I received a very cool email the other day from Becky Hetrick, who was in charge of leading a committee. This was for a fundraising event to support one of the local charities served by the organization she belongs to. She’d had some major concern as to whether the event would be successful.
Her challenges were formidable because she did not have — a term I first learned from Dr. John Maxwell’s books and audio programs many years ago — “buy-in” from her team in general. She was also having to deal with a person in another part of the organization who was somewhat antagonistic both to her and the event itself.
Fortunately, by utilizing some of the principles we discuss in this blog, Becky was able to overcome the challenges, the event went beautifully and they raised a good amount of money for a very worthy cause.
When I congratulated her, she replied, “It took a lot of teamwork for it to ultimately come together, so I can’t take all the credit for it.”
That’s true. Had she done it alone, she would not have been a “leader.” She’d have been…err, someone who did it alone, and someone probably pretty exhausted, to boot! 🙂
Actually, by the very definition of leadership, it is not done alone. As a leader, she led a team. Because, that’s what leaders do.
Of course, as Dr. Maxwell and other great leadership authorities teach us, the next step is to lead and develop other leaders, and then to lead and develop leaders who are leading and developing other leaders.
Not that everyone desires to lead. Some people are excellent followers, and others simply offer tremendous support to their leader, making his or her job easier. Everyone contributes to the win.
Regardless…it doesn’t happen alone.
Your thoughts?
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Great information again Bob, thank you. Having come off of one of our strongest months of the year as a team (the plumbing company I am the GM at) I strongly believe the leadership of our organization (2) of us, in the day to day of the company, played critical roles influencing the entire team and each other. By encouraging, coaching, holding self and others accountable and allowing resposibility to be taken the results did not happen by accident. I also believe at any given time everyone is a leader; in some aspect of their lives it shows up. As leaders of the team we are consistent in our action and funny enough when we are others show some of that same consistency in their actions. One thing that I hear in the account above and I see in our team is that the attitude of “all of us made it possible” by working together as a team. Giving others that credit is important (this is when the leader moves into the shadows so to speak), it is reinforcing positive behavior thus they are willing to repeat that behavior for the next activity, project, or month. This shows that others have leading qualities in and through the activity so strong results are created and lead to success for all. Looks like effective leadership to me.
Good stuff Bob. I love that mentality that leaders “Lead and develop other leaders” and it goes down the line. That is so important. A lot of people write and talk about it, but doing and being an example is the right way. You and John Maxwell are both, great examples on doing it the Right way ! Influence is also a Huge part of Leadership. Making it about the other person and the TEAM !
Thanks again Bob.
Al
Al, thank you. And, thank you for even including me in the same sentence as John Maxwell. 🙂 He is in an entirely different league in that regard, and I’m fortunate to have been able to learn so much from his many books and teachings.
John, congratulations on such a successful month! And, thank you for your great teaching. I can see you posting that as it’s own blog post on your blog. Thanks again!
This is something I need to really work on Bob. I have a tendency to try to do everything myself. I’m not sure why but it is one of the most formidable challenges I have as an entrepreneur. I’m working on it and thanks for this reminder!
Thank you Bob for your direction and influence, I did take that and put it in a blog and posted it yesterday. Your blog gets me to reflect on things through your topics and then to inspire me to share my perspective to help others. Your example is inspirational to me and brings a lot of impact. Thank you again Bob.
Russ, I’ve definitely been there myself, my friend. Took a lot of self-work for me to overcome that tendency and I still need to stay aware of it. I’m so fortunate to have people around me who are so much better at most things than I am, that it has become easier and easier.
John, thank you. That means a LOT to me, my friend!
Hi Bob,
I am in the very beginning stages of all this Social Web Stuff. I am grateful that it is getting better, however I love partnering with those who just do it so effortlessly, Wow! I love the earlier post about belief systems. Jan. 2011, I do not make resolutions, but I commited to myself to Dance more, Sing more and Make some Money! I had the first two out of the way in the first week. Your receptivity law is the one the broke the glass ceiling for me when it came to finances. I love the “sense” of recepitivity…I never felt it before…Thanks Peg
That’s awesome, Peg. Congratulations and way to go! And, regarding Receptivity, continue to stay conscious of it. It will continue to get easier and more natural!
Thank you, we are so very excited that you are coming to Frederick Maryland. I have been sharing with the town that you would be like a shot of B-12 to our economy. People need encouragement and hope for their business as well as their lives. Many of our newest entrepenurs need step by step instruction at the same time their entire mind is being requested to shift! I went to see the Mayor handed a little red book to read. Change starts at the head, and I believe that is where my all began, thank God.
Peg, I’m really looking forward to it. Always enjoy speaking in Maryland, and the people there always make me feel more than welcome. Yes, let’s get as many people there as we can. We’ll make it a lot of fun, and provide tools that people can immediately apply to add value to their customers, clients and community while making a more prosperous living for themselves and their families!