US General Dwight Eisenhower would demonstrate the art of leadership with a piece of a simple string. He’s put the string on the table and say:”Pull it and it will follow where you wish. Push it and it will go nowhere at all. It’s just that way when it comes to leading people. A leaders’ personal momentum will lead to a team’S momentum. They need to follow a person who is leading by example. It’s called creating the “PULL”.
I have been fortunate to learn many principles from leaders who created the “pull”. The pull empowered me to WANT to follow them vs. having to follow them. These same principles apply to any leadership role you may find yourself in, maybe you have people you are in charge of at work – if you are a parent to are definitely a leader.
How do you create the pull?
- Be a leader of courage-WHY do leaders need to be people of courage?
Because a leader’s mission is to take people from point A to point B, to take them from where they are to where they need to be… They challenge the status quo and thinking. That takes courage because it means you will face opposition. - Be a leader who cares– Author Brian Tracy said it best, “A person who feels appreciated will always do more than expected. Caring isn’t just a onetime thing either it’s something that is constant in sincere and recognizable ways. What are some ways you show someone you care? Sending a postcard to their home to recognize their efforts (The whole family sees). Simply inviting them out to coffee and letting them know eye ball to eye ball you care. Not being quick to condemn or criticize.
- Be a leader who is growth oriented-Have you ever flown on a plane? One of the announcements is to put on your oxygen mask before helping the person next to you. This is no different when being a leader. You have to put on your own oxygen mask. It’s easy to fall into the non growth trap because you are the so called leader. I was once traveling with one of mentors and he forgot the book he was reading at home. He went to the front desk and asked if anyone had left any books behind. I was perplexed by this request. Why does it matter if he missed one day of reading? Then he told me, your greatest tool is yourself. Work hard at growing yourself. People are always asking what you can give them. How can you give if your fuel tank is empty?
Let’s call a spade a spade. Being a leader involves more responsibility and can be challenging, whether you lead a Fortune 1000 company or if you are parent. However, in the end being a leader can be one of the most rewarding things you do in your life. The question is, would you rather influence by creating a pull or push?
If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.
-John Quincy Adams
Equip, Educate, Empower, and Encourage others to become better leaders!
Tony Jalan
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