The following is a guest post by a long-time friend of mine, Dr. Michael Nichols, who Inc.com listed as one of its' Top-100 speakers in the country.Is leadership really leadership if it's not being passed on to others?
Ralph Nader once said: The function of leadership is to create more leaders, not more followers.
Culture-shaping leaders place the success of others, the team, and the organization above their own well-being. Often at great personal cost. They understand that there’s far more value and fulfillment in sacrifice than in self-preservation. And they consistently choose to serve future leaders in a way that makes them more successful.
And future leaders love them for it!
So if you’re energized by developing new leaders, here are 5 often-neglected factors that will take your leadership viral…
1. START
This might seem a little obvious – you’ve got to start.I can’t tell you how many people have sat across the table – over coffee, breakfast, or lunch – and told me about their new idea. Or their intention to write a life plan or a vision for their work. Or their vision for a new product, service, or organization.
Then, months (or years) later, when I ask how it’s going, there’s an uncomfortable pause followed by – I never was able to get it going.
There’s always a reason to not start. And there are many more reasons to walk away. And every one of those reasons will guarantee your failure. They’ll sentence you to a life of mediocrity.
At some point – if you are going to lead – you’ll have to chuck every stinking excuse out the window and do something. Take one small step. Make one simple decision. Do something! Just start.
So what is it that is keeping you from making progress? Why haven’t you started?
One of the most encouraging books I’ve read this year is "Start", by Jon Acuff. Every leader in the world should read it.
Coach Bechler Note: Get 'started' today by clicking on this link to watch a quick free video from Michael Nichols that will be sure to add value to your life.
