Showing posts with label leadership. Show all posts
Showing posts with label leadership. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 25, 2021

Seeing With NEW Eyes - The TRANSFORMATION (Part 3)

 

I just finished recording and posting the podcast that goes along with today's article. Be sure to click on the link at the bottom of today's article to listen in. It's always good to LISTEN as well as READ since I don't have a script that I follow. That being the case, the two will not be exactly the same and you may pick up some extra "nuggets" from one or the other!

Let me begin by asking you this question: If you seek and ask God for direction...or ask him to "lead you" in your life and decisions, what does that mean for you and what is it you are "looking for" to where you would know?

That is a HARD questions to answer - at least for me it has been!

Let me ask you another question: How many of these "things" have to walk right in front of you and even "slap you upside your head" before you pay attention and see them for what they are? 

Follow me?

In this "transformation" series that I am currently sharing, I let you in on my wife and I's journey over the past 7-8 months of "seeking" God's guidance in and for our lives. Here's the deal: I've been "in church" literally all of my life and was even in ministry for around 20-25 years or so.

Yet, at the same time, I have known that I have not fully given myself up to fully surrender to God and allow Him to take me and use me in the way that was designed before I was even born.

Oh, don't get me wrong...I KNOW he has used me for His good and glory along the way. I honestly believe your reading of this blog article is a part of that process and I hope that you are always encouraged in the process even though I may challenge you on a few things in and for your own life. 

(Here's what I mean by getting an extra little "nugget" from either the podcast or the article. I didn't discuss this part in this podcast!)

I'm trying to share as much detail as I can in the podcast and, that being the case, I'm not covering very much material or covering a very large "time-frame" in this journey that has taken place over these past few months. But I want to make sure that I "point out" things that have made a HUGE difference even if I didn't fully understand that along the way.

But, I tell you this, friend...even up to yesterday, for example, God is still doing things that make me literally start laughing out loud in how it connected to something else that he "brought across my path" earlier the same day! What's He up to? I don't know for sure but I can sure tell you that He is up to SOMETHING in and for my life!

So, be sure to listen to the podcast that goes along with this article and simply ask yourself this question: "If I ask God to lead me and to guide me...will I do what He says? Will I open my eyes to SEE who and what He may be bringing across my path?" Hey easier said than done, my friend, that is for sure!

One thing I did share in this podcast that I want to be sure and share with you here: Opportunity doesn't always knock! Stop waiting for that to happen! Sometimes it may walk down the sidewalk in front of your house and you may have to run out there and tackle that sucker!

Stop sitting around and waiting. Start watching. Start paying attention - expectantly - for what may be passing before you every single day.

I'd love to hear from you. You can leave a comment here but I'd prefer you to do so on my Facebook page (link below). Either way is good as long as I hear from YOU!

Until next time, remember, YOU'RE HERE FOR A REASON and, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"


Mike


Wednesday, February 12, 2020

The Blind CAN Lead the Blind


 "Remember this: the blind can easily lead the blind in a rut. Why? Because, again, a rut controls your path and direction. That's the very nature of a rut." 

You have likely heard the phrase, "It's like the blind leading the blind", right? Basically, the idea behind that statement is the fact that there is no real direction to that group of people because even the person in front - the leader - is blind. They can't see where they are going.

However, the blind actually CAN lead the blind if they are in a rut! As my quote points out, it's possible simply due to the nature of a rut. There is no need for ANYONE to be able to see where they are going if they are in a rut. The rut controls your path and direction. You have NO CHOICE in your path or your direction. You will always go the way of the rut.

So, here's a key thing to thing about: Who do YOU follow and why?

Just because there is a line of people following someone DOES NOT MEAN ANYTHING!! The person in the "lead" may have simply fallen into that rut and hasn't quite figured out how to get out and, along the way, others have fallen is as well and, GUESS WHAT? They really have no choice where they go or even who they follow. That's the very nature of a rut!

Again, they have NO CHOICE! The RUT will dictate their path!

Who do you follow and why? Are you simply following someone because there seems to be a good sized group doing so? Again, go back and understand that this could also indicate that all of those people - leader included - may be in a rut.

So, first and foremost, you must be careful that you do not "fall into" a rut, friend. It is very easy to do, especially if you really aren't paying attention to where you are going. If you have no focus, no plans on how to reach your goal, you likely will fall into that rut. 

Then what?

Getting out of the rut requires effort and energy. You may fall back down into the rut. You may even need to get someone to help YOU get out of the rut and, in turn, you may need to help THEM out as well!

There is some "food for thought" in that last paragraph. If we can help each other OUT of a rut then we also should be able to help keep each other OUT OF the rut in the first place. Right?

My desire is that I can help you avoid the rut but, even if you happen to slip down into that rut, I also hope that you will quickly get yourself out due to what I share with you here.

Hey, be sure to stop by my Facebook page (link below) and leave some feedback, please. I'd love to hear from you. ALSO, please be sure to listen to the podcast as well as watch the video so that you can get the "full impact" of today's topic. The links for those are also found below. 

Until next time, stay "rutless" my friend and always be sure to...


"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike


Monday, February 24, 2014

Develop Followers or Leaders?


Think about this: why would you want to teach and/or train someone to take your position and/or surpass your position?
 
In the corporate world, you likely would not.
 
However, there ARE those who have the desire to not only teach and/or train others to improve their situation but to even go far beyond what they, themselves, have been able to accomplish.
 
It's kind of a "proud parent" type of thing and it brings a sense of pride and joy to see those that have been taught and trained to do such great and mighty things.
 
That's one of the great things about the world of home based businesses. Those "leaders" who train new people that come into the company usually not only want the new person to do well but also takes great pride in helping achieve great things even if it means that the now "not so new" person passes them up in earnings and achievements.
 
Hey, followers are nothing to sneeze at. Followers are needed but, at the same time, we cannot survive with a world full of followers. That alone is impossible, right? You MUST have at least ONE leader.
 
But think of the good that can be done by creating more and more leaders!
 
It's exciting to think about the things that can be achieved and accomplished in our world by creating more and more leaders.
 
If you've followed me for long you already know this but, for those that don't know me very well let me clarify something here - I'm not talking about achieving corporate take overs or building bigger and better buildings, etc.
 
I AM talking about all of the great things that can be accomplished in helping those that need help all around the world by instilling this attitude of SERVICE among our leaders!
 
We should not and CAN NOT expect for our government to take care of everyone that has need. However, as individuals, as LEADERS with a mission of SERVICE that work to develop more and more leaders with the same mission we, together, can accomplish GREAT things!
 
Starting with where you live right now. In your neighborhood, your town, your city, your state.
 
Start looking. Start dreaming. Start planning.
 
Decide NOW to become a leader that will develop other leaders to get these things done!
 
I hope YOU are getting excited as you read this. It's real! It's possible! It's up to YOU and ME to make it happen.
 
Well?
 
Will you?
 
Together we can!
 
And, as you do so, be sure to...
 
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
 
Mike
 

                                      Make money from home with Mike!

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Who Follows YOU?

 
 
 
 
Position DOES NOT make a leader. We've established that fact and, hopefully, more and more people will begin to understand that and CHANGE their "style" of "leadership". After all, that's not leadership, it's a POSITION. (In order to be a leader you must have followers!).
 
A real leader is one who has "been there, done that"! In other words, they are able to lead based on what they KNOW. The KNOW because they have BEEN THERE and DONE THAT! They can SHOW you the way because they have GONE the way. If you didn't read it, go back to the last blog entitled, "Been There, Done That" and take a look at the quote at the top of the article from John C. Maxwell.
 
Now, with those founding pillars in place let's conclude this little series on EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP by asking the question, "Who follows YOU?"
 
Some are stunned and surprised at such a question because they don't think ANYONE is following them. Friend, get this point: even if you are NEGATIVE and have NO DESIRE to lead the way, SOMEONE is watching you and choosing to do what you do. In other words, they are choosing to follow your lead.
 
Kinda' scary, isn't it? I HOPE SO!
 
You see, you can LEAD others to BE better, DO better and LIVE better by your own desire to do the same. And, by doing so, you are SHOWING what you KNOW because you have chosen to GO that way and follow that path. Amazing, isn't it?
 
And, on the other hand, you can choose to do the opposite and have others with no desire use you as an excuse to do the same in their life. Sad, isn't it?
 
Either way - YOU ARE A LEADER.
 
I saw this demonstrated in my own life when I was somewhere around 6th - 7th grade. There was a little guy quite a bit younger than me that would sit by me at church and, on one such occasion, I began to notice that he was trying to do everything that I was doing. If I sat up straight, he sat up straight. If I coughed, he coughed. I crossed my leg and, as hard as it was for him to do so, he found a way to cross his leg just like me. Even then it hit me hard that someone was watching me THAT closely and that they were DOING exactly what they saw me do.
 
Friend, nothing has changed.
 
 
So, with that being true (and it is) why in the world would ANYONE choose to lead others toward a life of unfulfilled and empty dreams? NOT YOU!
 
So, look in the mirror and say to yourself with CONFIDENCE and with a SMILE on your face: "I really AM a leader!".
 
Now, go on. LEAD.
 
 
And while you're at it, be sure to...
 
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
 
Mike

Sunday, August 4, 2013

"Follow the Leader?"

 
 
 
"A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way,
and shows the way." - John C. Maxwell
 
In our last article we discussed the fact that POSITION does NOT make a LEADER. In case you missed it, just go back to the last article and also go to www.FutureYouUniversity.com and you can view the video-cast from the front page and listen to the podcast by clicking on the video-cast tab and clicking either the iTunes icon or the RSS feed icon.
 
Just a quick review...
 
Too many think that having a title or "position" automatically qualifies them to be a leader and to have others follow them. That's about as wrong of an idea that anyone can have yet, it seems that it surrounds us, right? I mentioned that people may do what they are told to do out of fear of losing their job but they are not FOLLOWING this person because they are a leader.
 
Big difference.
 
I also shared the mindset of a "boss" (NOT a leader) that I came across recently that actually told his employees that he didn't care about them - came right out and said it twice during a 20 minute introductory period - and that they way he worked was, "I SAY - YOU DO!".
 
Wow. I wonder how many people he won over that day. I can answer that question as easily as you can - NONE! I can promise you that there is NO loyalty to this person among those who work under him. I can also promise you that not ONE person would stand up and "go to bat" for this man. NONE.
 
Effective leadership? Not even close.
 
"Follow me!" But I ask, "Why?"
 
John C. Maxwell (whom I've had the pleasure of hearing speak) hits the nail on the head in the quote used at the start of this article. We follow a leader that KNOWS, GOES and SHOWS the way!
 
Can you see the difference? Instead of "Do this because I say so" we see the idea of "Follow me because I know this is the way. Why? How do I know? Because I've BEEN there and I can SHOW you the way, too!"
 
Have you ever followed someone in an automobile that was supposed to know where they were going but you figured out pretty quickly that they had no more idea where to go than you did? Not fun and not productive.
 
Once, while traveling through a part of Mexico, I got lost. Yes, a male admitting that he got lost. I could not find my way out of one particular town to get on the road that I needed to be on to get OUT of that town and on my way. I had learned a secret from a previous trip with someone that had "been there and done that". (This man was a leader even before I needed the leadership!) The answer was to find someone that KNEW the way because they had BEEN that way and could SHOW me the way! What did I do? I found a taxi driver and showed him on the map where I needed to go (since I don't speak Spanish this was quite comical) and asked (again, quite comical) if he would lead me there. Once we finally connected through a series of hand motions, pointing to the map and me literally acting out what I needed, the gentleman got in his taxi and allowed me to follow him out of town and on my way.
 
This chosen course led to me successfully going along my way and, friend, this same course will do two things for you:
1. If you are a leader - a REAL leader - it will allow you to lead in such a way that others will GLADLY and VOLUNTARILY follow.
2. If you seek to follow someone in order to continue down your course to success, this leader will get you there. Seek these leaders out!
 
Powerful. Productive. Proven.
 
Hey, think about this and we'll discuss it more in our next visit...Did you know when you follow such a leader that, in turn, you will have others following you? Look at the picture above and realize the truth in that statement.
 
Until next time...
 
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
 
Mike
 
 
 

Thursday, July 18, 2013

POSITION Does Not Make a LEADER!


"Position Does NOT Make a Leader!"
 
 
 
"It's GOOD to be King!"
 
We've seen movies and other shows that have shown someone in power proclaiming this while enjoying the "benefits" of being in charge. However, we've also seen many movies and shows also reflect those in such power bemoaning the fact that their subjects don't love or respect them.
 
This is just not true in movies - it's been reported and repeated all through history and, yet, it seems that many - still today - have not learned the simple truth that POSITION does NOT make a LEADER.
 
Have you ever worked for/with someone like this? The answer is likely, "YES!"
 
I've seen and heard of many situations where a person comes out of college or some special program - usually much younger than those that they will be working with - and be placed in a POSITION of "leadership" and think that it qualifies them for instant respect and instant followers.
 
WRONG ANSWER - WRONG THOUGHT - WRONG APPROACH!
 
Remember, POSITION does NOT make a LEADER!
 
You would think that, as I pointed out in the first few paragraphs, we would learn this lesson from histroy. But, even worse than us not learning this from past "ancient" history, I see those that don't even learn this from present, every day examples.
 
I recently heard a man that is in a POSITION of "leadership" state to his workers that he didn't care about them and that they were there to do the work that he told them to do. Along with telling them that he didn't care about them he also told them his philosophy was, "I say - you do!"
 
How many of his workers do you think respect him? Not many, if any. Oh, there are a lot of them that are AFRAID of him because they fear being fired if they don't follow his philosophy but, the truth is (and will ALWAYS be) that this man will NEVER get the full potential out of his workers with this mindset. Never.
 
So, if you work for or with someone like this then it is DOUBLY important for you to dig deep and supply yourself with as much positive ammunition (like this blog and my podcast/videocast) as you can in order to keep your attitude as it needs to be. Believe me when I say that your coworkers NEED that from you because many - if not most - of them don't have the same approach to life as you do and they need your attitude and mindset to help teach, lead and empower them to make it through such a mindset from someone in charge.
 
Again, "in charge" does not make one "a leader".
 
And, finally, if YOU are one with this type of mindset then let me get straight to the point - STOP IT! I can promise you this: if you believe this and have this approach, YOU WILL FAIL! Oh, you may have some "success" but you will NEVER achieve what is possible with this type of approach. Just like the man I described before, you will never get the full potential out of those that you are in charge of and, the truth is that if you cannot get the full potential out of those that you are in charge of then you will never reach YOUR full potential with your company.
 
That, my friend, is the HONEST TRUTH.
 
So, what DOES make one a leader?
 
We will be taking a look at that question in the next few blogs and podcasts/videocasts to come. The podcast is already up and can be found at www.FutureYouUniversity.com by clicking on the video cast tab and then clicking on either the iTunes logo or the Hipcast RSS feed logo. The vidoe cast for this segment will also be found there very soon.
 
Think about all of this and do what you MUST do to combat the negativity that will likely come with this attitude. And, again, if you are guilty of this mindset then determine NOW that you MUST change and become more than just a person who holds a position. Determine now that you WILL become an actual LEADER.
 
Until next time - "Be sure to make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is gonig to do it for you?)"
 
Mike


Thursday, March 4, 2010

Followers COUNT!

Followers COUNT!

We've talked about leaders already. And, by doing so I know that there are some that are thinking that they don't belong in the discussion. Why? "Because I'm a follower, not a leader. I have no desire to be a leader or to be out front!"

That's o.k. and we'll get to you in a moment. But first I want to address the phrase that I used yesterday to launch this discussion: "LEAD, FOLLOW OR GET OUT OF THE WAY!"

We have already talked about leaders and we are about to discuss the follower...but for a moment, let's address the group that simply needs to "get out of the way!".

Again, as I mentioned on the podcast for this discussion, some may think that this phrase is harsh - especially telling ANYONE that they need to move out of the way. That's o.k. too. However, when we come to realize that this process of staying focused with a positive mindset in order for us to move toward our goals and dreams (and help others along the way) is a BATTLE against the negative in our world then you may begin to understand that, sometimes, the approach MUST be "harsh" and tough.


Seriously consider this with me for a moment if you would.

Some in our world LEAD. Some in our world FOLLOW. Now, if you're not willing to do one or the other, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

If you are not willing to lead OR follow then you are not willing to do anything. You are unwilling to MOVE in any direction. You are simply staying put and, to be blunt again, getting in the way!

Here's what I have noticed about this group of people that are unwilling to move in ANY direction... they are not satisfied to do this by themselves. That's right. It's not enough for them that THEY don't want to move but they feel the need to recruit others to join them in their "dead weight" mentality.

They are a great discouragement to ANY leader. Why? Because they will not follow. No matter what is done to try to encourage them to follow or even HELP them to follow - they will not!

They are also a great discouragement to other followers. Why? Because they will not follow. Yes, the same reason that they are a discouragement to the leaders. They WILL NOT follow!

Their refusal to either lead or follow has the tendency to "rub off" on other follower that, perhaps, are "on the fringe". These "fringe followers" have just begun to follow and realize that they are a part of a larger team and that it requires EVERYONE to help out and do their part. But then the "fringe follower" notices the "dead weight" and wonders why they, too, won't follow.

So, guess what happens? The "fringe follower" stops following so that they can have a discussion with the "dead weight" and then, before they realize it, the "fringe follower" has now also become "dead weight".

It happens CONSTANTLY in our world and in companies and businesses all around the world.

GET OUT OF THE WAY!

Here's what I mean by that. Hey, if you're not willing to be a leader and if you're not willing to be a follower, would you please move yourself to the side of the "track" or the side of the "highway" so that the rest of us can move on toward our journey?

Sit on the sidelines and gripe and complain if that is what you want to dedicate your life to, but, PLEASE, move out of the flow of "traffic" so as not to impede the progress of those that are either leading or following!

Is it possible for the "dead weight" to change and become a follower and even a leader?

YES! But they first must decide that they want to CHANGE their life and CHOOSE to make this change in their life. They must decide first of all that they, too, want to become a follower. Perhaps, one day, they MIGHT become a leader, but not until they learn the value of becoming a follower.

So, yes, I stick by the bluntness of the phrase, "LEAD, FOLLOW or GET OUT OF THE WAY!".

Followers COUNT!

Sometimes in the are of personal development the idea is felt - whether it's intentional or not - that if you are not a leader, you really don't count.

I disagree with that and so do most people that work in this area. Again, if there are no followers there can not be leaders! Leaders MUST have followers in order to lead.

In today's discussion I group followers into two categories: 1. The "no more/no less" follower and 2. The "more than expected" follower

The "no more/no less" follower is the person that does EXACTLY what is asked of them. This is good in that you know if you ask this person to do a task IT WILL BE DONE! You can count on them and KNOW - without having to check on them - that the task will be done and it will be done well. However, they will do that task and NOTHING MORE.

For example, if they are doing their task and they discover along the way that there is also something else that could be done at the same time - a separate, but connected task - they will not do it. Their thought process is something along the lines of, "I wasn't told to do that task. I am going to stick to what I was told to do and not attempt to do anything else."

Sometimes this action is due to fear of doing the "extra task" incorrectly or even fear of being reprimanded for doing something that they were not told to do. And then, sometimes this action is due to a certain level of "laziness" in that they will do ONLY what they have been asked to do and nothing more. If asked, "Why didn't you go ahead and do this extra task when you discovered it?" their answer will likely be, "Because you didn't tell me to."

Although this type of follower CAN be valuable (they do the task and they do it well) they can also be VERY frustrating to the leader. A leader would prefer to have a follower that, yes, will do the task assigned but will also have the drive to do another task IF it is something that can be done and not distract the follower from their original task. This is called "efficiency".

My guess is that, if you are reading this blog and consider yourself a follower as opposed to a leader, you DON'T consider yourself to be THIS kind of follower. That's just my "gut feeling" about someone that is trying to improve their mindset and, thus, their life.

However, IF, being honest with yourself this DOES describe you, I want to encourage you to change your thinking and step out of the "comfort zone" of being a "no more/no less follower". You may feel some unhappiness and restlessness in your life that is likely connected to being this type of follower and you haven't even realized that yet.

Let me encourage you to step out and become the second kind of follower that I'd like to discuss: the "more than expected" follower.

I have three sons (26 - in April; 23 and 19) and I have tried to instill in each of them the idea of "do more than what is expected" as they have had summer jobs. Do what you are told to do and then do more. I have told them that, if they will develop this attitude about their work - ANY work - they will do well and they will be a valuable employee.

THIS is the kind of follower that leaders love!

Yes, just like the "no more/no less" follower, this follower does not have to be constantly checked on to make sure that they are doing the task as assigned, BUT they have the added bonus of taking the initiative to go ahead and do EXTRA tasks found along the way.

Their attitude is, "Hey, here's something that needs to be done. I'm here, I can do it, so why not do it while I'm here and while I can?"

This type of follower is an invaluable asset to ANY organization and EVERY organization MUST have this kind of follower in order to survive and succeed.

Follower - do NOT allow yourself to develop the attitude of, "If you want me to do more than expected then you need to pay me more!" or anything even similar to that. This is the type of negativity that will end up causing you to be a "dead weight" that needs to get out of the way. And, likely, if you develop this type of attitude and allow it to stay for very long you will likely be MOVED out of the way by having your job taken away from you.

YES, followers COUNT!

YES, even if you are not a leader, YOU COUNT and are a vital part of ANY organization!

Take PRIDE in what you do and always strive to be a "more than expected" type of follower. You will be happier in your work and you will gain great pride in your efforts as well.

Oh, and by the way... by doing so, you will also be a leader to the other followers that have not stepped out of the "no more/no less" category.

That's right, you will be a leader, too even if you don't consider yourself to be one.

Crazy cool, huh?

Thanks for taking the time to read this today. If you haven't done so, I invite you to be sure to listen to the podcast available at iTunes (Future You University) or on my website at http://www.FutureYouUniversity.com

And, as always...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

LEADERSHIP

"Lead, Follow or GET OUT OF THE WAY!"


This is basically the saying that I am using for the basis of my podcast/blog for Wednesday and Thursday and today I am focusing on the "Leadership" aspect.


Now, I understand it when some people kind of "winch" when they read or hear this little line --but think about it and I think you will agree that it is a legitimate phrase. Not everyone is a leader, but if you're not going to lead, then be the BEST follower you can be! However, if you aren't going to lead OR follow - GET OUT OF THE WAY!

I'm going to talk more about the "follow or get out of the way" part in tomorrow's podcast/blog and I won't be devoting a whole lot of time to the "get out of the way" part. Why? Well, honestly, people in that category are not likely to be listening to or reading ANYTHING along the lines of personal development!

In the podcast for today I shared several quotes about leadership that I picked up from http://www.wisdomquotes.com/ (check it out - it has many different categories full of quotes and is a great resource) and I'll share just a few of my favorites here:

"Inventories can be managed, but people must be led." - H. Ross Perot

"I cannot give you the formula for success, but I can give you the formula for failure: which is: Try to please everybody." - Herbert B. Swope

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." - John Quincy Adams

Again, I use several more in the podcast so be sure to check it out to get the rest of them - but take a close look at even just these three. Leaders are SPECIAL people that understand what it is, first of all, to follow and also to be a servant!

Here's the thing about leaders and followers that most people miss - ALL leaders are STILL followers! Every leader - regardless of who it is - still follows someone! They ALL have a mentor or someone that they turn to for advice or that they use as a model on how they want to lead. It's true!

If ANYONE says, "I follow no one!" then, in my opinion, here are three things you can know about that person immediately: 1. They are a LIAR 2. They are a FOOL 3. They are an IDIOT - 'nuff said.

We likely have all seen "leaders" (I use that term loosely here) that have tried to please everybody - and we've all likely seen the chaos that followed! Being a leader - a TRUE leader - is not always easy and, if you think it is then you are in for a major correction in your thinking!

I love the quote by John Quincy Adams! Summed up, "Leaders Inspire!"

So, here's the thing to think about today...you may not consider yourself to be a leader and, yet, you likely ARE a leader of someone! Remember, all leaders follow someone and, most of the time, most followers have those that follow them. But we'll get into that more in tomorrow's discussion.

If you deem yourself a leader, I really encourage you to take the time to either listen to and write down the quotes I share on the podcast and REALLY take the time to allow them to sink in OR to just got to the quotes page I've shared with you and do the same thing.

It takes a special person to lead in such a way that creates a DESIRE to follow in those around them. Not because they "have to" out of fear, but because they "have to" due to the draw of their "spirit" so to speak. Do you understand what I mean? It's as if there is a magnet in this leader that is drawing them to follow.

WARNING: Keep your head on here! Don't blindly follow someone because they are charismatic! Many have made that mistake and have suffered great losses in their lives - be careful!

The "draw/magnetism" I refer to is one that draws/attracts because you SEE in them action that goes beyond the talk or the charisma. There must be SUBSTANCE behind the pretty lights!

I'd like to leave you with one last quote that I shared on today's podcast:

"The most dangerous leadership myth is that leaders are born -- that there is a genetic factor to leadership. This myth asserts that people simply either have certain charismatic qualities or not. That's nonsense; in fact, the opposite is true. Leaders are made rather than born." - Warren G. Bennis

Are YOU cultivating the leader quality within you?

In my opinion, just being here reading this and/or listening to this podcast shows that you are, indeed, working on improving your mindset and, thus, your life!

That's what leaders do and then they show others the way to do the same thing in their own lives.

Thanks for taking the time to share in my thoughts today - I always appreciate it. Whatever you do, as always, be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike