I speak often to groups of aspiring young leaders. Typically,the question on their minds when I begin is “what do I need to DOto become a leader?” I quickly aim to change their orientation fromwhat they must DO to what they must BE.

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Success in leadership is attributed not only to what you do; itis dependent on who you are. We set young leaders up to fall if weencourage them to envision what they can do before firstconsidering the kind of kind of leader they want to be.

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This holds particularly true for aspiring young women. Byhelping young women understand the kind of leader they must be, weenable and elevate their ability to influence, catalyze andtransform the future.

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I have detailed the following TO-BE List for theirconsideration:

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  • Be a Learner. Being alifelong learner is what empowers your relevance for the rest ofyour life. Eric Hoffer captured it best when he said, “In times ofchange, learners inherit the earth, while the learned findthemselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longerexists.” Don't be beautifully equipped for irrelevance — keeplearning.

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  • Be a Question Asker. I have been teachingand writing about the importance of asking greatquestions for a long time. Great questions are the bestway to have a meaningful conversation, the best way to rope in amentor and the best way to look like a star performer. Make it apriority to listen to people asking great questions. Be in chargeof the questions you ask and keep a list of the best questions youhear. Use this to create a question toolbox you use and can applyto every conversation and interaction you have.
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  • Be Courageous. We don't serve the rest ofthe world or ourselves by playing small. Humanity's misfortune iswhen we don't realize the very gifts we have, or the impact we havethe opportunity to make. It is imperative that you own and honoryour genius, and make a contribution that matters. Don't wait to berecognized; find appropriate ways to trumpet your achievements.Learn the remaining six tips from Huffington Postcontributor and author Angela Maiers.

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