Assessing Your Own Leadership Skills
by
Dr. John C. Maxwell
When I was a kid, every once in a while my
parents would back my brother, Larry, and I up to a doorframe,
lay a ruler across our heads, and mark a line with a pencil to
chart our growth. They would then write the date next to it. It
was always exciting to see how much I'd grown since my last
measurement.
If only measuring our effectiveness as a
leader was so easy. Why is
it so hard to get a clear picture of our own strengths and
weaknesses?
All great leaders have understood that their
number one responsibility is cultivating their own discipline
and personal
growth. Those who cannot lead themselves
cannot lead others.
Here's what I call the "Start" plan for
becoming a disciplined leader.
- Start on Yourself
–
We'd all rather focus on changing everyone else to conform to us.
The only problem with that is we end up with an organization full
of people who reflect our weaknesses!
- Start Early
– I'm grateful for parents who
taught me the value of a disciplined lifestyle early on.
- Start Small
– A simple plan
will more likely bear fruit than anything elaborate will.
Remember the value of small things, consistently practiced over
time, in transforming a life.
- Start Now
– The will to prepare is more
important than the will to succeed. The dream to succeed, apart
from the will to prepare, is simply wishful thinking.
- Start Organized
– Those who take time to
organize have a special power. Organizational skills allow for
the possibility of gaining stamina and momentum as your successes
build. You gain a reputation as the person who always follows
through.
Now that you've started down the road of self-evaluation,
receiving constructive criticism, and self-discipline, you're ready to
determine where you are as an effective leader.
To your success,
JCM
P.S. If you're ready to become an effective leader,
this program is for you: BBL
© 2006 By John C Maxwell.
Used with permission. All international rights reserved.
As a
cutting-edge entrepreneur, best-selling author, and
dynamic speaker, Dr. John C. Maxwell has cultivated an
extensive following among the most highly respected and
influential business leaders across the globe. Dr.
Maxwell's philosophy that “everything rises and falls on
leadership” motivates him to help individuals reach
their highest potential, both in the home office and
abroad through conferences, books, and audio/video
resources.
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