Leadership

“Are you primarily a strategist or an action-taker? Are you more of a thinker or a doer?”

I was asked this question several years ago when considering a new job opportunity. It was one of those questions that I knew I needed to explore more to read between the lines. As I did, I realized that the person asking me this was surrounded by thinkers who didn’t take many actions. This was causing stagnation and frustration.

I immediately knew the answer for myself. I’m definitely an action-taker, but over the years I’ve realized that without an intelligent strategy, I can become busy with taking action that doesn’t lead to the results I desire.

The reality is that both are needed in leadership. Another reality is that most (if not all) leaders have a bias towards one or the other and must intentionally address their weaker tendency by placing others around them who can help fill their gaps.

So, I’ll ask you the same question I was asked – Are you primarily a strategist or an action-taker? Are you more of a thinker or a doer?

Answering this question is extremely important for your future success as a leader. When you have greater self-awareness, you can intentionally surround yourself with the right balance of strategists and action-takers to advance your mission to achieve your vision. Don’t beat yourself up for what you’re not. You were uniquely created by God to be who you are. Your team needs you to be you!

Don’t try to be both and dilute your strength. Rarely is anyone successful without a strong team around them. Even those who receive the notoriety have a strong supporting cast who complement them and fill their gaps.

If you’re a strategist, evaluate if you have enough action-takers around you. 

If you’re an action-taker, evaluate if you have enough strategists around you. 

Then, work together to put strategic plans into effective action. This is how you’ll improve, advance, and multiply your impact.

Also, accept each person for what they bring to the team. Don’t belittle others for not being what you are. Instead, celebrate and welcome their contributions. Collaborate together for the sake of your mission or cause. Visionaries can become frustrated with action-takers because they don’t see the bigger picture. But it’s equally easy for action-takers to become frustrated with visionaries for not taking enough action or to cast too many visions that the team can’t implement all at once.

This leadership dynamic requires intentionally exercising patience and extending grace toward one another. When you learn to navigate this well as a team, you’ll have better harmony and you’ll accomplish more in a shorter amount of time.

Take time today to analyze yourself and your team. Once you have a better understanding of what you have to work with on your team, you can proceed with more focus and success.

Until next time, make today GREAT!

P.S. Are you a business owner or executive who is looking to attract quality team members and keep them engaged in your organization’s vision and mission? Check out the Magnetic Leadership Community where you’ll receive weekly leadership lessons, participate in monthly Q&A calls, hear from dynamic leaders in monthly interviews, and engage in a private forum with other growing leaders like yourself. You can even choose a monthly 1:1 coaching call. CLICK HERE to learn more and join the community!

Leadership can make us so busy that we overlook the resources available to us to accomplish the vital tasks at hand.

I was reminded of this recently as I was considering how to complete some projects. I was focused on what I needed to accomplish, yet was unsure of how to make it happen. In my quiet time of prayer and reflection, I was reminded that I already had the resources available that I needed.

Perhaps you’ve been there as well. Maybe you’ve felt like you didn’t have the knowledge or tools necessary for the job. My encouragement is to look up and around your environment. Many times we have books, software, and people who can help us be successful. Consider the following questions to get your mind going in times like these:

Who has the knowledge you need?

What tools or technology are at your disposal?

What books or training notes do you have?

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers or resources on your own. Rather, it is about knowing where to find them and to use them well. You don’t need to be an expert on everything. You simply need to be able to gather experts to help you problem-solve or brainstorm ideas for moving forward. Napoleon Hill explains this in Think & Grow Rich as the power of the “Master Mind” – when two or more people come together to think through challenges and opportunities, a collective “mind” appears that is better than anyone’s individual thinking can be alone. In essence, your ideas + my ideas = exceptional ideas.

Make a list of the resources you have available to you and begin utilizing them wisely.

You are well-resourced, even when you don’t feel like you are. Simply look up and around to find what you need to help you lead well and accomplish your goals.

Until next time, make today GREAT!

P.S. Are you a business owner or executive who is looking to attract quality team members and keep them engaged in your organization’s vision and mission? Check out the Magnetic Leadership Community where you’ll receive weekly leadership lessons, participate in monthly Q&A calls, hear from dynamic leaders in monthly interviews, and engage in a private forum with other growing leaders like yourself. You can even choose a monthly 1:1 coaching call. CLICK HERE to learn more and join the community!

Have you ever studied something new and found yourself having a headache?

Have you ever done a new activity and found yourself feeling more tired than normal?

If you have, there’s nothing wrong with you. The reality is that learning or doing anything new requires more focus and energy than we’re used to expending. I’m not speaking as a neuroscientist, but rather as someone who has recently experienced this phenomenon.

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been reading some new books to increase my business knowledge. I’ve had these books in my Kindle library for quite some time, but haven’t decided to read them until recently. As I dug in, my brain started hurting! It wasn’t because I had a headache from allergies or the weather. It was simply because I was mentally digesting new ideas that I haven’t studied before.

And what’s worse, I felt this mental “pain” while sitting poolside relaxing with my family!

I had no reason to be stressed or strained. So, I began analyzing why I felt the way I did. I realized it was because I was being mentally challenged in ways that I haven’t experienced for quite some time. Much of what I normally read is aligned with what I already know, so it’s like adding small building blocks on top of one another. However, when we study something foreign to us, it’s like adding boulders to our minds. It can feel overwhelming!

I tell you this personal story to simply help you understand that when you feel the mental tension while learning something new, it’s normal. In fact, it’s a great sign that new growth is happening in your life!

John Maxwell teaches the “Law of the Rubber Band” in The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth. In this chapter, he shares that “growth stops when you lose the tension between where you are and where you could be.” Think about a rubber band for a moment. It’s only good when it’s being stretched. Without the stretch, it’s a flimsy rubber ring that doesn’t have much value. But when it’s stretched, it can hold many things together.

That’s the way our minds are too.

When we are being stretched, we become more valuable. When we aren’t being stretched, we begin to experience mental atrophy. This is why scientists have created “brain games” for older adults to keep them thinking new thoughts as they age as life often becomes dull and routine.

So, are you being stretched lately?

What area(s) do you need to grow in?

What books do you need to read?

What mentors do you need to seek out?

What new activities do you need to try?

Make a list of key areas you need or want to grow in and then take action. Be prepared to feel the mental stretching, but accept it. Just like starting a new workout routine causes sore muscles, learning something new will cause you to feel some mental soreness. Embrace it. Press through it. And watch how much you grow and how valuable you can become!

Until next time, make today GREAT!

P.S. Are you a business owner or executive who is looking to attract quality team members and keep them engaged in your organization’s vision and mission? Check out the Magnetic Leadership Community where you’ll receive weekly leadership lessons, participate in monthly Q&A calls, hear from dynamic leaders in monthly interviews, and engage in a private forum with other growing leaders like yourself. You can even choose a monthly 1:1 coaching call. CLICK HERE to learn more and join the community!

Many people aspire to achieve greatness, but too many try to accomplish it on their own.

Consider the following legendary duos that have achieved greatness in their respective fields:

• Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen – Chicago Bulls 6-time NBA Champions
• Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak – Apple Co-Founders
• Bill Gates and Paul Allen  – Microsoft Co-Founders
• Larry Page and Sergey Brin – Google Co-Founders
• Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant – Los Angeles Lakers 3-time NBA Champions
• Simon and Garfunkel – Folk-Rock Duo
• Bono and the Edge – Legendary Band U2
• Tiger Woods and Steve Williams – Legendary PGA Golfer/Caddie Combination

The list could go on and on. And all of these “dynamic duos” that made the headlines had many more talented people surrounding them to support their work.

If you want to be GREAT at anything, you can’t do it alone. At some point, you will need the help of others to achieve your goals and dreams.

Strive for personal excellence while realizing that you only have so much talent in and of yourself. You need others around you with complementary gifts and abilities to go farther faster in any pursuit.

Do you have a solo act or partner mindset?

How you think makes all the difference in how high you can climb to reach your goals and dreams.

If you have a solo act mindset, I encourage you to look around and see who supports, encourages, and challenges you. While they may not be your legal or official partners, they are helping you achieve success.

If you have a partner mindset, evaluate what makes each person so valuable in your pursuit of greatness. Then share with them what you notice and thank them for their contribution.

Leaders need others to reach the highest levels of success. Beware thinking you’ve arrived anywhere significant on your own. You haven’t. There’s always at least one person helping you in some way, shape, or form.

Keep this in mind and invite others into the journey with you so you can continue to advance personally and professionally. You can reach your potential. You can achieve greatness. But you’ll need the help of others along the way.

Until next time, make today GREAT!

P.S. If you’d like some help with navigating personal or professional challenges and opportunities, click HERE to learn about my coaching services.

After more than 20 years of experience and observation in leadership, I’ve noticed that leaders rarely slow down to take care of themselves.

Sometimes it’s because you feel there’s not enough time in the day to get everything done.

Other times it’s the fear of being perceived as lazy.

Many times it’s because you want to set a good example of hard work ethic for your followers so you don’t give yourself the chance to rest and relax.

Whatever the reason, it’s time to stop this unhelpful (and even dangerous) behavior.

Why?

Because you can’t give to others if you’re running on empty. 

My publisher and business coach Kary Oberbrunner has a mantra that challenges me daily – “Show Up Filled Up.” 

The reality is that you can’t show up filled up if you don’t stop to rest and get a refill!

Maybe you simply need to refill your energy tank.

Maybe you need to refill your intellectual tank.

Maybe you need to refill your relational tank.

Maybe it’s your spiritual tank.

Whatever tank is running on empty, you have to stop and take care of yourself. If you don’t, burnout, health concerns, relationship problems, and more are lurking right around the corner.

I have to admit that I’ve been one of the worst offenders of this, so I’m speaking from experience and to myself as much as anyone else.

Do you know who is the least likely to use all of their paid time off? LEADERS!

Most followers are quick to use up their vacation or sick days. Leaders rarely do.

Do you know who is the least likely to leave the office for a half-day just to get away from it all? LEADERS!

Leadership is hard. Yes, there are many perks and joys that we experience as leaders, but there are also many lows and challenges that drain us. This is why we must take care of ourselves.

If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of your people.

If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t be a model of self-care to others.

If you don’t take care of yourself, you’ll be no good to your friends and family members who you say you value most.

This is not me condemning you, but rather a plea for you to lead yourself better in the area of self-care.

You are too valuable to those who love and follow you.

Life is short.

The work will never end.

Be willing to lay it down and refill your tank with rest and recreation.

One of the most freeing things I read a while ago was that Winston Churchill took full-on naps in the middle of the day during World War II. If a global leader saw the need for self-care in the middle of a war, shouldn’t we do the same amidst our daily grind?

Over the past couple of years, I’ve learned to listen to my body more. I’ve developed the discipline of waking up early to get a jump on the day, but that also means my energy begins to run low mid-afternoon many days. Instead of pressing harder, I listen to my body and either take a 20-30 minute nap or simply step away from my work to clear my head, breathe, and get a change of scenery.

Whatever works for you and your environment, do it.

Leader, please take care of yourself. Your people need you to be at your best and you can’t be that if you continue to press the accelerator constantly.

Evaluate your daily schedule. 

Are you giving yourself margin to rest and recharge?

Are you taking your paid time off strategically throughout the year?

Whatever adjustments you need to make, please do it for your own sake and for the sake of those you love and lead.

Until next time…make today GREAT!

***This article is inspired by chapter 12 of “Leadershift” by John C. Maxwell – “Career To Calling”***

“Some wake up to an alarm. Some wake up to a calling.” – Author Unknown

This is such a powerful statement amidst a workforce where only 30% of employees are considered “engaged”. The other 70% are either considered “disengaged” (apathetic and just going through the motions) or “actively disengaged”( willing to sabotage their organizations). You can read the latest Gallup poll article for more details on these statistics.

One of the key reasons for this disturbing trend is because very few people have discovered or embraced their life calling. According to John Maxwell, there are three general categories that people fit into:

1. You do a job.
2. You build a career.
3. You fulfill your calling.

Maxwell goes on to state that callings consist of the following characteristics:

• Mainly about others
• Something chosen for you
• Integrated into your entire life
• Never leaves you
• Something you must do
• Measured by significance

Conversely, careers consist of these characteristics:

• Mainly about you
• Something you choose
• Separated from your best life
• You can take it or leave it
• Something you can do
• Measured by success

One thing that I’ve discovered to be true for myself and for those who are passionately living out their callings is this – your life will never be the same once you know what you’re called to do and are working to fulfill it every day.

L.P. Jacks wrote the following about becoming a “master in the art of living.” Evaluate if this describes your experience and the experience of your followers:

“A master in the art of living draws no sharp distinction between his work and his play; his labor and his leisure; his mind and his body; his education and his recreation. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence through whatever he is doing, and leaves others to determine whether he is working or playing. To himself, he always appears to be doing both.”
– Education Through Recreation (1932), p. 1

When you live out your calling versus simply do a job or build a career, things change. Your life gets better. You become more joyful and pleasant to be around. Your engagement level rises drastically. Many times, a calling can be lived out right where you are in your job or career. It may just require a mindset shift.

Consider John Maxwell’s 8 characteristics of a calling in his book LeaderShift:

1 – Your Calling Matches Who You Are

Your calling is connected to your identity. As a person of faith, I believe that each human being is created in the image of God (see Genesis 1:26) and is created with a unique life purpose. When you work outside of your purpose, you may achieve some level of success, but you will often find yourself asking, “Isn’t there more to life than this?” This discontentment is a warning sign that you were created to do something different. When you work within the parameters of your unique identity, you find yourself excited and motivated.

2 – Your Calling Taps Into Your Passion

What are you passionate about? Does your current job or career tap into that passion? If not, do you see a way to join the two? The reality is that even in your dream job you will not be passionate every little detail. However, if you simply hate your job and dread going into work each day, something is seriously wrong and needs to be addressed. Evaluate if you can connect your passion to your current reality.

3 – Your Calling Is Important To You, But It’s Not About You

This is of utmost importance. While your calling gives you excitement and passion, it’s ultimately about serving others using your unique abilities. Most people begin their adult lives seeking personal goals and success. Those who live out their callings find this in how they benefit others. This ultimately leads to living a life of significant contribution rather than simply chasing temporary success that quickly fades. When you live out your calling for the sake of helping others, they benefit AND you begin to experience L.P. Jacks’ definition of being a master in the art of living.

4 – Your Calling Is Bigger Than You

When you begin to live out your calling, you are often thrown outside of your comfort zone. This occurs because your calling requires you to grow into a better version of yourself to fulfill it. Your calling may intimidate you. It may even seem impossible to fulfill when you first discover it. Yet, you know in your heart that it’s something you MUST pursue and you become willing to stretch yourself to complete it. You commit to keep moving forward even when the odds feel stacked against you. It’s like looking up at the peak of Mount Everest before beginning the climb and knowing in your heart you must tackle the mountain.

5 – Your Calling Changes Your Perspective

Having a calling makes you see the world differently. Where you once saw only obligations and responsibilities, you will begin to see options and opportunities. You shift from focusing on the tasks you are required to do and begin to see things that you want to do. A calling lifts your heart and expands your options. It can even make the mundane feel meaningful because these tasks are leading to a greater goal that you’re excited about.

6 – Your Calling Gives You Purpose

Author and marketing genius Seth Godin once said, “Instead of wondering what your next vacation is, maybe you should set up a life you don’t need to escape from.” Ouch! That may sound harsh at first, but it is the experience of the 70% of disengaged people in the workplace. Too many people settle for a job or career that they can’t wait to retire from. People who live out their callings operate daily with a sense of enthusiasm that comes from living out their life purpose. As mentioned previously, it’s possible to live out your purpose in many jobs or careers. It’s often not about the tasks you do at all, but rather the way in which you show up each day. Some of the happiest, most fulfilled people on earth are doing jobs others don’t want but they do them with a positive attitude that others never have. They can do this because they live with a greater life purpose.

7 – Your Calling Helps You To Overcome Obstacles

Obstacles are inevitable. When pursuing your calling, they seem to multiply. Once again, as a person of faith, I believe that not only is there a loving God who created you, but there is also an enemy (the devil) who opposes you. He wants to steal your peace, kill your dreams, and destroy your life. This includes attacking your calling. When you become aligned with God’s design for your life, you will face opposition. However, when you decide to passionately pursue your calling, you will be motivated to press on amidst and despite the obstacles. You will keep your greater purpose in mind and realize that the obstacles are simply “weights” that you’ll lift to make you stronger as you push through them. This helps you become a better version of yourself. This allows you to be better for those you love and lead.

8 – Your Calling Brings Fulfillment

Wealth, fame, achievement, and recognition all fall short when compared to the fulfillment you experience when living out your calling. The other things are nice to have, but your calling leads to true significance in your life. When you are engaged in your calling, you will begin to think “I was born for this!” Living out your calling doesn’t guarantee life will be easy, but it does lead to a life you’ll love. It will lead to you being a master in the art of living where you’ll struggle to know if you’re working or playing. It will feel like you’re doing both.

As we wrap up this series inspired by John Maxwell’s LeaderShift book, I hope you’ll seriously consider this final article. Life is too short to work in a job or career that you dread. It’s also very difficult to lead people who are simply going through the motions to receive a paycheck.

As a leader, one key opportunity you have is to make sure that your followers are aligned with their own callings. If they aren’t, can you move them to another role in your organization? If not, consider how you can help them transition well to other opportunities. While you may have to endure the short-term pain of filling vacancies in your team, you’ll be doing your followers and yourself a favor long-term. When you foster a calling-centered environment, productivity and job satisfaction will increase significantly. Be willing to do the hard upfront work so you and your followers can experience the long-term benefits.

Until next time…make today GREAT!

***This article is inspired by chapter 11 of “Leadershift” by John C. Maxwell – “Trained Leaders to Transformational Leaders” ***

“If your actions inspire people to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, then you are a transformational leader.” – John C. Maxwell

While trained leaders are critical in all organizations, our world desperately needs transformational leaders who make a difference that spreads far and wide. We live in an era where a leader’s actions can have a long-lasting and far-reaching impact through the power of the internet. We’re no longer restricted by physical location. We can help people across the world at any given time. We can lead people even when we’re never in the same room together. This is truly an amazing time to be alive!

However, just because we’re connected doesn’t mean we automatically make an impact that triggers a transformational movement. This requires intentional action.

Consider the following five actions that John Maxwell has identified as he’s studied transformational movements over many years.

1 – Possess A Clear Picture Of What Transformational Leaders Do

Vision precedes any significant movement or outcome. If you don’t first see it in your mind, you’ll not be able to physically make it happen. When transformational leaders believe that their cause can make a difference, then they bring conviction to their leadership. They also believe in others. Consider how President John F. Kennedy believed our U.S. scientists and engineers could put a man on the moon many years before it ever happened. His vision triggered actions that ultimately made the vision a reality. Determine the vision you want to see in your organization and then take the necessary actions to make it a reality.

2 – Focus On Your Own Transformation Before Leading Others To It

If you want to help others become transformational leaders, you must first become one. You can’t give what you don’t have. Self-leadership is the first step of transformational leadership. Commit to personal growth. Evaluate the lessons you learn along the way in your journey. Study the cause and effect of your decisions and actions. John Maxwell wisely states, “We teach what we know, but we reproduce who we are.” If you’re not already in the process, begin today investing in yourself so you have plenty to give to your followers. Read books, listen to podcasts, attend seminars, hire a coach, etc. Transformational leadership occurs as an overflow of who you are becoming.

3 – Take Positive Action Based On Your Internal Changes

For real change to occur, we must go from knowing to doing. Knowledge has a limited impact without actions that follow it. When you choose to invest in yourself and you grow, it’s time to take action to help others do the same. Maxwell goes on to say, “Transformation is the result of application, not education…To lead transformationally, you must first live transformed. That takes courage, the courage to let go of the familiar and set off on a better way.” As you learn new principles, make a list of connected practices. Then begin to implement them immediately.

4 – Create An Environment That Promotes Positive Change

Just like seeds need to be planted in good soil in order for plants to grow strong and healthy, so do transformational leaders. Leadership is challenging. The quality of the environment significantly impacts the development of leaders. If you want a team of leaders who truly make a difference in your organization you must foster their growth in a healthy growth-oriented setting. Take a look at the state of your organization. Is it a healthy, growth-oriented environment? If not, what can you do to change it? If it is, what can you do to enhance it? This is a key function of your leadership.

5 – Commit To Making A Difference With Others In Your Community

John Maxwell states that there are three patterns within transformational movements:

1. Top-Down – Leadership influence filters down, not up.
2. Small to Big – Mass movements begin with a few people.
3. Inside Out – Inner values determine outward behavior.

With these three patterns in mind, realize that change starts with you, but it doesn’t end with you. It must be passed along. Also, don’t worry about leading many people until you can lead a few. We must grow into a greater leadership capacity. Too much too soon can crush us. And finally, do the deep inner work to become the leader required for true change in your organization and beyond. Think of the ripple effect when a stone is thrown into the water. The center ring is your personal growth. The next ring is the growth of those closest to you. The following rings are those farther away from you inside and outside your organization. Commit to becoming a leader who has a far and wide reach.

Implement these five key actions so you can begin or extend a powerful transformational movement.

You can do this with dedicated time and attention.

I believe in you!

Until next time…make today GREAT!

***This article is inspired by chapter 10 of “Leadershift” by John C. Maxwell – “Positional Authority to Moral Authority” ***

Many leaders seek power, fame, wealth, and prestige while overlooking the invaluable quality of having moral authority. Moral authority is a term we hear but may not be clear about what it actually is. Harvard Business School professor Kevin Sharer explains it this way in his article “How Moral Authority Manifests in Truly Impactful Leaders” (https://harbus.org/2017/moral-authority/):

“Moral authority is the recognition of a person’s leadership influence based on who they are more than the position they hold. It is attained by authentic living that has built trust and it is sustained by successful leadership endeavors. It is earned by a lifetime of consistency. Leaders can strive to earn moral authority by the way they live, but only others can grant them moral authority.”

Professor Sharer refers to Mother Teresa and Nelson Mandela as having moral authority while not truly realizing it. That’s often the way it happens. People who seek it seldom find it while others who simply lead with consistent integrity throughout their lives are given it without even asking for it.

Moral authority matters if you truly want to achieve greatness and make an impact in the world. While others may grant it to you by following you as a leader, you can take a few key actions that will help you advance down the path toward achieving it.

Consider the following 4 steps for gaining moral authority discussed by John C. Maxwell in his book LeaderShift:

1 – Competence – The Ability To Lead Well

You can be the nicest, most well-liked person in the world, but if you don’t produce results as a leader, you may many friends but few followers. While everyone is a leader to someone, it takes competence to become a leader to many. Focus on becoming successful in your career field using your unique skills. Commit to growing as a leader who is worth following. When you focus on these things, your competence level increases and so can your moral authority.

2 – Courage – Moving Forward In The Face Of Fear

Many people want to be labeled courageous, but often forget that courage is revealed in difficulties. I once heard John Maxwell say at a conference, “Everyone wants to see big miracles, but big miracles only happen when there are big problems!” While many of us want to be courageous, we don’t want to go through the difficulties and challenges that reveal courage. Firefighters are courageous because they run into burning buildings while others run out. Police officers are courageous because they run to the scene of a crime while others scatter to hide and seek safety. Entrepreneurs are courageous because they take risks to go out on their own while others seek safety and security. Courage requires forward movement despite feeling fear. This is why courage is a key step for gaining moral authority.

3 – Consistency – Doing Well All The Time, Not Just Sometimes

As a youth sports coach and father of athletes, I’ve observed that anyone can have one good tryout or a great game. However, long-term success comes with commitment and consistency. Showing up day in and day out regardless of your feelings is required to become a consistent leader who others want to follow. Perfection isn’t required, but predictable attitude and effort are. People won’t follow leaders for long who give them whiplash from inconsistency. And being consistently inconsistent doesn’t count toward gaining moral authority! Can people depend on you to act the same each day regardless of the circumstances? Or do you allow your emotions to get the best of you? Leaders with moral authority advance despite how they feel. They let their feelings be impacted by their actions, not vice versa. This is a key separator of leaders who have moral authority.

4 – Character – Being Bigger On The Inside Than The Outside

Gaining moral authority is first an inside job. Having a strong character is critical for making a long-term impact. Many leaders have failed in this one key area and have done much damage to their organizations, families, and followers. When you compromise your character, you disqualify yourself from having moral authority. It can be regained, but not without a lifetime of struggle to prove yourself worthy again. It’s often said that trust takes a lifetime to earn and a moment to lose. This is why very few leaders reach the end of their lives and receive the recognition of having moral authority. This is why those who have been granted moral authority stand out so prominently in our history books and world. You can have certain levels of success without moral authority, but you can’t leave a transformational legacy without great character. Focus on becoming bigger and better on the inside and let it overflow to the outside.

Pursuing moral authority is a noble goal. Focus on taking these four key steps so when it’s all said and done people can grant you this sought-after label. You must earn it day by day, week by week, month after month, and year after year. Focus on growing in these four areas and let the results be revealed farther down the path.

Until next time…make today GREAT!

***This article is inspired by chapter 9 of “Leadershift” by John C. Maxwell – “Team Uniformity to Team Diversity” ***

Diversity is interpreted in a variety of ways in our world today. It comes in the forms of race, age, genre, talent, skills, interests, and more. When leaders embrace the diverse makeup and contributions of their team members, everyone wins. Our differences can make a positive impact when we embrace them rather than resist.

One definition of “team” was found in a Harvard Business Review article many years ago – “A team is a small number of people with complementary skills who are committed to a common purpose, set of performance goals, and approach for which they hold themselves mutually accountable.” (The Discipline of Teams by Katzenbach and Smith, March-April 1993 edition)

Leadership is about bringing the best people to the table to solve problems and capitalize on opportunities.

Consider John C. Maxwell’s 3 advantages of team diversity and evaluate how your team and organization measures up.

1 – Diverse Teams Fill In The Knowledge Gap

As a leader, it’s important to know what you don’t know. The reality is that no one knows everything, nor should we try. The more we try to absorb, the more diluted the specialized knowledge that makes us successful becomes. Business coach Dan Sullivan teaches the principle of “who, not how,” which is about finding people with the knowledge you need rather than wasting time trying to learn something yourself. This is especially important when you are in a time crunch. Unless you have months or years to learn something new, your best option is to find someone who has the knowledge you need for the project or initiative you’re working on. Building a team with diverse knowledge will help go farther faster.

2 – Diverse Teams Fill In The Perspective Gap

Pick an object on your desk. Then walk around and see if it looks the same wherever you go. The likelihood of it looking the same from all angles is minimal. That’s how it is with situations, challenges, and opportunities. Think of how witnesses see a car crash or a crime being committed. Each person can testify to what they saw, but no one sees the entirety of the situation. When you build a team to accomplish a goal, it is critical to have a variety of perspectives to contribute toward it. You will see things one way, but your team members will see other challenges or opportunities. This is highly valuable to have a variety of perspectives. This is also why coaches and counselors are so valuable in our professional development. Having an objective thinking partner helps you see your situation and the world in a whole new light. This allows you to take action in fresh ways that you might have overlooked. Ask your team to share how they see things. Listen, don’t judge. Gather the information and evaluate how to proceed with their valuable feedback.

3 – Diverse Teams Fill In The Experience Gap

We are living in a time where multiple generations are working together in most organizations. Many leaders are not taking advantage of this opportunity, but rather bemoaning how the generations don’t get along. Experience mostly comes through time, but it can also come from focused learning. Therefore, older generations have much to contribute based on years in the industry or in the organization while younger generations have grown up in a digital world where technology is their native language. Both are valuable. Both can learn from one another. But it takes humility on both ends of the spectrum and it requires valuing each other’s training and experiences. There’s no better time to encourage mutual mentoring. Older team members can mentor younger ones based on what they’ve seen throughout their years on the job. Younger team members can mentor older ones based on their expansive knowledge base to work smarter and faster with technology, social media, etc. Encourage your team members to embrace learning from one another. This can simultaneously strengthen the team and build relationships among peers.

Diverse teams are required to win in today’s world. If you recruit a team full of people who think and act the same, you will have limited success. Most teams already are diverse, but many leaders haven’t tapped into diversity as a strength or benefit.

I encourage you to evaluate your team members. What does each one bring to the table in skills, experiences, knowledge, and expertise? If you will keep this in mind, you can utilize each person most effectively on various projects and initiatives you are leading. Give them opportunities to lead based on the greatest need they can fulfill. This gives them practice leading and shows the value for their diverse contribution.

Leadership is about getting things done with and through other people. If you will commit to building a diverse team and utilizing each person’s unique contribution, your team can experience more success in a shorter period of time.

Until next time…make today GREAT!

***This article is inspired by chapter 8 of “Leadershift” by John C. Maxwell – “Directing to Connecting” ***

In a world dominated by social media and electronic communication, our ability to connect well with others has been severely damaged. We’ve shifted to talking AT people rather than WITH them. Stephen Covey wisely taught in his popular book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People to “seek first to understand, then be understood.” You can’t understand others if you don’t connect with them.

In order to address this leadership challenge, consider John Maxwell’s 7 critical components for connecting well with your followers:

1 – Humility – Let People Know You Need Them

While many leaders have made great strides in this area over the past few decades, it is important to remember that no one becomes successful on their own. Even the best in any industry achieve success by building on the foundation of those who have gone before them and by receiving support from those around them who want them to succeed. Be humble enough to communicate with your followers that you need their support and effort for personal, team, and organizational success. Share the credit when goals are accomplished. Shine the spotlight on those who helped you become successful. Humble leaders who value their people gain tremendous support and loyalty.

2 – Curiosity – Ask People Questions

One of the fastest ways to connect with people is to ask great questions. Be curious about your followers’ interests, families, goals, etc. Ask how you can help them have a better work experience. Ask how you can make their job easier or more fulfilling. Ask how you can be a better leader for them and the team. Ask how their families are doing. Curiosity comes from a place of caring. When you ask questions, be genuine. And when you hear something that you can do to change or help them, take action. This will show them that they have been heard and are valued.

3 – Effort – Go Out of Your Way to Connect With People

Connecting requires effort. It doesn’t happen by default. It happens by design. When you commit to connecting with your followers, you need to make it a calendar issue, as well as, an energy issue. Block time for your followers. Give them time when you are at your best and you can be fully engaged with them. Don’t give them your leftover energy. Give them your best. Show them that you care by allocating your valuable time for them. Put down your computer and phone. Be fully present when you are connecting with them. This shows honor and allows you to truly hear what they are saying so you can lead them well.

4 – Trustworthiness – Be Someone Others Can Count On

Trust is the foundation of leadership. If people can’t trust you, they won’t follow you for long. They may work for you for a season, but they won’t respect you. When trust is absent, so is loyalty and commitment. When trust is broken, it takes exponentially more time and energy to repair than it did to gain it. Being trustworthy means that others can count on you to do what you say and be consistent in who you are. Be diligent to grow in trustworthiness and you will gain loyal followers who want to go far with you on the journey toward success.

5 – Generosity – Give First, Give Continually

Generosity is often viewed from a financial perspective, which is limited. Yes, you can (and should) give rewards such as raises and bonuses. However, giving your time and attention to help your followers become better, navigate challenges, and pursue opportunities are forms of generosity that are often overlooked but extremely valuable. Invest the time to think of unexpected ways to be generous to your followers. Be creative. Talk to other leaders about how they’ve been generous to their people. Use your imagination. Generous leaders are fun to be around and endear themselves to their followers.

6 – Listening – Open the Best Door to Connecting With People

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, social media and electronic communication have altered the way that we communicate. While we have become more efficient, we’ve lost the skill to listen well. Many people desperately desire to be heard. Many times, your followers simply want to have someone to talk to about their challenges and opportunities. You can be intentional with weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual check-ins, but don’t overlook the real-time opportunities to connect with them as well. Utilize component #2 above to ask great questions and then truly listen. When you listen to others, connection happens. This is impactful and beneficial for building great relationships and trust.

7 – Encouragement – Give People Oxygen for Their Soul

The world can be a negative place. Many workplace environments can be negative. It takes effort to cultivate an encouraging environment, but the payoff is huge. When people love to go to work and be a part of a team, it’s often because they feel encouraged. Many people endure negative workplace cultures simply to receive their paycheck. However, if you desire to do something significant with your organization, commit to encouraging your people. Don’t simply catch them doing poorly and reprimand them. Keep your eyes open to catch them doing well and celebrating them. Most people want to do a good job. When people don’t care how they work and simply go through the motions, it’s typically because they don’t believe their work matters. When you encourage your followers and point out their strengths and successes, they become highly motivated to do more and better. Regardless of what role you play in your organization, commit to becoming the CEO, the Chief Encouragement Officer. Encouragers gain a loyal following and achieve great success in all areas of their lives.

Connecting with others isn’t difficult, but it does take effort. It requires intentionality and dedicated time and attention. Leaders have to fight for connection in a world that pulls our attention in many directions. Choose right now to become a connecting leader by implementing these 7 critical components for connecting well with your followers.

Until next time…make today GREAT!