December 2, 2024

Be the type of leader who blesses others, lifts others, and can look back on your leadership, saying, “My most significant accomplishment was in uplifting the lives of those around me.” – John Maxwell

Leadership is simply influence—nothing more, nothing less.

Everyone deserves to be led well and recognized for their unique brilliance. As Mary Kay Ash said, “If just one more person today discovers how important he or she is, it will be a great day!”

No one stands taller in their leadership influence than when they pause to encourage and enrich someone else. When you believe in someone and show that belief, they also begin to believe in themselves.

To be a “lifting leader,” you must emulate what great leaders do; it all begins internally. Personal greatness aligns with hidden disciplines that enable leaders to do extraordinary things daily, making their greatness evident publicly.

Lifting leaders dedicate themselves to living beyond expectations. They establish high standards for their lives and conduct. They choose to treat others better than they are treated, sow seeds of kindness in people’s lives, and consistently do more for others than others do for them. They value personal growth, striving to use their influence to foster growth environments, which are characterized by these ten elements: it’s a place where others are ahead of you, where you’re continually challenged, where your focus is forward, where the atmosphere is affirming, where you often step out of your comfort zone, where you wake up excited, where failure is not seen as an enemy, where others are growing, where people desire change, and where growth is both modeled and expected.

Intentionally Own It: Everyone deserves to be led well. Create an environment where others can experience positive leadership, starting with your journey and extending it to your family. Be the leader the world needs—it’s a ripple effect worth creating!

-Adapted from Maxwell Leadership