John W. Gardner observed, “If I had to name a single all-purpose instrument of leadership, it would be communication.
A purpose will motivate you. A purpose will keep your priorities straight. A purpose will develop your potential. A purpose will give you power to live in the present. A purpose will help you evaluate your progress.
If you want to be successful as a leader, you need to learn to become comfortable with uncertainty and make shifts continually.
Leadership is often misunderstood. When people hear that someone has an impressive title or an assigned leadership position, they assume that individual to be a leader. Sometimes that’s true. But titles don’t have much value when it comes to leading.
It will add to your effectiveness, subtract from your weaknesses, divide your workload, and multiply your impact.
Humorist Will Rogers said, “There are three kinds of men. Ones that learn by reading, a few who learn by observation, and the rest of us have to pee on an electric fence and find out for ourselves.” Ouch. That’s got to hurt. But let’s face it: some people only learn things the hard way.
Pain is inevitable but misery is optional.“. A similar thing can be said when it comes to taking responsibility. Loses are inevitable, but excuses are optional.
A man can live three days without water; 40 days without food. But only five minutes without hope.
You shouldn’t become too concerned about what others might think of you. You should be more concerned about what you think of yourself.
You will never achieve a dream or vision unless you own it. Furthermore, as a leader, you will not be able to get others to buy into a vision that you do not own.
To be effective, leaders must always be learners. You can never arrive – you can only strive to get better.
Should I have that extravagant dessert or call it quits for the night?” “Should I put in the extra effort here or just get by with the minimum amount required?
Should I go ahead and buy that item or just save my money for a rainy day?
If my people learn to trust me, I’ll get their attention. But if I initiate trust in my people, I’ll get their action.
So much of leadership relies on good character. Trust is created through it. Talent is protected by it. Internal peace is fostered by it.
If you will first help people get what they want, they will help you get what you want.
Value self-improvement above self-promotion. King Solomon of ancient Israel said, “Let instruction and knowledge mean more to you than silver or the finest gold. Wisdom is worth much more than precious jewels or anything else you desire.” Make your next career move based on how it will improve you personally rather than how it will enhance you financially.
Clear vision does wonders for a team, but it also does wonders for a leader. Among its greatest benefits are direction and passion. For leaders, vision sets direction for their lives. It’s like having a road map. It prioritizes both action and values, helping leaders remain focused. And it creates passion. It lights a fire within leaders that can spread to others. Perhaps that’s why Helen Keller, when asked what would be worse than being born blind, answered, “To have sight without vision.
People who never see it – they are wanderers. People who see it but never pursue it on their own – they are followers. People who see it and pursue it – they are achievers. People who see it, pursue it, and help others see and pursue it – they are leaders.
The future belongs to the curious. The ones who are not afraid to try it, explore it, poke at it, question it, and turn it inside out.
Cutting corners is a sign of impatience and poor self-discipline. But if you are willing to follow through, you can achieve a breakthrough. That’s why Albert Gray says, “The common denominator of success lies in forming the habit of doing things that failures don’t like to do.