10 Thoughts about Leadership
December 14th, 2009 Posted in Newsletter
At a time when the world is thinking a lot about leadership I believe it’s a great opportunity for each one of us to think about what leadership means to us. Below I’ve shared some of my thoughts on leadership and whether you are a leader of a business, team, hospital, classroom, church or home, I hope you’ll think about what principles and ideas guide you as a leader and feel free to share them on our blog.
1. People follow the leader first and the leader’s vision second - It doesn’t matter if the leader shares a powerful vision, if the leader is not someone who people will follow the vision will never be realized. As a leader, who you are makes a difference. The most important message you can share is yourself.
2. Trust is the force that connects people to the leader and his/her vision - Without trust there is a huge gap between the leader and the vision. Without trust people will stay off the bus. However if people trust the leader they will hop on the bus with the leader and help move the bus forward towards the vision.
3. Leadership is not just about what you do but what you can inspire, encourage and empower others to do.
4. A leader brings out the best within others by sharing the best within themselves.
5. Just because you’re driving the bus doesn’t mean you have the right to run people over - Abraham Lincoln said “Most anyone can stand adversity, but to test a man’s character give him power.” The more power you are granted the more it is your responsibility to serve, develop and empower others. When you help them grow they’ll help you grow.
6. “Rules without Relationship Leads to Rebellion” - Andy Stanley said this and it’s one of my favorite quotes. As a leader you can have all the rules you want but if you don’t invest in your people and develop a relationship with them they will rebel. This applies amazingly to children as well. It’s all about relationships.
7. Lead with optimism, enthusiasm and positive energy, guard against pessimism and weed out negativity.
8. Great Leaders know they don’t have all the answers - Rather they build a team of people who either know the answers or will find them.
9. Leaders inspire and teach their people to focus on solutions, not complaints. (The No Complaining Rule)
10. Great leaders know that success is a process not a destination - One of my heroes John Wooden, the legendary UCLA basketball coach, never focused on winning. He knew that winning was the by product of great leadership, teamwork, focus, commitment and execution of the fundamentals. As a leader focus on your people and process, not the outcome.
Download, print and share these 10 Thoughts about Leadership as a PDF poster, click here.
Stay Positive,
- Jon
Tags: 10 thoughts, jon gordon, lead, Leadership, team, tips, vision
6 Responses to “10 Thoughts about Leadership”
By Char on Dec 14, 2009
Some people are natural leaders others are not. It is important to figure out where you stand and feel comfortable in that role. If not, you’ll be headed for disaster and unhappiness.
Just because someone has a degree doesn’t mean they have all the answers and those that pretend too have all the answers are walking on thin ice. It is much easier to follow someone who is humble and honest.
By Spencer on Dec 14, 2009
Thank you Jon!!!
These 10 thoughts about leadership were just what I needed. At times I forget and step where I should not. This tends to take away from my real leadership ability.
I have printed out these 10 and will be posting them at my desk for continuous reference.
By Kerry Palmer on Dec 14, 2009
Great stuff! Thanks especially for the PDF poster. I’ll keep it handy!
By Mercedes on Dec 15, 2009
Gracias John so clear and so accurate.
By Mabel Ong on Dec 17, 2009
Thanks Jon for sharing your knowledge and wisdom.