Here is an exert from my new book Leadology…
I have found that when you level up your leadership, you will transform at least four vital components in your life:
1) Your Ideas
You are only one idea away from a major breakthrough. A simple thought can become the catalyst for a life-altering future. When you open up your mind to new ideas, you open up to new opportunities. All it takes is one idea to catapult you from where you are to where you want to be. Inspiration is the pathway to innovation. The more you level up your leadership ability, the more you’ll create better practices, better strategies, and better opportunities. Author John Steinbeck said, “Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen.” Here is the definition of the verb Inspire: to encourage somebody to greater effort, enthusiasm, or creativity: to awaken a particular feeling in somebody. [Latin-inspirare “to breathe.”] When you take the time to develop yourself, you’ll awaken the leader within.
2) Your Influence
Influence is the currency of leadership. To lead others, you must influence them. John Quincy Adams said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” People do not follow people they disrespect. Having a title doesn’t make you a leader; having influence is what makes you a leader. When you level up your leadership ability, your influence allows you to be, do, and have more. The more influence you gain, the more you are able to accomplish. Most people are busy trying to accumulate “stuff,” but if you want to make a mark, then invest your life into accumulating influence.
3) Your Impact
Your positive impact is one of the most valuable treasures you can leave behind on this Earth. It is your biggest footprint. It outdoes your financial status, fame, and all the material possessions you could ever acquire. Legacy is a gift that can change people’s destiny. We have all been impacted by friends and family members that have passed on before us, and when we take a look at their lives, hopefully, we are effected by who they were and the positive impact they were able to make. Author Shannon L. Alder said, “Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.”
What kind of impact will you have when you have passed on? What will others say about the legacy you left behind? What will you be remembered for? How will you be remembered? Our legacy starts now—not when we are gone. This is good news. This means we get to choose what kind of legacy we will pass on. When you level up your leadership ability, you create a greater impact from your life, and that is worth more than anything.
4) Your Income
When your leadership goes to the next level you’ll raise your value to the company and to those around you. Great leaders receive greater compensation because of what they bring to the table. In 1921, Charles Schwab was one of the first American businessmen to be paid over a million-dollar salary by U.S. Steel owner Andrew Carnegie. What’s interesting is that Schwab didn’t know much at all about steel or manufacturing. In fact, he let it be known that his workers knew much more than he about the business. But this is what Schwab said about why he was paid so well: “I consider my ability to arouse enthusiasm among my people the greatest asset I possess, and the way to develop the best that is in a person is by appreciation and encouragement.” Schwab became incredibly wealthy by becoming a great leader.
Is it all about the money? Of course not. But as Zig Ziglar always said, “Money won’t make you happy, but everybody wants to find out for themselves.” The truth is, creating wealth only opens up the door for more opportunities to provide for yourself, your family, your charities, and the impact you want to make. As you level up your leadership ability you’ll level up your capacity to make more money. Leadership learners are exceptional earners.
Check out the book for the 12 ideas…
