3 Things I Want To Share With You

What’s up leaders? How would you define leadership? What IS leadership? What does it mean to LEAD? You may not know it yet, you may not consider yourself a leader, but I’m willing to bet you ARE. Leadership, in a nutshell, is influence. This means, if you have people or even a person (singular) that looks up to you or TO you in some way, you are a LEADER. Whether you want to be or not, you are a leader. The question is, “How will you manage your influence?”

The answer to that question will determine whether you’ll be a good leader or a not so desirable one.

Here’s are 3 things I’ve picked up along the way and try my best to implement whenever possible…

#1—Think the BEST in people. Regardless of what’s happening, in spite of the circumstances do NOT assume the people you’re leading are out to get you or trying to undermine you. This will put you in a defensive posture and EVERYTHING from that point forward will feel like an attack against you. Don’t go there. Don’t let it happen. Some people say it’s being “careful” or “wise” or having “discernment.” Sure, there’s room for that, but when you’re the one common denominator in an ocean of fragmented relationships…I’d say something’s up. Always, always think the best in people.

#2—Surround yourself with people you TRUST. This goes back to #1. If you don’t think the BEST in people, you’ll never TRUST people. And if you say you TRUST them then think the BEST in them. It’s a bit of a catch 22. If you don’t trust someone, you won’t ENTRUST them. That person will never reach their full potential under your leadership nor will you be able to tap into their potential because you’ll always keep them at arm’s reach, out where you can keep an eye on them. Surround yourself with people you trust and let them do their job, let them take ownership, give them permission to run with things. TRUST them to do their jobs so you can do yours.

#3—Do not BELITTLE your people. A leader that honestly cares for people, who loves the people more than the product, typically isn’t going to have to worry about this. On the other hand, the leader doesn’t, typically sees people as a means to an end. The leader who doesn’t CARE for people often USES people. This leader will often scold their people as if they were children…if I spank you in front of your friends, maybe you won’t do this again! This mentality will only lead to your people jumping ship. Think the BEST in people, TRUST them, CARE FOR them, and this won’t happen. Don’t treat people like dogs. Don’t treat people as a means. LOVE them. INVEST IN them.

I’m still learning. I’m still growing. I’m still trying to figure out what it means to be a LEADER. God is showing me that I gotta love the WHO more than the WHAT. God is showing me that I gotta love PEOPLE more than PRODUCT.

Leader, how are you managing your INFLUENCE?