A Leader's Greatest Things

A LEADER’S GREATEST THINGS
John Maxwell

John Maxwell put together a subjective list of a leader’s “greatest things.” These are a great way to do a self-assessment as a leader.

1. A Leader’s Greatest Liability: INSECURITY
Wayne Schmidt said, “no amount of personal competency compensates for personal insecurity. In other words, no matter how confident you are, your competence can never outweigh and overcome your insecurity.
Maxwell feels that the greatest lid on a leader’s ability is insecurity. Insecure leaders are always positioning themselves to look good in the eyes of others.

2. A Leader’s Greatest Motivation: A CHALLENGE
Maxwell was recently asked how he spots a leader. He said, once you understand what to look for, it’s not very complicated. Leaders love challenges. Leaders want uncertainty. They love being on the edge where they don’t know if they are going to make or break it. They love not knowing how these things are going to end up, but one thing is for sure: Good leaders bet on themselves. They will take the potential reward even though it could end up being a potential loss.

3. A Leader’s Greatest Return: DEVELOPING PEOPLE
What does developing people mean? That you value them. That you commit time to them. That you mentor them. That you equip them and that you empower them.

4. A Leader’s Greatest Prayer: WISDOM
Maxwell said he prays for wisdom more than anything else. Wisdom is knowing what to do next. Skill is knowing how to do it. Virtue is doing it. Dr. William Mayo said, “When knowledge is translated into proper action, we speak of it as wisdom.”

5. A Leader’s Greatest Recognition: RESPECT
The highest level of leadership results in respect. Respect is not a personal right. “Everyone has the right to speak, but you have to earn the right to be heard.” Respect is usually gained on difficult ground.