By: Gina Angeli, Bay Tek Games
“Never lose sight of the fact that the most important yardstick of your success will be how you treat other people.”
– Barbara Bush
Leadership is a goal that millions of people pursue at some point in their lives. They do this for a myriad of reasons: some believe that “it’s the logical next step” for them on their career path; some want to “make a difference”; some do not necessarily see it as a journey but instead a destination. Great leadership is a quest that can be described as nothing short a “calling.” Yet, what exactly is great leadership and how does one “get there”? If you were to Google “how to become a leader” right now, you would get “About 242,000,000 results.”
John Maxwell, best-selling author and one of the world’s most influential leadership experts, describes leadership as first and foremost “adding value” to people’s lives. While this may be a bit nebulous for some, it starts with a foundational belief that I, as the leader, must “go first.” While it is true that in any relationship, each person owns an equal share, 50-50; as a leader, you must be willing to own at least 51% to even have the opportunity to serve.
Mr. Maxwell states that “before a leader can lead anyone, s/he has to find them. In other words, it is your responsibility, as a leader, to go first in establishing the relationship necessary to have true leadership and followership. Those that you have the opportunity to serve are constantly assessing three things. First, they will ask “do you like me?” then “can you help me?” and finally “can I trust you?” When all three of these questions can be answered ‘yes’ by those you wish to lead, you have begun to establish a foundation for the relationship necessary to truly influence and impact.
To learn more about John C. Maxwell go to: www.johnmaxwell.com
To learn more about the Global Leadership Summit go to https://www.willowcreek.com/events/leadership/