Napoleon once said, “There is but one step between triumph and ruin.” One step. A simple change, an informed alignment can make the difference.
The general took the steps to excellence. Through his work he affected the greatest revolution in military history. He displayed a great feel for battle and the shape of the campaign. He could immediately assess a problem and know the steps to solve it. The military leader did not achieve greatness because of great size. He was five foot six inches in height. He achieved because of his enduring commitment.
As leaders we manifest a relentless pursuit of excellence. How can we achieve that lofty standard? How can we equip our teams to do the same? Winston Churchill said, “When the right leaders and the right moment come together, incredible things happen.”
Ten commitments will help us. We must bring together great leadership and inspire great followers. The first of these commitments will speak about our leadership of ourselves. The second group will inspire us as we lead our teams.
LEADING YOURSELF
Be Yourself
Understand your passion. “Passion creates fire. It provides fuel.” (John Maxwell)
What are your values? Are you being true to them?
“Here’s some simple advice. Always be yourself. Never take yourself too seriously. And beware of advice from experts, pigs, and members of Parliament.” (Kermit in Wisdom from It's Not Easy Being Green)
Challenge Yourself
You must “Resist the temptation to be nice to yourself.” (Robert Greene)
The leader you are now is not the leader you will be. You must be committed to grow. Leaders grow daily, but not in a day. (John Maxwell). Leadership growth must be attacked with regular, consistent effort.
As you face the future ask some questions: What was life like before there was a problem? And “Where will you be in two to three years.”
Be Honest About Your Weaknesses and Relentless in Attacking Them
Your leadership is not set in concrete. Before you can lead others, you must lead yourself. Give priority to growth. Ask yourself the question, “What am I doing to make myself a better leader.
John Maxwell said it right, “I haven’t learned to arrive, just to keep going.”
Set The Bar High
Develop the highest standards of excellence. Be exceptional.
Make the choices necessary to excel. "It is our choices, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities." (J.K Rowling)
Discipline yourself to press forward. “Optimal discipline is self-discipline.” (Jocko Willink, “Leadership Strategy and Tactics”)
