By Coach Jimmy Hays Nelson
What images come to mind when you think of the word Leader? It is a general leading troops into battle? A football Coach rallying his team down with a passionate halftime speech? Perhaps its a school teacher or CEO lecturing to eager minds ready to learn. Or since you are on this blog, maybe you picture someone like Shaun T, Tony Horton, or Chalene Johnson motivating a giant room full of sweaty peeps! These images all have one thing in common: A platform. Many people think before they can lead someone else they need to be given some kind of platform or label.
Leadership does not require a label
I truly believe the reason we lack more leaders today is that most people don’t see themselves as leaders. They are waiting for someone else to give them permission to lead. Like they need their ‘Leadership Members’ card before they can lead or influence others. Leadership does not require a label! You do not need to achieve a certain level of experience or expertise before you are ‘worthy’ of leading!
Leadership = Adding Value
I was recently reminded when listening to an audio program by John C. Maxwell that can really be summed up by choosing to add value to someone else’s life on a daily basis. I thought that was an awesome statement. Why? Because anyone can do it! That means anyone – including you – can be a leader today if you choose to be. Now it does take some effort. It means choosing to live your day not only focused on yourself. We all have ups and downs to our day. Unexpected drama and issues have a way of rearing their ugly head at the worst times. Its in those times we, as leaders, need to look beyond our own circumstances and know that there is someone out there who needs to hear from us! This is where leading by example truly comes into play. Be the leader you wish others were for you right now today!
How to Lead made simple
There is a motto I live by that my team, THE CREW, is probably tired of hearing me say on our Monday night webinars. But I truly believe in it:
We do not sell health and fitness. We deliver HOPE to a world that desperately needs it!
That truly is leadership made simple. I start everyday asking myself how I can give hope to someone that day that may be at the end of their rope. That may sound pretty dramatic, but its actually very easy to do. Never underestimate the power of a compliment or a kind word. You may not think that its a very big deal. Some of you may think that in order to add value to someone’s life you need to be able to write a substantial check or do something worthy of being on the 6 o’clock news. But I have had people come back and tell me that a simple – “Fantastic Job” “You are looking awesome” “Keep up the good work” – was exactly what they needed to take action to change their lives dramatically!
So in Recap:
- Anyone can be a leader
- Start right where you are today
- Find ways to add values to other’s lives daily
- Deliver hope and encouragement to a world that needs it
Learning how to lead isn’t hard, but like anything else in life it takes deliberate focus and action!