Many say they desire to be a leader, but few desire to walk in what is required of a leader.
Leadership is not a title. Leadership is a lifestyle. It is not about you; it is about others.
I am reminded of a definition of leadership I once heard: “Leadership is simply influence, nothing more, nothing less. The way you know you are leading is to look behind you. Is anyone following you? If not, you are simply taking a stroll.”
One of the main things I have learned in over 30 years of leadership is that you must keep it simple and keep it about others.
1. Go All In
You can’t live a life of greatness or influence with a half-hearted effort. You must decide to take every gift, talent, and passion you have and pour it all into your vision.
This may seem harsh, but if you are going to live a life of greatness—you can’t have a “plan B.” The moment you establish a plan B, you have severely limited or canceled plan A.
2. Live Your Life for Others
Think about it: What good is a title of leadership if you are not making an impact in the lives of those you are leading?People will never be excited to follow someone they feel has no interest in helping them better themselves and grow in their own personal life.
There is a principle that has lasted through every generation of humanity and is still in place today: “Whatever seeds you plant will be the harvest you receive.”
3. Surround Yourself With Greatness
Without question, one of the single biggest factors that determines the person you are going to be is your environment. The right people in your life can “make” you, but the wrong people in your life can “break” you.I have personally been “dropped” by people in my life I trusted. I was dropped and crushed by my father at a young age and the ripple effect of those years lasted well into my adult life. They still affect me today.
I have also been “lifted” by people. In fact, the man I am today is tied to these voices and influence in my life that picked me up and ignited my purpose and destiny.
4. Don’t Live in the Past, but Don’t Forget It
All of us have a past.Most “leadership manuals” tell us that we just need to “move on.” I get it. And for the most part I agree with the concept. You can’t do anything about the past. But your past has made you who you are.
One of the biggest questions people ask is, “If you could know then what you know now, would you change this or that?” I think most people would say yes to the seasons of bad decisions we’ve all lived through. But here is the hard truth. You simply can’t go back.
The good news is you can allow your past to drive you to a better future. Don’t live there. But don’t allow yourself to forget your failures, your mistakes, and your wrong decisions. I repeat: don’t live there. Just let them be the fuel to the fire of success and right decisions going forward. Let them drive you to help others to not make the same mistakes.
5. Be Open to Loving Criticism
Words hurt, sometimes they cut us to the core. The words of others can make us better or bitter. It is all in how we receive them.“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me” is one of the biggest lies ever spoken! I have had times in my life (and I am sure you have as well) that I would have preferred to be beaten with a stick than to have to process the pain of the “words” of others.
In my opinion, words are one of the most powerful forces on earth. Wars have been started because of words; peace has been achieved through the power of words.
If you are going to live a life of influence, you must be influenced as well. It is important to humble yourself and be open to loving criticism. Notice I said “loving” criticism. Do not open yourself to hateful or jealous criticism. That kind of advice is not for your good. Make sure you know the difference.
Are they trying to elevate you or crush you? That is the filter.
6. Be a Worker!
So many leaders and business owners teach a concept of a pyramid hierarchy. They are trained in seminars that the first thing you do is delegate. If you are not “passing the buck,” you are not leading.I completely understand the premise, and frankly, I agree with it. But I am afraid it has also created a generation of elite people “at the top,” who have forgotten the reason they began the organization to begin with.
I’m concerned that we have raised a generation of lazy and entitled people, who are now in leadership positions. They have lost their connection to the people they lead and to the mission of the organization.
The global pandemic exposed this on a huge scale. We have all seen how the work ethic of people seemed to change overnight. I would suggest it didn’t just “change,” but rather it was exposed. It was already there. We were already a society that is being programmed to live a life of entitlement.
7. Never Stop Learning
Never stop learning and growing. Your age, or formal education level, has nothing to do with your ability to educate yourself and grow.Years ago, I met a very successful doctor. He was a millionaire and owned several businesses as well. I asked him to tell me just one thing that I could do, that would make a major difference in my life and my influence in the lives of others. His reply: “Larry, never stop reading.”
He then gave me an illustration that changed me forever and I have thought back on it more times than I could count. This is the key for you as well.
This doctor said to me: “Imagine you are in your office, and you have a huge bookshelf that is so high you can barely see the top. On the top shelf is something very bright. That is your purpose. You can’t reach it. There is no ladder in the room. How do you make it to the top of the shelf and grab your destiny? You take a book off the shelf that you can reach, read it, and then stand on it. Take another book and repeat the process over and over again. One day, you will be standing on the wisdom to reach the top and grab your purpose.”
It is there, but you will not just fly up there to it. You must make the commitment to do what you must do to get there.
You have been called to greatness. You have been called to influence. My hope is you will eliminate Plan B and go all in for the purpose for which you were created.
About the Author
Larry Ragland boasts over three decades of experience in ministry, leadership training, and personal empowerment. He is an esteemed author and public speaker.Larry’s influence extends far beyond local boundaries. He has gained international recognition due to his television program, “The Big Picture,” which also extends to his online video show as well. Furthermore, Larry’s voice resonates through his podcast series: “The Big Picture” and “The Remnant Leadership Podcast.”
In 1996, emphasizing his commitment to education and training for future leaders, he founded the Ambassadors College. This institution has since been instrumental in mentoring and equipping a new generation of ministers, leaders, educators, and community influencers.
In addition, Larry is the Founder and Director of the Ambassadors Network, a collective of leaders, ministers, content creators, and influencers who are changing their world.
- principles of effective leadership
- understanding the true essence of Vision
- harnessing potential and recognizing opportunities
- overcoming adversities stemming from a challenging past
- the transformative power of mentorship.
