Tag: leader development

Who Would Follow You, the Leader?

Celebrating the best of the Epic Living Blog, 2012. Enjoy!

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I've been thinking a lot these last few weeks about what's the best measurement of quality leadership-in the business world and out. There's so much flowing out there about defining quality leadership, it can be a bit overwhelming. Did I mention burdensome?

I will attempt to set a context you can use to measure leadership in a way that you can pull out in virtually any situation. Maybe it's a question you ask a prospective manager or the HR recruiter who wants to know if you have any further questions.

The question comes down to this; "who follows you even though they don't have to?"

The answer to the above question is so important because anyone can follow when there is a stick and carrot involved. But what about when you're not in charge or some other circumstance changes the order of things? Every time I've met someone who has followed a leader without the force of position, I've encountered someone whose life has been impacted. Impacted in way that you can feel deep in your gut as the observer. Sort of like being in the audience when a great singer sings "that" song.

This all should make us remember that how we influence people (every day) is what builds true followers. And if we do it right, they will stay.

Related articles
5 Questions with John Baldoni, Author of The Leader's Pocket Guide
Great Quotes on Great Leadership

There Are Many Reasons Why God Is Opposed To The Proud

Maybe you have heard the statement, or read the bible verse, about God being opposed to the proud.  Well, here are some reasons in our day and time that helps us understand why:

  1. Proud people don't give a _____ about you and I.
  2. Proud people tend to always want the credit.
  3. Proud people can not be trusted.
  4. If you're willing to listen, proud people will show their cards pretty quickly.
  5. Proud people will try to explain their dysfunction away.
  6. Proud people believe their humble.
  7. Proud people have a low reservoir of sympathy.
  8. Proud people are in your corner-when you're winning.
  9. Proud people aways see others as inferior.
  10. Proud people die lonely and alone.

Next time you engage with a person full of pride, tell them God is on defense.

By the way, pride is always knocking on your door.  Be careful.

Corrupt Instincts and Leadership

Sometimes those involved in people leadership are like those in social media consulting, it seems like everyone thinks they can do it.  But, alas, not everyone can.  There are numerous people out there who have scars to prove my point.  This is a problem.

I came across this post from Ed Batista, someone who has encouraged and informed me, that speaks to leaders who have an arsenal of corrupt instincts.  These types of leaders act on their stressed and vitriol emotions.  Not unlike the spoiled child who always threatens to take his bat on home if you don't play by his pre-set rules. 

I won't give away Ed's insights, but I will give you some insights on what you must do in order to keep your heart and mind from being trampled upon-in any organization.  Here are some things to consider:

  1. If you work for a leader that exhibits corrupt instincts, then get out! I know the economy might be bad, I know you may be a year away from vesting, you might even be in denial about what the future will look like if you don't do something.  Regardless, leadership can be a very negative thing and they don't call it influence for nothing.
  2. If you will set aside the stars in your eyes from the interview, you might be able to get a clue about the organization's culture.  In other words, does the organization condone and create conditions for corrupt instincts?  Investigate, Investigate, Investigate!
  3. Start living on less.  Forget about the new 5 Series from BMW, start putting more money back, or get out of debt.  You may be working for angels today, but things can change and the demons are always at the gate.  Be prepared to protect your soul.
  4. Don't go on any journey of awakening (seeing what wasn't evident before) alone.
  5. This process will cost you.  But in the end, you'll be able to look back and know it was worth it.  Like me, you could lose your career and find your life.  Pretty cool in the end. 

Looking In The Mirror

The following spoke volumes to me this morning:

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve;
I was made weak, that I
might learn to humbly obey.
     I asked for health, that I might do greater
things;
     I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I
asked for riches, that I might be happy;
I was given poverty, that I might
be wise.
     I asked for power, that I might have the praise of

            men;
     I was given weakness, that I might feel the need
of God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life;
I was given
life, that I might enjoy all things.
     I got nothing that I asked for,

     But everything I had hoped for.

I am, among all men, most richly
blessed.

    -Author Unknown