3 Leadership Skills I Learned From The Thief Who Stole My iPhone

YEP. It happened to me.

The other day I was hanging out with my kids at a science museum. We had a blast watching a train movie—Rocky Mountain Express. The theater was dark and my daughter was a little squirrely. My iPhone must have fallen out on the floor.

When the movie was over we grabbed our coats and headed for the exits. About 5 minutes later I checked my pockets—NOTHING. I quickly realized the iPhone must be back in the theater on the floor. A few kind ushers helped me look for 10 minutes. We probably looked funny armed with our flashlights. But after searching extensively, still—NOTHING.

Of course I went through the suggested protocol. I gave them my name, the description of the iPhone, and the required paperwork. As can be expected I didn’t hear anything back.

I moved on, used my overdue upgrade, and updated the new iPhone with all my settings and contacts. (I also took inventory of my attitude. There’s nothing good that comes from bitterness.)

Then to my surprise, the thief contacted me a few days later.

You might be thinking, “How did I know it was the thief?”

Call it a hunch. The fact he blocked his number when he called me might have tipped me off. Regardless, I was impressed with his skills. I’ll share those details in a moment.

But upon further reflection—and in an attempt to “redeem” the situation—I walked away with 3 takeaways. One of my mentors John Maxwell taught me this skill. He constantly models how to maintain a positive attitude regardless of negative circumstances.

So without further ado…

The 3 leadership skills I learned from the thief who stole my iPhone last week. (And in case you’re wondering—NO, my dream job isn’t stealing iPhones.)

1. The Thief Made Quick Decisions

Many people WAIT and then they WAIT some more—even when what they want is right in front of them. Staring them in the face.

John Maxwell tells us that successful people make quicker decisions and rarely go back on them. Unsuccessful people delay in making decisions and often go back on them.

2. The Thief Followed Up and Didn’t Give Up

Once the iPhone went missing I hopped on my laptop and quickly tried to locate it. Because the thief was smart I could’t see it. However, I was able to erase the iPhone and make it completely useless to anyone who found it. (Thank you “Find My iPhone App”—and it’s even free.) I posted a message on the phone to call me if someone found it.

The “obsolete” iPhone didn’t stop the thief. He followed up kindly with a phone call, asking me to unlock it for him.

3. The Thief Made a Powerful Case By Telling an Amazing Story

In his own words—supposedly—he was just the middle man. (Why the need to block the number? Hmm….). Evidently, his poor friend bought the iPhone for her daughter. It was her birthday and although they didn’t have any money it was all she ever wanted. (Activation fees? Again, hmmm….). I thought the story was quite amazing.

The thief continued to text me and plead that I unlock it. Then when I didn’t return the texts, the tone changed to “mean.” One friendly text back by me about the Columbus Police Department made communication cease instantly.

Because I maintained a positive attitude (Thanks John) I learned 3 great leadership lessons from my iPhone thief:

>>>Make quicker decisions.

>>>Follow up and don’t give up.

>>>Make a powerful case by telling an amazing story.

 
 What’s one other essential skill for leaders?

About the Author

Kary Oberbrunner left his day job to pursue his dream job—Igniting Souls.

Through his writing, speaking, and coaching, he helps individuals and organizations clarify who they are, why they are here, and where they should invest their time and energy.

The author of several books, Kary also serves as a founding partner on the John Maxwell Team.

Contact Kary at:  http://www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/karyoberbrunner/