“Leadership is influence, nothing more…nothing less.”
~John C. Maxwell
My journey with leadership began about 20 years ago. During the last four, I was fortunate to be mentored by Dr. John C. Maxwell, the #1 leadership coach in the world. From his teachings I have made considerable progress which I’d like to share with you.
But first, let me ask you this question. Have you ever worked with a leader who holds you back? Or that you feel your growth is limited, perhaps lacked opportunity or felt you’ve gone un-noticed? Maybe you and your manager don’t have the same vision and this slows down or stops your progress? It isn’t that your manager is a bad person or has it out for you, it’s more likely that they are comfortable in their leadership and lack the effectiveness. We refer to them as “leaders with low lids”.
Let me explain how this works. If you’re a leader who has become comfortable with “what works” you have limited yourself and everyone you influence with a low lid. This goes along with not having any interest or idea how to lift the lid. It leaves the team feeling frustrated. I’ve experienced this scenario in the past and know the feeling. Instead of quitting, I made the choice to learn from the experience and provide effective leadership to the people I coach and influence. Here are the three lessons that I’ve applied to my leadership skills.
- As a leader, I strive to become a “Lid Lifter” for others and invite open communication, respect and coaching.
- I never want to be a person comfortable with a “low lid” and hold others back. Instead, I learned to be that “lid lifter ” for the team and everyone I work with.
- And finally, in “lifting the lid”, it’s a choice that doesn’t happen by accident. It takes discipline, self-awareness and dedication.
I have deliberately created a “growth” environment surrounded with positive people and daily accountability. I decided to challenge and grow myself working with some of the best people in the world. It begins with understanding your level of effectiveness and what you can do to develop it further. This is explained by Dr. John Maxwell who teaches the fundamentals of “Becoming a Better Leader”, with understanding.
Understand the “Law of the Lid”
One’s leadership ability is determined by a person’s level of effectiveness. The lower an individual’s ability is to lead, the lower the lid. The greater the desire to influence through leadership, the greater the effectiveness and ability to increase growth and direction. The issue is not that you have a “lid”, but instead, what are going to do to lift it? You cannot lift the lid on your own, it’s based on the personal and organizational effectiveness of the leader.
Understand the “Law of Influence”
The true measure of leadership is through influence. Without it, it’s difficult to lead others. Watch out for negativity and maintain a positive influence. Leaders have the choice to create a winning environment. Remember, it’s the level of influence and not the challenge that determines our ability to accomplish the end result.
If you want to impact your community, country or the world, you must start at home with yourself and your family.
Understand the “Law of Process”
The secret to success is found in our daily plan. Leadership development occurs daily and not in a day. Growth as a leader takes a lifetime. The plan requires patience and the ability to develop and improve your skills. The process is part of our daily habit to build a strong leadership foundation.
Understand the “Law of Faith”
Get to know God’s plans and perspective in your life. Return to the fundamentals and your purpose becomes clearer as a leader.
The Bible is one of the most powerful leadership books ever written and has some great passages to include in your process of becoming a better leader.
Proverbs 16:9 – A man’s heart devises his way: but the LORD directs his steps.
Psalm 78:72 (NIV)
And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.
Proverbs 11:14 (NIV)
For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.
Romans 12:8 (NIV)
If it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
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