Do not wait for leaders, do it alone, person to person.
-Mother Teresa
When you hear the word leadership, what do you think of? I suited CEO sitting in a big office? Some person in the business sector that carried a briefcase around?
I have been in the hair industry for 18 years, and I have worn a lot of hats in that time. I have managed two different salons, which was enough to convince me that management isn’t for me.
It would seem that I am just not cut out for leadership. And maybe you feel that way, too, but the thing is – we are all leaders in one way or another.
I have always marched to the beat of my own drum. Sometimes that works out, and sometimes it doesn’t. But I frequently get asked how I did things, and could I help someone else with the same thing. My Young Living business has grown to more than 100 people below me, and I am stepping into more of a leadership position. I don’t carry a briefcase or have a swanky office (there is a lot of barking and Minecraft that goes on in mine), but that doesn’t change my role.
The Leadership Handbook by John Maxwell is a great guide for new leaders, or even those seasoned ones who would like to be more effective. I recently read through it, and what he said about defining moments really struck me.
Defining moments put the spotlight on us. We have no time to put a spin on our actions. Whatever is truly inside us is revealed to everyone. Our character isn’t made during these times – it’s displayed!
While the book goes into the nuts and bolts of leadership, there is a lot of sound advice on balance, integrity, and effectiveness as well. You can’t be the best leader until you have a good handle on your personal values and character.
You can’t manage your time. So what can you do? Manage yourself! Nothing separates successful people from unsuccessful people more than how they use their time.
I keep telling myself that once the kids go back to school I will be able to complete that project, or my house will be clean all the time, because it is their fault that I don’t have time now, right? In reality we all have the same 24 hours, and my goal is to start using mine more effectively.
Whether you lead an entire company, or a small tribe of people who look just like you and pick their noses, it is worth your while to recognize your role and strengthen it. You never know who might be following your lead.
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