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Leaders have an
affinity and appreciation for the people they lead - they see people as having
worth that isn’t tied to output or production - leaders understand the intrinsic value each
human being has and add value to people based on that understanding
By John Maxwell
Did you know that
we’re in a global leadership crisis?
That thought has
popped in the news a lot lately. There have been breathless editorials from all
angles about the decline of leadership in government, education, entertainment,
religion, business, art, and the family.
We’re not as strong
as we used to be seems to be the common refrain, and our world is on the verge
of collapse because of it.
Suddenly,
leadership is a hot-button issue. A must-have skill set.
It’s become a
popular field of study, found everywhere from high schools to higher ed. In
some ways, it’s gratifying.
I’ve been teaching
about the importance of leadership for over forty years, so the surge of
interest is nice.
As I hear more
about the leadership deficit, the same solution is pushed forward repeatedly:
we need more men and women who can lead. And I agree.
But while the world
can always use more leaders, the deficit isn’t just a numbers issue.
It’s also a
character issue.
We don’t just
need more leaders — we need better leaders.
We need leaders who
have a healthy perspective on what it means to lead. We need leaders who
leverage their influence for a greater good.
We need leaders who
don’t burn through people, resources, and vision.
Why does this
matter? Why do we need better leaders?
Because better
leaders change lives.
Now, this isn’t
some slogan, or motivational claptrap.
I believe this with
all my heart because I’ve seen it firsthand. I’ve seen my friend Gabby bring
transformation to her home country of Paraguay.
I’ve seen my friend
Chris Hodges build an incredible ministry in Alabama.
I’ve seen Rick
Hendrick serve people in Charlotte, Collin Sewell help people in Texas, and Ed
Bastian improve lives all over the globe.
Leaders know that
their role is about more than self-gratification. It’s about making a
difference in the world.
As people pay more
attention to the way leaders negatively impact the lives of people, it’s a good
idea to stop and think about the way leaders can make a positive impact.
Here are five ways
leaders change lives for the better:
1. In a time of
dehumanization, leaders value people — leaders have an affinity and
appreciation for the people they lead.
They see people as
having worth that isn’t tied to output or production; leaders understand the
intrinsic value each human being has and add value to people based on that
understanding.
Intentionally
adding value to people makes people feel valued.
2. In a time of
discouragement, leaders encourage people — discouragement has become a native
tongue for many, especially online.
We live in a world
that encourages people to diminish and dismiss any train of thought that stands
apart from their own.
Leaders encourage
people to something different — something positive.
Leaders speak life
to their people, pointing out and affirming the good in each person, which
makes people confident in themselves and their ability to make a difference.
3. In a time of
apathy, leaders equip people — it would be wonderful if
encouragement alone were all people needed to make a difference, but it’s not
enough.
They also need to
be equipped to make a difference. Leaders take the time to train, coach and
mentor people to help bring out the talents and strengths of everyone.
4. In a time of
cynicism, leaders inspire people — one of the most challenging things
for a leader to do is balance reality with vision.
Reality says, “This
is where we’re at,” while vision says, “This is where we’re going to
be.”
Leaders who embrace
a positive mindset find a way to cast vision for what’s possible while
acknowledging what’s true.
It’s an abundance
perspective that makes people hopeful.
5. In a time of
powerlessness, leaders empower people — of all the ways that leaders change
lives for the better, nothing matches the gift of empowerment.
Leaders take their
power, combine it with their belief in the best of others, and give both away
freely.
When people have
both the faith and authority to make a difference, they have the energy
necessary to act with boldness.
If you’re reading this blog, it’s likely because you can
envision yourself as a leader. You want to make a difference in the world. You
want to change lives for the better.
Let me assure you,
we need you.
Develop yourself as
a leader. Develop the leader within you. The world needs
your unique contribution to the problems we all face. You can change lives for
the better.
You just start with
your own.
The John Maxwell Company compels corporate
leaders and consumers to inspire, challenge, and equip organizations to live
out leadership and reach their potential. This company distributes my
resources, develops customized curriculum for businesses of all sizes, and
impacts industries locally, nationally and globally.
From
assessments and coaching to public and on-site workshops, each solution we
provide inspires and challenges you not just to learn but to lead with
excellence. All of my company’s curriculum can be customized to specifically
address your organizational, cultural, and leadership challenges. It also
offers numerous programs for individuals seeking to grow themselves personally.
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