GOOD LEADERSHIP = LASTING LEGACY

[Jo Silvey]

Good Leadership Is the BEST Means for Leaving a Lasting Legacy! I was reading Dr. John Maxwell.... and find this to be so right on for such a time as this!

We live in an age of tolerance, where protecting feelings is more highly valued than proclaiming the truth. People look with suspicion upon anyone who desires to influence others to embrace their beliefs. I want to encourage you to buck popular opinion. As Thomas Jefferson proclaimed, "In matters of fashion, swim with the current. In matters of conscience, stand like a rock."

The Law of Legacy states, "True success is measured by succession." A legacy that does not include people has no eternal value. That is why leadership is critical. Make it your aim to practice transfrmational leadership, where people's lives are changed from the inside out. That kind of leadership is based on character, conviction, and Christlikeness.

Where do most people go to learn leasership? Some examine the world of politics. Others seek models in the entertainment industry. Many look to the world of business. Most people seem to look to successful CEOs, management consultants, and theoreticians with Ph.D.s to learn about leadership.

But the truth is, the best source of leadership teaching today is the same as it has been for thousands of years. The greatest Book on leadership ever written---the Bible.

One of the most important leadership lessons John Maxwell teaches in The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership---is the Law of the Lid, which states, "Leadership ability determines a person's level of effectiveness." This is key when working with others. Greater than resources, talent, money, or intelligence, leadership makes the difference when it comes to making an impact.

We must raise the "lid" on our effectiveness. You must become a person of influence.

* Leaders must learn to adjust their plans while holding tenaciously to the vision.

*Everyone leads and follows someone.

*No one can lead well without following well.

*Individuals must see the benefits of the vision before they will commit to it.

*To win trust, leaders must exhibit both character and competence.

Each person's leadership is best exercised in his or her area of giftedness. When we discover our gifts, we will naturally lead in those areas where we are most productive, intuitive, comfortable, influential, and satisfied.

What qualifies a person to be a leader? Most natural leaders don't aspire to be great leaders; they aspire to be great persons. Personal qualifications lead to leadership qualifications. When leaders lead their own lives well, others naturally want to follow. Consider Mother Teresa of Calcutta, India. It's doubtful she ever said, "I am going to set out to be a great leader!" Yet that is what she became. She developed personal qualities that became leadership qualities.

Living with excellence,
Jo Silvey

[Staci Wallace]

GREAT leadership article, Jo! You are a blessing to this community and your words are always an encouragement. Thank you for using your life to empower the lives of others.

[Jo Silvey]

Thank you Staci!!!!!