Baller 21

Leadership Gold Lessons

by Chris Harvey on 12/08/08

I went to the book store with my father-in-law, during Thanksgiving weekend, and he handed me Leadership Gold, the latest book from John Maxwell, as a gift.

At first I was thinking: “No, not that book.” “There are a ton of other books that I would rather read first!”

Yes, I have heard of all the talk of Maxwell as the leadership guru, but I just haven’t gotten around to reading any of his books (40 books or so did seem like overkill to me).

But my father-in-law insisted that this book would be helpful for me, so I accepted.

I am half way through the book and I’m enjoying it. It is definitely a book that is helping me where I am at in my life right now (leadership development, life direction, following my passion).

There are many components that have been helpful, but I’ll only list a few that stood out the most.

Passion:
* Following your passion is the key to finding your potential.
* Talent, opportunity, and knowledge are great assets, but passion is the real difference-maker.
* Every job has its negative characteristics, and no job is fun all of the time. But the right job should not feel like a chore all the time.
* The greatest job is one where you’re not sure where the line is between work and play.

Defining Moments:
* Defining moments, good or bad, shape us.
* Leaders become better leaders when they experience a defining moment and respond to it correctly.
* Be alert to the kinds of defining moments leaders typically face: Ground breakers–opportunities to do something new, Heart breakers–opportunities to reevaluate priorities, Cloud breakers–opportunities for a clear vision, Chart breakers–opportunities to go to a new level.

Strengths:
* Get in your strength zone and stay there.
* Success is: knowing your purpose in life, growing to your maximum potential, and sowing seeds that benefit others. However, none of these are possible unless you find and stay in your strength zone.
* People’s purpose in life is always connected to their giftedness.
* If you have an image in your mind of what talents people are supposed to have, yet you do not possess them, then you will have a difficult time finding your true strengths.
* Discover and develop who you are.

So far so good. I am continuing on the road of discovering my life purposes, defining my strength zones, and how to cultivate those in this generation.

Where are you at on your journey? Do you like where your headed or do you need to make some changes?

C.Harv