July 31, 2023

“The first job of leadership is to love people.” - Rick Warren

How can you lead with love and better listen, observe, value, encourage, and respond to the people you lead? When we free our minds to stop being obsessed with ourselves, we become alert for others. This clarity empowers us to take responsibility for who we are as leaders and develop standards to measure our influence. It’s all about our focus.

Here area few ideas to enhance your leadership influence:

Listen. Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. Be interested, not interesting. Forget yourself and focus on those entrusted to lead, serve and grow.

Observe. How well do you see the people around you? Look up. Notice. Act.

Value. How well do you value people regardless of what they can or cannot do for you? Routinely ask yourself, “What makes this person valuable?”

Encourage. How encouraging and helpful are your words? Speak only out of a faith-filled heart. Unselfishly look for the best for others. Encouragement is oxygen to the soul.

Respond. Actions speak louder than words. Be a leader of initiative and follow through. Be a person of your word.

Replicate. Be a leader worth replicating. No matter how you feel, you can forgive and walk in love. Don’t let bitterness take root in your soul. Negativity drains us and the people we influence.

Intentionally Own It Reflection: What draws me toward being a leader - in every realm of life - who takes responsibility for my leadership quality by being accountable for who I am and how I show up?

-Adapted from Make It Count