John C. Maxwell's Blog, page 32

Take 5

Ask most people about their company’s mission statement, and you’ll receive a blank stare. It’s probably hanging on the wall somewhere, but no one even realizes it’s there. Pausing to consider the organization’s mission may help to orient a leadership team. However, in terms of day-to-day operations, the organization’s stated purpose is practically worthless.Leaders should quit agonizing over the wording of an abstract mission statement that almost no one will read and that will have almost z...

Choosing the Right Travel Companions

When flying coach class, it’s no fun being stuck for several hours behind a passenger carrying a yelping puppy or beside a family with crying, colicky twin babies. Nor do you want to end up next to someone who frequently heaves into the airsickness bag or who smells like they haven’t showered in several weeks. In short, the quality and enjoyability of your flight depends a great deal on the people seated around you.In a similar manner, the enjoyability and success of your leadership journey d...

Getting Big Mo to Go

When cycling, there’s a world of difference between cruising downhill, with momentum, and pedaling uphill without any momentum at all. The former is a breeze; the latter is extremely tiresome and requires extraordinary effort.In like manner, leaders are sure to feel the difference between having momentum and lacking it. Momentum makes leaders look better than they actually are. It exaggerates all of their strengths. It also covers a multitude of mistakes. When an organization has momentum, pe...

The number one reason why we don’t ask enough questions

Early in my career I didn’t ask many questions. I mistakenly believed that as a leader I should know the answers to everyone else’s questions. As a result, I adopted the ridiculous attitude of “fake it ’til you make it.” Unfortunately, that caused me to do a lot of faking but very little making.The fear of appearing foolish was the number one reason why I didn’t ask questions and try to learn. Had I been wiser, I would have paid attention to the words of King Solomon, the wisest man who ever...

You Only Get Answers to the Questions You Ask

When I first began teaching leadership, I spent nearly all my time giving lectures. Today, at almost every speaking gig, people want time to ask me questions about leadership, which I welcome. Not only do I enjoy sharing what I’ve learned, but answering questions also gives me an opportunity to speak from my heart. As people share their issues and concerns with vulnerability, I try to share my experiences with transparency. I always want to help people who want to make a difference.I’ve come...

Priorities Prevent Your Leadership from Crashing

Look both ways before crossing the street, check the rearview mirror before backing up, put your blinker on before turning—these simple matters of prioritization keep people safe on the roadways. Yet as rudimentary as they are, people still get them backward. According to the National Safety Council, one-fourth of automobile accidents are caused by drivers backing up improperly. In most cases, the drivers simply neglect to carefully check the rearview mirror before putting the vehicle in reve...

Attitude – It’s a Choice!

As I shared in my last post, one of the teachings from John that has caused me to grow the most is How to be a REAL Success. Previously I wrote on Relationship principles that I’ve learned from John over my career working with him. Today I’ll share on the A in REAL – Attitude.One of the most valuable lessons that I’ve learned from John is that attitude can be one of my greatest assets. Ultimately, my attitude is my choice. Neither negative people nor negative circumstances can control my atti...

Pied Pipers or Team Leaders: What Do Influencers Look Like in Your Organization?

The ranks of leadership are teeming with pied pipers—charismatic leaders whose magnetic personalities and extraordinary abilities draw a following of admirers. However, the goal of leadership isn’t to attract an entourage who will boost your ego, but to develop a team of leaders who will advance the vision of your organization. To develop the leaders around you, focus on helping them grow in three areas:1. ChoicesIf you want immediate, positive results, help your people make smarter decisions...

Traveling to Infinity and Beyond Means Leaving Self-Centeredness Behind

Forty-five years ago, on July 20, 1969, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin accomplished a feat considered impossible for much of human history. Escaping the gravitational pull of the earth, and soaring beyond its atmosphere, they were the first persons to set foot on the moon. Their successful mission was the crowning achievement of NASA’s space program.NASA’s vision statement, “We reach for new heights and reveal the unknown for the benefit of humankind,” expresses the human longing t...

The 10-80-10 Principle, Part Two: The Impact of the Final 10%

On Wednesday, I shared my favorite way to delegate. I explained the way I’m heavily involved on the front end of a project. During that time, I give my team five specific things (big picture, objectives, direction, resources/support, and responsibility) to set them up for success. Then I hand the next 80% of the work off to them. If you haven’t already, go back and read the post, so you’ll know what preceded this step in the process.As I mentioned Wednesday, a lot of leaders have learned to d...