If someone asked you to name the four most important qualities of a leader, you would probably say self-confidence, assertiveness, vision and the power to convince and influence people.

All these are of course admirable qualities, qualities we all want, but sometimes we believe it isn't possible for us to acquire these qualities, and a gap appears between our wishes and what we achieve in reality. We all dream about being promoted, achieving success and acquiring leadership positions, but it is sadly often our own negative attitude which prevents us from realizing these things.

Obviously we would need to let go of our limiting beliefs and change our negative attitude in order to climb the ladder of success, but the vital question is how do we go about changing our self-perception and attitude and really acquire leadership qualities? The following techniques may throw up some answers:

Positive affirmations

Positive affirmations work by the simple logic that whatever you hear repeatedly becomes your belief. So, whether you have received negative criticism from other people or through your own negative self talking, you are more likely to start accepting these as the truth and they will become your reality.

For example, if 2 children after giving a performance on stage receive different feedback - one being praised and congratulated, while the other is criticised by their parents, then the first one will be much more likely to develop confidence for public speaking and performing, and perform better next time.

This happens because of this difference in the feedback and criticism given to the children. If these children were exposed to these negative and positive messages continually, eventually they would start to believe them. This negative and positive self-talk respectively would shape their self-beliefs. While the former would grow up into a person low on confidence the latter would turn out to be a confident individual. Therein lies the power of positive affirmations and self talk. Positive affirmations are basically just positive self talk.

So, when you keep affirming positive things about yourself, eventually you begin to accept them as your truth. The following positive affirmations can help you build your leadership qualities:

“I am confident and secure”

“I feel safe to express myself freely”

“I have the vision to succeed”

“I have the power to say “NO” when I want to”

“I love and accept myself the way I am”

Subliminal messages

Our subconscious directs our so called “natural behavior”. Our natural behavior consists largely of habits and beliefs formed and ingrained over time. Subliminal messages can modify this “natural” behavior” as they have the power to influence our subconscious – and by doing these techniques they will increase your leadership potential by implanting suggestions to make you act and think like a natural leader:

• Increase your self confidence as a leader

• Develop your mental toughness & concrete self belief in the face of opposition or criticism

• Develop your ability to create a vision, and inspire your team / workforce.

• Develop your ability to naturally command respect

These techniques can be of immense help; however, one must not forget that even subliminal cds won’t help you instantly, it is a gradual process and requires patience and persistence.