Rewind: Shortcuts have consequences in nearly every single life situation. People will pop pills and try the latest fad diet to do anything to lose weight only to hurt themselves. Weight loss shortcuts have consequences. Governments often lay a heavy hand in response to situations to try to fix them quickly, only to make situations worse. Government shortcuts have consequences. Corporations skip steps to get products to market as quickly as possible and people die daily because of it. Corporate shortcuts have consequences. Leadership is the same way. Shortcuts result in serious consequences.
Leadership is not a title; it is about gaining influence where you are now. I know a lot of young leaders looking for the next step in life, the next position, the next title. They want to take a shortcut. Leadership shortcuts have consequences too! You may also enjoy: The Player Piano & Leadership: Writing Your Own Song in Life, Forget the Joneses, Be Different, Spend Some Time Alone, 4 Ways to Remember & What’s Your Addiction? Leadership Ain’t a Title: How to Gain Influence Where You Are Now. Here are some questions for you, young leader:
Where have you been placed in life today?
Where do you find yourself sitting today? Are you looking for the next title? Are you looking for the next promotion, the Manager role or Pastor title? Let me break it to you: I don’t think God gives a rip about your title. I truly don’t think it means much to him. You mean much to him, but I don’t think your title does. Where have you been placed in life? What opportunities do you have? Lead there for now. Don’t miss your opportunity to seize this day and make the most of it!
What can you focus on instead of title?
Lots of things. I’ll give you one for now: your character. Who are you really? Who are you becoming inside? Not what can you do, but who are who. Do you do what you say you’ll do and do it with the utmost respect and responsibility? If the answer is no, why should you be entrusted with more? Do you care more about your title than about those closest to you? If the answer is no, your ambition will get you! A friend of mine used to say, “If your ambition ends with you, your ambition will eventually end you!”
Do I need to get it all right every time?
Heck no! You will mess up frequently (Hang out with me and you’ll see). Still, you learn from these mess ups and do things differently the next time. Humility leads to learning something about yourself and doing better the next time. It’s not about being right. It’s more about learning. Forgive yourself for not being perfect!
What is more important than your title?
I would argue: your understanding and view of God, the world and yourself. If your identity is wrapped up in your title or your job, you are setting yourself up for a major wake up call someday. Get a more realistic view of yourself by: asking for feedback, discovering and focusing on your strengths and managing your weaknesses. Get to know your Creator. He knows more about you than anyone. Get to know what is going on in the world. Red the news, ask questions, look around. The earth doesn’t spin around you, and the sooner you realize this, the sooner you can focus less on your title and more on other things.
Is your zeal a bad thing?
No! Be passionate. Dream big. Get focused and make a difference! But do so out of a realistic view of who you are. Don’t try to earn approval or impress. We’re not impressed. Take that passion and learn to focus it. Understand yourself first so you will be able to understand others.
Are you really listening in life right now?
Chances are, you are surrounded with opportunities to invest in the lives of others. If you are married, do you really know your spouse? You need to lead them or help them lead! Do you know your neighbors? Where you live is a good place to start. It’s no accident you are where you are. What about your friends? Who is in your life that you are missing? What opportunities have been presented to you lately? Not everyone with eyes truly sees. Not everyone with ears truly hears.
So work on your self and pour out to those around you. You will gain influence. Don’t skip the process of growth. You will stay in the leadership game much longer! Don’t worry about the title. Don’t worry about always being right. Think instead about who you really are, not what you can produce. Focus your passions and get clarity. Open your ears and listen. Leadership is no a title. Soon, you will begin to gain influence. Don’t shortcut the process. Instead, savor the moment!
How else can young leaders gain influence where they are? What can be done to grow? What else should be avoided? Please share!
