Who would’ve thought we would see a virus disrupt the world like it has. It’s 2020 after all, right?!

I’m sure a lot has been going through your mind over the past several days. There is much uncertainty right now regarding the impact of this virus and the timeline until we regain our “freedom” and get back to normal.

Families are having to deal with kids being home full-time instead of at school long before summer break begins.

Businesses are having to adjust on the fly as a variety of government mandates and restrictions are coming out.

Nothing is “normal” or “as usual” anymore.

So, how do we handle times like these when we’re in uncharted territory?

Consider the five following positive, productive actions that have come to my mind:

1) Do all you can to remain calm.

While this certainly isn’t easy if you’re watching the news and absorbed on social media, it is critical. As a leadership coach, I often talk about how followers respond or react based on what they see in their leaders much like kids behave based on what they see in their parents. We all feel some sort of angst and unsettled emotions right now. That’s normal. However, the more we slow down to breathe and work to remain calm will help those around us do the same.

2) Be sensible.

No one likes feeling trapped or as if their freedom has been taken away. I truly believe our government officials are trying to make the best decisions they can with the information they have (which seems to change by the hour). While it’s easy to believe that politicians are only making decisions based on how they will benefit, I believe there is healthy collaboration going on for the good of our nation and world. Let’s believe the best about our leaders right now who are tasked with something none of us would want to deal with. Let’s honor the restrictions so we do our part to keep everyone around us safe.

3) Pray.

I’m a person of deep faith, so prayer is a fixture in my daily life. That may not be the same for you. However, here’s what I know. Prayer does change things. I see it daily in my life in a variety of ways. When I’m anxious, prayer calms me down. When I’m confused, prayer leads me to clarity. When I’m scared, prayer leads me to walk by faith and not just by sight. God wants to hear from you. Even if you’re skeptical about God or prayer, try it. Ask God to eliminate this virus and provide in unmistakable ways all around the world. If you need help taking this step, please let me know as I’d love to support you.

4) Maximize the time margin you now have.

I know that some people are busy working as usual, but I’m also highly aware that our lives outside of our work has been drastically freed up. For our family, there are no sports practices or games to go to. There are no school activities to attend. Going shopping just to “kill time” or run mundane errands are no longer wise choices. Instead, we find ourselves at home for hours on end when we would typically be out and about. It’s different for everyone, but let’s embrace the margin and become better personally and professionally. Let’s not simply binge watch our lives away or get lost in hours of scrolling through social media feeds. Read/listen to a book, take an online course, listen to podcasts, etc. Expand your mind. Study a topic you’ve been putting off. Make personal growth a priority so you’ll have more to contribute at work or to society when this pandemic passes.

5) Embrace technology, create, and innovate.

One silver lining is that we have the technology available to us to connect for personal and professional purposes. While life feels completely disrupted, embrace technology to keep relationships with family, friends, and clients strong. Think of things you can create and innovate to make your life and those around you better. Some of the greatest inventions our world has every seen have come because of obstacles. In fact, most of what we enjoy today is because someone saw a problem to solve or an opportunity to make something better. YOU are capable of creating and innovating as much as the next person if you set your mind to it.

Yes, this is a very inconvenient, disruptive time for us. It’s scary for those who fear they will be directly affected. We’ve seen some crazy behavior (binge-buying toilet paper anyone???), but let’s do our part to help society stabilize amidst it all. Let’s rally together and come out on the other side stronger personally and collectively.

We can do this.

YOU can do this.

Make each and every day GREAT by guarding your mind and taking positive, productive action.

***This article is inspired by chapter 1 of John C. Maxwell’s book
“Developing the Leaders Around You” – “The Leader’s Key Question: Am I Raising Up Potential Leaders?” ***

Management expert Peter Drucker once stated, “No executive has ever suffered because his people were strong and effective.”

Developing the people on your team must be a key priority if you are to grow your organization to reach its highest potential. There’s no way around it.

It is very easy to overlook this key aspect of leadership amidst the busyness of work and life. However, doing so will be costly to your success. John Maxwell states, “Those closest to the leader will determine the success level of that leader.” In essence, we must remember that we can’t achieve greatness alone. We need others around us to reach our highest potential – personally and professionally. Make it your goal to develop leaders who become a movement that perpetuates itself over time.

Legendary UCLA Bruins head basketball coach John Wooden once shared four keys to raising up leaders:

1 – Appreciate them for who they are.

2 – Believe that they will do their very best.

3 – Praise their accomplishments.

4 – Accept your personal responsibility to them as their leader.

John Maxell also stated, “An organization’s growth potential is directly related to its personnel potential.” This once again highlights the importance of developing your people.

As you consider your next steps of developing leaders within your organization, evaluate the people closest to you using the following questions:

1 – Are you developing them?

2 – Do you have a growth plan for them?

3 – Are they growing?

4 – Have they been able to lift your load?

Potential leaders help carry the load of their leaders, but they must be developed and encouraged to do so. Leaders who mentor potential leaders multiply their effectiveness. Developed leaders expand and enhance the future of the organization. This gives the organization both wider reach and a deeper impact.

The most expensive people on your team are not the highest paid, but rather those who are nonproductive. As a leader, your key role is to bring out the best in your people and develop the talent that is within them. Don’t try to make people who they’re not. Instead, find their strengths, make sure they’re in the best roles to utilize their strengths, and then invest in them so they can maximize their strengths for the benefit of the organization and their personal lives.

Leadership is not a “set it and forget it” task. It requires ongoing talent development and nurturing the people you have on your team. If you will commit to developing potential leaders today, you will reap the benefit of having strong leaders helping your advance your business or cause in the future.

Until next time…make today GREAT!

***If you would like to take the next steps in your personal leadership development, click HERE to receive 21 FREE audio lessons. My good friend and colleague, Mark Williams, and I recorded 21 discussions focused on John Maxwell’s “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.” You will receive one lesson per day via email when you subscribe.

***This article is inspired by chapter 10 of John C. Maxwell’s book
“Developing the Leader Within You 2.0” – “The Expansion of Leadership: Personal Growth.” ***

If you desire to be a leader who makes a long-term impact, personal growth is non-negotiable.

John Maxwell states, “The development, expansion, and the future of your leadership depend on your dedication to personal growth.”

He also shares that “growth is the only guarantee that tomorrow will get better.”

If personal growth is so essential to successful, long-lasting leadership, why do so few leaders make it a point of emphasis in their daily schedule? I believe the answer to that question is one short little word spelled T-I-M-E.

Busy leaders never feel that they have enough time to invest in themselves. However, those who maximize their time and schedule personal growth into their days experience results that few others do. How you utilize your time is your choice. You can either “spend” it by being busy or you can “invest” it strategically in order to prepare for a better future.

If you desire to be an effective leader both now and in the future, consider these four key elements of personal growth to expand your leadership capacity:

1 – The Big Picture: Where do I need to focus my growth?

Vision is required to advance in any area of life, especially your leadership. If you don’t have a vision for what you need to grow in, you’ll likely struggle and have limited results. For instance, if you want to grow as a leader, but you begin reading books on how to fix your car, you’ll learn something and grow, but it won’t enhance your leadership. Define key skills or areas that you need to develop and focus on them. Do you need to become a better communicator? Do you need to manage your time better? Do you need to learn how to facilitate better reviews or meetings? Pick ONE THING to grow in and start there. Then, move on to other areas where you need to develop.

2 – Measurement: How can I measure and affect my growth?

Without developing a way to track your growth, you’ll acquire a lot of knowledge, but may not be sure of how you’re growing. For instance, set a goal to pick one topic each month and read a book on it. That means you’ll strategically read 12 books over the course of a year. By focusing your learning and practicing new lessons daily you will be able to improve much quicker than taking a shotgun approach of trying to read a wide variety of resources. Maybe you need to determine one conference to attend this year or a podcast to begin listening to. The key is being intentional so you can measure your progress toward achieving your goals.

3 – Consistency: How can I grow daily?

Consistency is one of the most underrated characteristics of great leaders. People need consistency from their leaders so they know what to expect each day. When it comes to personal growth, you need to develop a consistent plan of action. For me, my personal growth begins first thing each morning in the quiet before my family is up and moving for the day. This is when I read, study, and pray. Once everyone is busy getting ready to head out for the day, it’s difficult to focus. It may be different for you depending on your life stage. Evenings may be better. Lunch breaks can be a great time to read and reflect. Customize an approach that works for you, but commit to consistent, daily growth.

4 – Application – Can I act on it?

Knowledge without application won’t take you very far. Instead, you’ll simply become a frustrated subject matter expert. A critical step to becoming a better leader is to put your knowledge into action. Share with others what you are learning. Implement action steps that can help you and your team become better. Whatever you do, refuse to sit on the information you invest your time learning. Do something with it! As you read books and articles or listen to podcasts or attend conferences, be thinking about at least one thing you can apply immediately to your leadership. Also, be thinking about information that is relevant for others whom you influence so you can pass it along. Applied learning is the only way it will truly stick and have a long-term impact.

When I was beginning on my leadership journey, a mentor advised me to be a lifelong learner because leaders are readers. I believe in this perspective 100%. You can be a “leader” by position and not invest in your personal growth, but if you desire to be an effective transformational leader that makes a long-term impact in your organization, family, or the world, you must make personal growth a priority. Reflect on these four key elements of personal growth and put them into action. Once you do, you’ll expand your influence in ways that you never could have imagined.

Until next time…make today GREAT!

If you need help on your journey of going to the next level in your personal life or leadership, click HERE to learn more about my personal and executive coaching services.

***This article is inspired by chapter 9 of John C. Maxwell’s book
“Developing the Leader Within You 2.0” – “The Price Tag of Leadership: Self-Discipline.” ***

Mountain climber Jim Whittaker once said, “You never conquer the mountain. You only conquer yourself.”

Wow! That’s so true!

Over the years I’ve met so many people who want more from life than they’re currently experiencing, yet they won’t’ do what is required to achieve their dreams and goals. They don’t have the self-discipline required to arrive at their desired destination.

Consider Olympic and professional athletes for a moment. We see them perform under the bright lights, but they first win championships in the dark of the early morning hours when they are training. Winning the race or the game is only a result of the work they’ve put in when no one was watching. They had the self-discipline to train when they didn’t feel like it or when it wasn’t getting them notoriety. It’s been said that champions are made in the off-season. They’re also made in the hidden moments when the only person they’re accountable to is themselves.

Rory Vaden said, “Are we going to do what’s easy and feels good in the short-term? Or are we going to do what’s difficult and actually is good in the long-term?”

Leader, I ask this question of you today.

Are you disciplining yourself in order to achieve your dreams and goals?

Are you doing the work in the early morning hours when no one is watching so you can perform at your best and achieve success when the bright lights are turned on?

Are you committed to personal growth so you can be better today than you were yesterday?

Personal growth speaker Jim Rohn once said, “You can’t achieve beyond your level of development. You don’t achieve goals. You grow into them.”

John C. Maxwell stated in his book No Limits, “There is no growth in your comfort zone and no comfort in your growth zone.”

Each of these leaders is onto something. Growth requires self-discipline. Don’t be the person who wants results but refuses to put in the work to achieve them. Our human default condition is laziness. Successful men and women are those who reject laziness, mediocrity, and small living and instead opt for pursuing greatness in all roles they play in life.

Leader, you have greatness within you. You are capable of so much more than you can imagine. But it requires self-discipline to achieve the next levels of success.

Are you ready to increase your self-discipline so you can be, do, and have more?

Are you willing to put in the work to become better so you can help your followers become better?

One of my favorite quotes is from former South African President Nelson Mandela – “There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”

Today is your day to increase your self-discipline so you can improve your results.

I believe in you.

You can make it happen if you put in the work.

Ask yourself the following three questions and then take action:

1. Do I want to grow?
2. Will I do what it takes to grow?
3. Can I grow?

If you can answer “yes” to each of these questions, then you are well on your way to becoming a better leader today than you were yesterday, last week, and last year.

Your people need you to become better so you can help them become better.

Let’s make it happen today!

Until next time…make today GREAT!

If you need help on your journey of going to the next level in your personal life or leadership, click HERE to learn more about my personal and executive coaching services.

***This article is inspired by chapter 8 of John C. Maxwell’s book
“Developing the Leader Within You 2.0” – “The Indispensable Quality of Leadership: Vision.” ***

Vision always precedes productive activity or else your followers will simply stay busy on trivial tasks.

As leaders, we must lift up our eyes from the daily grind and look farther out than our followers. While the tasks of the day are important to accomplish, vision for the future is what leads to continued success. If you don’t have a vision, it is like the blind leading the blind. You will get somewhere, but it may not be where you want to arrive.

Followers rely on their leaders to show them the way forward. You can’t do that if you don’t know where you’re going. When you are driving your car you must look down the road instead of at the hood or in the rearview mirror to safely advance. In leadership, the rearview mirror represents the past and the hood represents the present. Staring at either too long will derail your progress in the future.

Author Warren Bennis once stated, “Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.”

Steve Jobs once said, “If you are working on something exciting that you really care about, you don’t have to be pushed. The vision pulls you.”

Vision energizes.

Vision inspires.

Vision motivates.

Vision gets you through the days when you want to quit.

John C. Maxwell says, “Nothing will happen unless you are willing and able to paint a clear picture of your vision for people and mobilize them to join you.”

Do you have a clear vision for the future?

Are you casting vision for your followers?

Are you looking out to the future more than looking down at today or behind to the past?

If you want to achieve great goals and objectives, you must invest consistent time gaining a clear picture of your desired future, then share it with your followers so they will be motivated to press on through the mundane daily tasks. You must equip them to take effective, productive action.

Leaders are the carriers of vision. Just as a virus can spread exponentially from one person, so can vision. Leaders have to go first and begin infecting people with it.

Action Steps:

• Invest time to think about where you are going.
• Write a compelling description of your preferred future.
• Begin sharing your vision with those you lead. 
• Equip them to take action so you can achieve the desired results together.
• Define clear metrics and evaluate your progress over the next few weeks and months.

You can become a visionary leader if you dedicate the time and attention.

I believe in you.

Go make it happen.

Until next time…make today GREAT!

If you need help taking your life or leadership to the next level, click HERE to learn more about my personal and executive coaching services.

***This article is inspired by chapter 7 of John C. Maxwell’s book
“Developing the Leader Within You 2.0” – “The Heart of Leadership: Serving People.” ***

“Servant leadership” has become somewhat cliche’ over the past 20 years or so as it’s been spoken and written about repeatedly in various settings. However, we should be careful not to diminish the value of this philosophy of leadership. While many people say they believe in the servant leadership model, few truly exhibit the qualities of a servant leader. Pride and ego often get in the way for many leaders. Personal agendas override serving others. Putting others first in decision-making is challenging, so few leaders actually do it even if they say they are all about it.

So, how do you become a better servant leader? Consider the following five recommendations by John Maxwell:

1 – Don’t rely on your position or title.

One of the key mistakes many leaders make is over-valuing their defined position or title. While you do work hard to achieve higher levels of status in your organization, your title should merely describe the work you do for the betterment of the organization. As you elevate in your position, you should realize that your responsibilities grow. Don’t expect people to serve you just because of your title or the location of your office. Rather, determine to use the resources allotted to your position to serve others better.

2 – Choose to believe in people and their potential.

When you believe in your people and see what they can become, you will be more motivated to help them achieve their potential. You will see how the resources you have access to can help them grow and develop. You can give them opportunities to test their skills. If you don’t believe in someone, you’ll be less likely to give them new experiences and opportunities. Belief in your people is a choice you must make. Look for potential and then act accordingly.

3 – Try to see things from the perspective of others.

As you elevate in leadership roles, it is easy to forget where you came from. In order to serve your followers best, try to remember what it was like when you were on your growth journey. The older you get, the harder this is, but it is very important to see from their perspective. What is it like to be working in their role? What is it like to follow you? Ask yourself a variety of questions as if you were in their shoes and think about ways to serve them better based on how you would want your leader to help you.

4 – Work to create an environment of encouragement.

Workplace culture has become a very hot topic in recent years. The reason is that opportunities are abundant in our world. Organizations that want to attract and retain great employees must cultivate an environment where they can grow and want to stay. As a leader, you are like a gardener. You need to till the soil, plant seeds for success, water the plants, and pull weeds that cause problems. When you encourage your people consistently, they will generally respond positively and take important growth steps. Those who don’t will either choose to move on or stand out as someone that you need to release from your organization. Don’t let negative team members who are a bad fit linger and discourage those who are on board and want to make a difference.

5 – Measure your success by how much you add value to others.

While hitting your goals are important for any organization, how you do so is very important if you want to be a great leader. Many “leaders” have put incredible pressure on their people over the years like a dictator, but the culture and morale suffers. Leaders like this don’t get the most out of their followers. They may hit their numbers, but they will do the bare minimum to make their bosses happy. This puts a cap on the organization’s potential. However, if you look to add value to your followers each day by speaking about the potential you see in them and helping them achieve it, you will build an organization that not only meets its goals but can elevate to be one of the best in your industry.

Zig Ziglar once said, “If you help people get what they want, they will help you get what you want.” Leadership is about getting things done with and through others. The best way to do that is to serve your followers well so you can all achieve the results that are required, as well as, desired. Begin to look for ways to serve your people today and watch how you can increase the capacity of your team and your organization.

Until next time…make today GREAT!

By the way, if you want to take your life or leadership to the next level, click HERE to learn more about my personal and executive coaching services. 

***This article is inspired by chapter 6 of John C. Maxwell’s book
“Developing the Leader Within You 2.0” – “The Extra Plus in Leadership: Attitude.” ***

Author and pastor Charles Swindoll once said, “I am convinced that life is 10% of what happens to me, and 90% how I react to it.”

In one of my favorite movies, Remember the Titans, captain of the football team Gary is challenged by teammate Julius about why the team isn’t coming together. Gary told Julius that his attitude was the problem, to which Julis responded: “Attitude reflects leadership.” What a powerfully convicting statement!

What attitude is being reflected in your followers?

Consider the following 7 actions that John C. Maxwell teaches on how to develop and embody a good attitude:

1- Disown your helplessness

As a leader, you must continually seek solutions rather than wallow in self-pity. A “why me?” attitude will never advance your cause or lead your team to victory. Yes, failures and challenges occur. However, leaders rise up in the midst of challenges. If you begin to feel helpless, shake yourself out of the slump by taking solution-oriented action.

2 – Take the bull by the horns

Taking initiative gets things moving when everyone else feels stuck and frustrated. Leaders don’t allow inertia to plague their teams and organizations. They recognize that it’s impossible to steer a parked car. They get things moving so the team can wake up and take action to find creative solutions.

3 – Enter the “no whining zone”

Whining about problems doesn’t help anyone and to be honest, no one wants to be around whiners. While it may sound cliche’, winners aren’t whiners. Rather, they are action-takers who refuse to wallow in the mud of discouragement or disappointment. When problems arise (and they will) refuse to whine and instead check your attitude so that it is about problem-solving.

4 – Put on a new pair of shoes

The old adage of “walk a mile in someone else’s shoes” is a powerful way to gain perspective. When you think you have it bad, others have it worse. That alone should help your attitude. Be grateful for the things that are going well. Seek to understand what others are dealing with in their lives or businesses. Seek to view things from others’ perspectives when you are stuck on finding a solution. By taking this productive action, you will be able to discover helpful answers and solutions.

5 – Nurture your passion

Passion is a powerful thing. It pulls you forward on the days when you don’t want to move. Passion is something that allows us to wake up each day, get out of bed, and tackle the challenges at hand with enthusiasm. What are you passionate about? Are you doing that? If not, why not? If so, how are you nurturing it? Passion is a gift from God that points to your purpose. Passion is what leads you to take action when everyone else is standing still. Don’t neglect your passion or overlook its value in your leadership.

6 – Exceed expectations

Leaders stand out when they reject mediocrity and simply meet requirements. When you seek to exceed expectations, you are motivated to create and innovate. This creates a drive inside you that will cause you to look for new and better solutions. When you’re doing that, you don’t have time to have a poor attitude. You are energized to succeed. Expectations are the minimum requirements for any job. Go above and beyond if you want to advance as a leader.

7 – Never be satisfied

A friend of mine once shared on a podcast that successful people often struggle with never feeling successful because they are always seeking to be, do, or have more. I have found this to be true. In John Maxwell’s book The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth, he teaches on “The Law of the Rubber Band.” In that chapter, he points out that rubber bands are only useful when they are stretched. The same is true for people. If you want to continue to advance as a leader, you need to become comfortable being uncomfortable. When we are growth-oriented, we are never satisfied. Yes, be content with what you have or what you have accomplished, but choose to be dissatisfied to stay where you are if you want to reach your full potential in life. You can always grow to become better. It’s a choice.

As you go about your days and weeks, regularly check your attitude. Remember, someone is always watching and followers respond to how their leaders respond. A good personal attitude in the midst of challenges will result in better attitudes among your team. You may not be able to control everything in your life or work, but you can control your attitude.

Until next time…make it a GREAT day! (see, there’s another way to improve your attitude)

By the way, if you want to take your personal life or leadership to the next level, click HERE to learn more about my personal and executive coaching services. 

***This article is inspired by chapter 5 of John C. Maxwell’s book
“Developing the Leader Within You 2.0” – “The Quickest Way to Gain Leadership:
Problem Solving.”***

Very few people look forward to experiencing problems, but leaders are revealed in the midst of them. Think about it. When a crisis hits an organization or community, leaders rise up to take action and help their colleagues and community members through it.

Last year, we had a series of tornadoes sweep through our region. In the midst of much devastation for thousands of people, leaders rose to the occasion to help their friends and neighbors. People created task forces. One woman created a Facebook group to start a local movement so those unaffected by the tornadoes could help those who were directly impacted.

Another local example is a lawyer and his wife who started a nonprofit organization to raise funds for classroom safety locks to combat the fears of school violence. In just a few short years they have raised enough money to put special locks on all the elementary and middle school classroom doors. They are now raising funds to finish the project for our high school.

These are just a couple of examples of how problems reveal leaders. It happens in all organizations. When problems arise, look at who rises to the occasion. While no one wants problems to occur, leaders are revealed and forged amidst them.

Albert Einstein once said, “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” Leaders see and seize opportunities when problems arise.

Consider the following 4 essentials for problem-solving leaders by John Maxwell, then assess yourself on how well you match up:

1 – Take responsibility for addressing problems.

Taking responsibility must be a leader’s first priority. You may not have caused the problem, but you are responsible for addressing it. While others are pointing fingers and playing the blame game, leaders are shifting into solution-mode to get beyond the problem so their team and organization can win.

2 – Take responsibility for your attitude and emotions.

No one can control you except you. How you handle your thinking will affect the quality of your leadership.

Consider this statement from the Napoleon Hill Foundation – “In a moment of conflict, a suggestion or compromise can salvage a threatened working relationship. A discouraged employee can be motivated again through a few carefully chosen words. In situations like these, a good manager is looking beyond an immediate situation and acting to preserve a future benefit. But if your voice betrays your own anger, fear, or despair, that emotion, not the wisdom you offer, will be what others remember. Those who rise to the top in any organization are those who have learned to control their emotions. When you have a leadership position, others will watch you closely for the signals you send.”

Work to remain as calm as possible and control your emotions. Your followers will respond according to what they see in you.

3 – Give your best effort to finding solutions.

No leader is perfect, but giving your best effort toward finding solutions will motivate your followers to do the same. Tackle the problem head-on and model excellence in the midst of challenging circumstances.

4 – Don’t solve problems “for” your team. Solve “with” them so they can learn and grow.

Your followers don’t need a superhero. They need a leader who will guide them and include them in the process. If you become a “one-man show” you may solve the immediate problem, but you will not prepare your team for future challenges and success. Make it a priority to rally your team together, get their insights for creative solutions, and ask them to step up to the challenge. This has the power to reap long-term benefits for the team and organization.

While problems aren’t fun, they are to be expected. As a leader, prepare in advance for how you will respond when they come so you will not be reacting in haphazard ways. Determine right now to be a leader who will rise up as problems come and invite your followers to do the same.

Until next time…make today GREAT!

By the way, if you need guidance in your personal life or want to take your leadership to the next level, click HERE to learn more about my personal and executive coaching services. 

***This article is inspired by chapter 4 of John C. Maxwell’s book
“Developing the Leader Within You 2.0” – “The Ultimate Test of Leadership:
Creating Positive Change.”***

I’ve heard it said that the only people who like change are babies. In my experience, there is much truth to that statement. Even when change is positive it disrupts the status quo and makes people feel nervous or unsettled.

To be a leader worth following, you need to learn how to create positive change with the big picture in mind while also helping your followers navigate the emotions of what the change will bring. How can you do this?

Consider the following 8 steps to “plan ahead” that John C. Maxwell has taught and implemented over his 40+ years of leadership experience:

P – Predetermine the change that is needed

Change for change’s sake isn’t very productive nor is it well-received. If there is a problem to solve, what change needs to occur? If things are going well, what can you do to build upon your momentum? Leaders need to be strategic to determine what can or should change. Change can be a response to negative circumstances, but you can also use it wisely to go farther faster.

L – Lay out your steps

Once you have identified the needed changes or the opportunities for growth, develop an action plan that will guide your followers. When the steps are clear, it is easier for people to get on board and follow you on the journey.

A – Adjust your priorities

When you make changes, your priorities must change. You cannot effectively continue on with “business as usual” while also tackling change initiatives. What must you STOP doing so that you can implement your action plan for change? What must you START doing that needs to become a high priority?

N – Notify key people

Communication is a struggle in all organizations to some extent. When you are preparing for change, it is not only wise but critical to inform your key followers who are responsible for leading others. Start with a few to get them on board, then disseminate the message throughout the organization through them.

A – Allow time for acceptance

One mistake leaders can make is to assume that people will instantly adopt change. This rarely happens. Consider that leaders are often discussing and processing change for quite some time before it becomes official for others to hear. Don’t forget that what is old news for you is breaking news to your people. Give them time to process the information, ask questions, and get on board.

H – Head into action

Once you have taken the above steps, it is time to act. Begin taking the steps that you’ve laid out. Begin moving so momentum can kick in. Remember, it’s virtually impossible to steer a parked car, but once it gets rolling you can easily make adjustments.

E – Expect problems

No matter how well you plan and forecast, problems will arise. I once read that former Army General Colin Powell chose to act when he was 60-70% sure that the decision would work? Why would he act with such a low certainty percentage? He understood that you will never be 100% sure of what will work and it’s better to get started. Problems will arise, then you can address them accordingly.

A – Always point to the successes

When your followers are buried in the day-to-day “weeds” it is often difficult to feel or see the successes of the change plan. As a leader, you must communicate the successes consistently. I equate this to parents being unable to see the continual growth of their children because they see them daily. However, those who see them less frequently can see exponential growth. The same is true with your followers. Point out the successes so they don’t become discouraged in the daily mundane routine.

D – Daily review your progress

Leaders are the project managers for change. You must review your progress each day and make adjustments as needed. If something seems to be working very well, do more of that. If something isn’t working, find a new way to accomplish your goal. Leaders must maintain focus during the change process as no one else will.

While change can be difficult for any team or organization, it is one key reason that we need leaders. Work through these 8 “plan ahead” steps and watch how far you can lead your followers and grow your organization.

Until next time…make today GREAT!

By the way, if you need guidance in your personal life or want to take your leadership to the next level, click HERE to learn more about my personal and executive coaching services. 

***This article is inspired by chapter 3 of John C. Maxwell’s book
“Developing the Leader Within You 2.0” – “The Foundation to Leadership: Character”***

Our world has seen a variety of leaders throughout history – many have been good, others have been bad, some have been downright evil. The one thing that separates most of these leaders is character. Leadership tactics and best practices can be applied by almost anyone. However, the person behind the tactics and best practices is what makes a leader good, bad, or evil.

I firmly believe and have shared for years that WHO you are matters more than WHAT you do. WHO you are also affects HOW you do what you do. You cannot fake your character for long. You will eventually be found out for who you truly are.

Andrew Carnegie once said, “As I grow older, I pay less attention to what men say. I just watch what they do.” 

As a leader, you must remember that people are always watching. How you interact with followers, colleagues, friends, and family reveals your character. How you speak to others publicly and privately reveal your character. Whether you build others up or tear them down is a character issue.

Implement the following four actions so you can exhibit strong character that will allow you to become a great leader:

1 – Live Authentically

You can only be you. Don’t try to be someone else. While there is wisdom in imitating leaders as you develop, at some point you must innovate into who YOU are as a leader. Embrace your uniqueness and lead from it.

2 – Manage Yourself Well

Self-leadership is the most difficult kind of leadership. You will always be your toughest “follower.” Don’t give yourself a free pass based on your intentions. Rather, hold yourself accountable to continually grow so you can reach your potential.

3 – Remain Humble

Humility is not about thinking poorly of yourself. Rather, it is about seeing yourself with a proper perspective. Lift others up. Serve others to help them grow and advance. Instead of using your title or position only for personal gain, use it to help others advance in their lives and careers. Allow your ceiling to be the ground floor that others build upon.

4 – Be Courageous

Leadership is often difficult and challenging. Great leaders are courageous despite their fears. Many decisions you will make either have no precedent or you’ve not had a personal experience to inform your next steps. Display courage by pressing on despite your feelings. Do it afraid if you have to.

John. C. Maxwell said this about character – “Having good character does not ensure that you will be successful in life or leadership. But you can be sure that having poor character will eventually derail you personally and professionally.”

To become a great leader on the outside, you must first become great on the inside. Focus on developing your character each day so your followers will have the confidence to follow your lead into the unknown, unpredictable future.

Until next time…make today GREAT!

By the way, if you need guidance in your personal life or want to take your leadership to the next level, click HERE to learn more about my personal and executive coaching services.