The courage to go first inspires those who follow.
The Wright brothers proved that powered flight was possible (1903). Later, Chuck Yeager became the 1st person to fly faster than the speed of sound (1947). Eventually, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon first (1969).
Here are 5 ways a leader inspires others by courageously going first.
Potential is an unfulfilled promise.
The #1 pick in the 2013 NBA Draft was Anthony Bennett. You probably haven’t heard of him. He played four games before scoring a point. He fizzled after playing with four teams in four seasons.
How to spot real potential?
Turn potential into results.
Self-imposed Stress:
#1. Trying to control life and people.
#2. Overestimating your capacity to get things done.
#3. Procrastination.
#4. Saying yes too much.
What self-imposed stress to you see in leadership?
More…
Leniency insults competence. Coddling promotes weakness.
Mature compassion expects people to rise to their potential.
Protecting people from struggle holds them back.
Tough leadership strengthens people. Overprotection shrinks them.
Compassion Paradox: Don’t remove challenge. Provide support.
Here’s how…
Glory looks like the corner office. Big titles. Public praise. Fat bank accounts.
Loud glory is thin.
It fades fast. It thrives on applause. It makes you insecure, guarded, and manipulative.
Go ahead, seek real glory. Here’s how…
My granddaughter likes strawberry glazed donuts from Dunkin’. I was disappointed she played with her phone under the table.
I asked curiously, “What are you playing?” She said it was a make-up game.
I said, “Could you show me how you do that?” I leaned in and learned how to choose and mix colors.
Relational Lessons for Leaders
