For Becoming a Woman of Excellence, I read John Maxwell’s book “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership” in Week 20. Herein, I share some valuable nuggets following those from Week 19.
Leadership is an important skill for everyone. You are either a leader or a potential leader. Some people are “born leaders”, they tend to exhibit their leadership skills very early on as little kids in the playground and classrooms. Meanwhile, leadership can be learned by anyone and everyone as long with a desire and determination.
The first thing that stood out, probably because that is the first chapter was Leadership is Influence. Think about it... The leader in the meeting is not always the person doing all the talking. It’s the person whose opinion everyone is waiting for, they are often the last person to speak. Leaders influence people to carry out their plans. Think about the most influential person that you know and therein lies a leader.
Leadership is a process. It takes time and effort, lots and lots of it to develop leadership skills. It is a lifelong process that compounds over time. It always starts with a conscious decision. Seek leaders in your field to emulate. Study Leadership resources, attend seminars, take leadership courses. Become intentional about leadership development. Soon enough, there will be positive changes in your personal life and your organization. Next, potential leaders will seek you for advice. Eventually, people and organizations will hire you to train them or their employees.
Become so good at ONE THING and people will look for you to pay you for your skill – Diligence.
Your Leadership ability sets the cap on your effectiveness and your effectiveness in your organization. This is referred to as the “Law of the Lid”. The greater your leadership potential, the more effective your performance will be, and vice versa. If you are not developing your leadership skill, then you are going to stay at the same level.
"The way you do one thing is the way that you do everything." - Martha Beck
Strong leaders have a crystal clear vision about where they are going. They create a roadmap to achieve the vision with goals, actionable steps carrying deadlines. Furthermore, they carry out a risk analysis to determine the worst-case scenarios and prepare to mitigate the risks.
Great leaders command respect because their followers trust them. People follow a person that they can trust. Someone that they can count on not to cave in or give up when the heat is turned up; someone who will stand up for them in the face of adversity. They need a guide to show them the way, inspire, and motivate them.
Like attracts like…Effective leaders attract people like them. An entrepreneurial leader attracts entrepreneurs. An average leader attracts less than average leaders. An excellent leader will attract great leaders. It’s the “Law of Magnetism” at play. Positive people attract positive people, Leaders attract people within the same age group. The leader's values system attracts people with similar values.
Effective leaders empower others. They delegate duties and give people power without undermining them. Empowerment encourages change, greater work satisfaction, and increased self-worth thereby allowing potential leaders to reach their full potential. Strong leaders effectively set up their leadership mentees for success. They develop other leaders by lifting them. Great leaders are often produced via Mentorship
People do not opt into the vision until they believe in the leadership. They have to trust the leader before they follow the vision. It may take time so while you wait for them to key into your vision. Take your time to increase your influence with your inner circle and followers. If you find that your vision is experiencing a resistance even though your vision is great. The “Law of Buy-in” may be working against you.
Leaders never give up until Victory is achieved. They are go-getters. They go the distance and do whatever it takes to achieve their goals. They ensure that everyone is working together for the vision. There is a diverse skill of leaders who are equally being empowered to achieve the said vision.
Effective leaders practice the Pareto Principle. Also known as the 80/20 rule. Eighty percent of their result or income comes from 20 percent of their action or products. Therefore they place a priority on the 20% of input that will produce 80% of the result.
Great Leaders are willing to Sacrifice for the future. They know that their sacrifice will pay off in the end.
"There is no success without sacrifice."- Tonic Motihala
Finally, as you strive to be a great Christian leader. Continue to pursue God. Create your vision, Aim for Excellence, Be diligent, and Be ready to sacrifice certain things today to achieve your future goals. Keep shinning, Stay positive, and Remain grateful.
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Mattew 6:33 NKJV
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