What does it take to REALLY lead? Part 2 – E for Example
Welcome to my mini-series – What does it take to really lead?
You may recall I made an acrostic from the word lead. The first:
L is for Learning.
Today is my second – E is for EXAMPLE
In Today Matters, John Maxwell highlights the importance of making decisions early and then managing them on a daily position. This is very important to a leader. Your life is an example whether you like it or not – you are on show!
Making wise and early decisions for your life is a great thing to do. It is never too late to start. Don’t allow an excuse to stop you in your growth. The importance of a coach/team/inner circle cannot be under estimated. Once you have focused on certain areas of your life in which you want to grow, you need to manage them on a daily basis. This is where accountability can come in. Have challengers and cheerleaders around you, those who will help you fuel the fire. You don’t want fire fighters for this!
As a leader, being an example is so important. I have often observed when someone comes into leadership for the first time, it brings new meaning to their life. They notice that people are looking at them differently and their life becomes ‘on show’ – a bit like a fish in a goldfish bowl.
When a young person becomes a youth leader, for example, they realize that their peers and those they lead are now looking towards them for direction – if it’s ok for the leader to do, then it is ok for me!
In leading a business or a team, you have great responsibility and authority. The question becomes how you will use this position that you now have.
Authority and leadership are a powerful combination, for good and bad!
Abraham Lincoln commented, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”
As a leader your life is on show. What you say and what you do have huge implications.
We live in a world where many are looking for good leaders, those who can be an example to them. Leaders are not perfect at all but they can emulate a desire to become a better example day by day. Steven Covey puts it so well – “In the last analysis, what we are communicates far more eloquently than anything we say or do.”
I am sure we all have areas where we are a great example, but if we are honest we also have areas where we are not! It can be helpful to take time out to evaluate yourself. It can also be very helpful to have an evaluation from someone else – dare to ask someone how they think you are doing in being an example for others to follow.
The greatest leader of all time – Jesus Christ – said, “Follow me.” Since then people throughout the world have taken up those two powerful words – ‘follow me.’ His life was a great example. He was an amazing model. We, too, can follow the example of His life. In turn, as a leader, we can call people to follow us as we are an example to them.
As you build your team in church, business or wherever you are, being an example of leadership will produce fruit. It will enable you to grow teams, build your company and your profitability.
Being a good example is something you can’t afford to shy away from.
About the Author
Tony Lynch is a featured writer for the John Maxwell Team Blog.
Tony also excels at delivering vision and strategy to his clients for success.
With an abundance of experience he is building a community of those who desire winning mindsets to think big, to overcome self limiting beliefs, but especially to become all that God created them to be.
Tony can be contacted at : http://www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/tonylynch/