Double-Dose of Leadership
We had the benefit at the 2014 L2:Learn-Lead simulcast to hear from John C. Maxwell twice. He opened the proceedings, which I documented in the post Why Leaders are Learners – Part I, and then closed it with another talk. This was an excellent close for many, who left raving about what they learned from this. I did too!Leaders are Learners By What They Ask Themselves
John emphasized that the first place he looks to ask questions is to ask questions of himself. The questions we ask ourselves direct us — and sometimes re-direct us — to keep us focused on our vision and goals. They help us determine if we are improving, if we are making an impact, and if we are truly leading.
Asking yourself questions on a regular basis helps keep the main thing the main thing. It keeps us from majoring in the minors and getting lost in the details. It helps us maintain a big picture view.
Three Questions to Ask Yourself
1. Am I investing in myself?
When we take time, energy, and money to invest in our own growth, we prepare ourselves to lead more effectively, to be a more productive contributor, and primarily to unlock more of the potential in others.
[snaptweet]It doesn’t get any better for my people until it gets better for me.[/snaptweet]
This requires DAILY, INTENTIONAL growth. I call it being a 1%er.
[snaptweet]Focus on growing yourself by just 1% a day.[/snaptweet] That seemingly small 1% compounds quickly and soon you find yourself doing great things before you realize it.
Three Investment Indicators
- MY SELF-IMAGE – How do I perceive myself? Do I truly believe in myself? Quickly gauge yourself on this on a scale of one to ten. Where are you?
- MY DREAMS – Do I have BIG dreams of what I want to achieve? Are they scary and yet exciting? Quickly gauge yourself on this on a scale of one to ten. Where are you?
- MY FRIENDS – The Law of Environment kicks in here. Are the people around you encouraging and uplifting? Do they challenge you? Do they add value to you? Are you able to encourage, uplift, challenge, and add value to them? Quickly gauge yourself on this on a scale of one to ten. Where are you?
We will only invest in ourselves if we can honestly rate ourselves high in these areas.
2. Am I investing in the right people?
- Do they influence others? Who do they influence? How many do they influence?
- Do they have potential to grow?
- What is their attitude and competence level?
- Chemistry Factor – Do they fit into the formula? Do I like them? Do others like them?
- Passion Factor – Do they have a genuine passion for what they do? Are they motivated?
- Character Factor – Do their character traits fit in with the character traits I desire for my team? Are they grounded? Trustworthy?
- Values Factor – Are their values compatible with the team or organization (or my) values? Critical to have this for the right culture within your team or organization.
[snaptweet]Culture eats vision for lunch![/snaptweet]
- Team Work Factor – Are they able to fit in and perform well as part of the whole? Or are they a lone wolf?
- Support Factor – Are they supportive of other team members and organization objectives? Can they support and complete me?
- Creative Factor – Can I count on them to seek out creative solutions to challenges? Can they find possibilities out of impossibilities?
- Options Factor – Can they give me options?
- Ten Percent Factor – Can they give me the last 10%? All the fruit is in the last 10%. Can they stay for the harvest?
3. Am I genuinely interested in people?
Leaders see more than others see and see before others see. Do I really care for others? If so, I can use my advantage to add value to others. If not, I will only use it to add value to me.
Where did you find yourself on this? What questions do you ask yourself regularly? Do you set aside time to think?
Add your thoughts and comments below.