Welcome to "Diary of a Leader" - Real Stories, Leadership Lessons, and Personal Growth
Ah, leadership! The thrilling, heart-racing journey of ups, downs, and all the delightful chaos in between.
Welcome to "Diary of a Leader," where I peel back the curtain on the good, the bad, and the downright awkward moments of being a leader.
And today, I’m serving up a lesson that’s close to my heart: the power of valuing and believing in people.
This idea struck me on my morning walk, with none other than the fabulous John Maxwell as my audio guide. Maxwell has been one of my biggest influences in leadership, and, as always, he had a few gems that truly resonated. This time, it was all about value—how as leaders, we’re called to see and bring out the best in others.
The Leadership Advantage: Seeing More and Seeing Before
Maxwell talks about the leadership advantage as the ability to "see more and see before" others do. It’s a gift—an early glimpse of potential challenges and opportunities. But here’s the crucial part: If we only use that vision for our own gain, we’re missing the point of leadership. That foresight should drive us to add value to others, to look for ways to uplift them and encourage them to do the same for those around them.
Think about it: As leaders, we’re in a unique position to see strengths in people they might not see in themselves, to encourage their growth, and to show them their value. Using this advantage well isn’t just about noticing someone’s potential—it’s about acting on it. When you consistently add value to others, you create a ripple effect that goes beyond what you could ever achieve alone.
The Law of Value: Giving More Than You Take
Another resource that came to mind is the book The Go-Giver and its concept of The Five Laws of Stratospheric Success. One of those laws is The Law of Value, which says, “Your true worth is determined by how much more you give in value than you take in payment.”
This one stuck with me because it reminds us that value isn’t always transactional—it’s about giving without expectation. Adding value can be as simple as mentoring someone, recognizing their contributions, or giving them the confidence they need to tackle something new. But here’s where it gets interesting: if we’re always focused on giving more than we take, there’s a hidden complexity.
The Tricky Balance of Giving and Feeling Valued
Giving value is essential, but if we’re not careful, constantly giving can lead to burnout or, ironically, a feeling of being undervalued. That’s why it’s so important to ensure you’re not just adding value but also valuing yourself. When you truly value yourself, it creates a foundation from which you can add genuine, lasting value to others.
If you consistently undervalue yourself, it can have a ripple effect. Think about it: if you don’t recognize your own worth, you might hesitate to set boundaries, voice your ideas, or take a stand when it’s needed. Over time, this doesn’t just affect you—it can diminish the value of those around you as well, as they rely on your strength and belief in the vision.
The balance here? Give generously, but recognize and honor your own worth too. The best leaders add value to others from a place of internal abundance, not self-sacrifice.
Putting Value into Practice: A Challenge for Every Leader
Maxwell’s message was clear: adding value to others should be a core principle for every leader. But how do we actually do that? Here are a few ways to make valuing others—and yourself—a priority:
Look for Value in Others - Each person on your team brings something unique. Make it a habit to notice and affirm these strengths. A simple acknowledgment can go a long way in building someone’s confidence and showing them their worth.
Encourage Others to Add Value - Leadership isn’t just about what you do; it’s also about inspiring others. Encourage your team to support and uplift each other, creating a culture where value is added at every level.
Give Without Expectation - Sometimes the best value you can give is the kind with no strings attached. Whether it’s sharing insights, offering guidance, or simply listening, let these actions come from a genuine desire to support others.
Value Yourself to Elevate Others - Remember that valuing yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential. When you recognize your own worth, you’re better equipped to give from a place of strength, creating a ripple effect that elevates the whole team.
Wrapping Up (Because Time is Precious)
So, here’s the big takeaway: Leadership is about seeing and bringing out the best in others, but it’s also about valuing yourself. When you balance giving with a strong sense of self-worth, you create an environment of mutual respect and growth. You empower others to step into their own potential and do the same for those around them.
Next time you have the opportunity, ask yourself: How can I add value to this person or situation? Then act on it—because a leader who values people leaves a lasting impact far beyond their immediate reach.
Catch you next time, fellow leaders-in-training—and remember, leadership is about creating more value, more growth, and more leaders.
Stay tuned for more reflections and lessons from the trenches of leadership in the next installment of
"Diary of a Leader"
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