Impact

We all impact the lives of those around us.  It is inevitable, as is the way that people impact our lives each and every day.  The challenge is to impact people positively.  The greater challenge is to proactively impact people positively.  Never underestimate the impact you have on others just during normal daily encounters.  Try to consciously have a positive impact during those encounters.  We all have gifts.  We should strive to use those gifts in order to beneficially impact those around us.  Consider the all of the uplifting ways you might be able to impact people during your day.

• Encourage
• Support
• Console
• Be an example
• Share
• Pray for
• Advise
• Teach
• Listen

Consider your impact on those around you, and do so positively.  What will your impact be today?

Absence of Leadership (part 2)

I often get feedback and suggestions regarding the MMM.  The confirming stories and notes of appreciation from readers are great.  It is also always good to hear additional and varying viewpoints.  Last Monday morning I got some validation for that day’s MMM from the highest of all places.  I was reading the Bible, probably not an hour after the MMM was posted that morning, and came across the below verse.

 

Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.

Proverbs 11:14

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

There you have it, from God himself.  Without wise leadership we fail.  Leadership is the obvious tie to the MMM but the word “wise” may be even more important.  We are challenged to seek multiple wise advisors.  I think that it goes without saying that some of us are chosen to be those wise leaders and advisors.  Seek wise leaders and advisors and be one when you can!  Don’t let your life, home, company or organization, fail due to a lack of wise leadership!

Absence of Leadership

A common MMM focus is leadership, but what about the lack of it?  We all probably have our own way of identifying the lack of leadership.  It is likely obvious and unsettling.  But specifically what are the signs of a leadership void?

1. Failure to reach stated organization goals or the lack of goals all together.
2. Dissention among the ranks about the right vision, direction or next steps.
3. Inconsistency in decision making.
4. Widespread frustration.
5. Obvious, and even accepted, wastes of time and effort.
6. Lack of control and direction from the top.

 

These circumstances are cause for concern.  Organizations displaying these traits are destined for challenges if not failure. Existing leadership needs to step up and lead, or be replaced.  New and aspiring leaders have the opportunity to advance themselves and aid the organization. 

 

Know how to spot the absence of leadership and either move on or be part of the solution!

Leaders Listen

If you have followed the MMM for long at all you know the importance placed on listening. It is an absolute necessity to listen well in order to be a great leader. For that matter, you can’t be a good parent, spouse or friend without listening well. Maybe you recall the MMM about… “God gave you two ears and one mouth, use them in that ratio!”...

Here are some statistics to support the crucial importance of listening.

• 85% - How much of our learning is derived from listening.

• 50% - How much most people can recall of what they have just heard immediately after hearing something.

• 35 – The number of business studies indicating that listening is a top skill needed for success.

Stop worrying about what you are going to say next and listen. If you are not listening you are not leading.

Questions I Ask Myself

John Maxwell is a very insightful author and speaker on leadership and Christian topics. One of his recent articles was entitled “Questions I ask Myself”. One of those questions was “Am I taking others to a higher level?” It is a great question. We often hear about athletes who, by simply being on a team, make those around them better players. They encourage better play by those around them. We should strive to do the same. As leaders at home, work and in the ...community we should strive to bring those around us to higher levels. Consider how you encourage others, how you set expectations, how you create energy around you. Those are the kinds of things that can raise the performance and create a better life experience for the lives you touch daily. You don’t have to be a professional athlete or a famous speaker and author. You just need to be sensitive to helping others grow. Share your knowledge, pass along your passions, and be encouraging.

Remember… A rising tide lifts all boats! Take those around you to new levels.
Have a blessed week.