they apply themselves. Those who put in consistent work and dedication can rise to the upper echelon of leadership. Here are four steps to inspire and energize others as a leader.

Create a Strong Vision

A lack of clarity leaves followers confused and looking for direction elsewhere. When you confidently sum up your objectives in a simple vision statement, you provide a structure for others to follow. When you clearly identify your course, you keep yourself and your business on track. Once you have that vision, spread the word religiously. Providing a confident message that inspires hope attracts people to get behind you with enthusiastic support.

Set an Admirable Example

People want their leaders to walk the walk. When you demonstrate how the principles you espouse create joy and meaning in your life, it gives others more reason to listen to you and apply your direction. Integrity is a quality looked for in any relationship. Be the model for everyone under your lead.

Be Action-Oriented

Many small business owners suffer the paralysis from overanalysis and cannot make crucial decisions for fear of failure. Successful leaders of any field calculate risk, make a solid plan, and then act. Such leaders scrutinize what works and what doesn’t and then adjust accordingly. The important thing is to take a somewhat scientific approach to your decision-making. Hypothesize, test, and recalibrate. You put momentum behind your organization when you’re open to new ideas and creative techniques. No business gets everything right, so don’t be afraid to mess up. Fail fast and find solutions quicker than your competitors.

Plan for Continued Growth

One of the biggest mistakes new business owners make is being myopic. They stay so focused on putting out fires and staying afloat for tomorrow that they can’t see further down the road. Keep an eye on market trends and technological advancements. Don’t get set on one way of doing things, but expect change to come in surprising ways.

Learn to delegate routine tasks and responsibilities, looking forward to a time when you have an entire C-suite to manage the day-to-day operations. It is practically impossible to reach a destination for which you have not planned. See the ultimate goal you want to achieve and plot your path to get there. You will be more assured in your steps and more resolute as you guide your team.

Gaining impressive leadership skills doesn’t come overnight. It takes determination and grit to achieve. By constantly working on your abilities, you can grow into a phenomenal leader.