What Is Leadership?
One of my favorite authors and speakers on leadership is John Maxwell. John says “The True Measure of Leadership is Influence– Nothing More, Nothing Less”. He also says “He who thinks he leads, but has no followers, is only taking a walk”.
Position versus Influence
In a job, we’re taught to respect the “position” and that the position had power over others. It’s easy to have “forced influence” over others when you have a “title” and you can use the “carrot & stick” method of influencing. When I was a “boss” in the corporate world, people listened because if they didn’t, I could fire them and if they did great, I could give them a raise. Once I was in my own home based business, it didn’t work that way. 🙄 Everyone was an independent entrepreneur and therefore, there was no carrot and stick because there was no “job”. Everyone including myself, was their own “boss”, therefore I soon realized that leadership by position is ineffective as an entrepreneur. You can’t be the “boss” of entrepreneurs!
After many years of personal growth, I studied leadership principles by John C. Maxwell and he said “leadership is influence”. Wow! 😯 I thought leadership meant position and power. I didn’t really understand what influence really meant. 🙄 Then he said “he who thinks he leads, but has no followers, is only taking a walk”. 😯 Wow, was I just taking a walk all these years? 😳 As I searched deep inside of me, I realized “yes, I was just taking a walk”. I thought people were following me, however, they weren’t, they were following the “position” I had, and after a while, my influence was gone! 😥
What is Influence?
John Maxwell states “a person of influence has integrity with people”. Integrity is a vital piece to achieving business and personal success. We must “walk our talk” and always “be good to our word”.
Looking back, I have made so many mistakes learning what real influence really meant. I thought it was about “working hard” and achieving because that’s what I had been taught in the corporate world, however, the entrepreneurial world didn’t operate like the job. Influence was something which had to be earned and must be kept, which means I couldn’t just “rest on my laurels”. It was something I wanted to learn and get better at each and everyday.
Here’s a video of my journey with influence:
BEing a Leader is one of the greatest experiences ever! Truly helping people and making a difference in people’s lives is the most fulfilling feeling in the world! How do you feel about being a leader? Do you want to be a great leader? We’d love to hear how you feel about BEing a leader in the comments below.
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February 22nd, 2011 at 6:54 pm
Aloha Kellie, I luv your true inspiration and expressions as a leader. I know it is not as simple as it sounds, because there is a lot of requirements to lead others and it comes with time. My former manager gave me a great analogy, don’t push or pull others, but be next to them and walk with them to get the results you’re looking for. Until now that statement stays with me and I know I do need to work on me to assist others and that they may do the same. Glad I came by and thanks for sharing. Mahalo, Lani 🙂
Ps..awesome video clip, as well. Keep it going!
Lani Kee – SMMTÃ�´s last blog post ..Using Youtube Video Response Goes Viral
February 23rd, 2011 at 4:40 pm
Aloha Lani,
Mahalo for your kind comments! I really appreciate your thoughts and feelings.
Believe it or not Lani, being a leader is actually very simple, it’s just not easy all the time because it’s about really BEing and Doing what we are expecting others to Be and Do! And then being willing to face ourselves everyday and be happy and proud of us. Once we can “authentically” look in the mirror and be happy and proud of those 2 eyes looking back, then the journey begins to be “magical”. The tough part is getting there…to really love the person looking back in the mirror. 🙂
Thanks for visiting Lani! You are awesome! Aloha 🙂
Kellie Hosaka�´s last blog post ..Why We Do What We Do
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:50 am
Kellie: This was one of the big AHA’s I got from our training this past weekend and last week. I may have a title and responsibility but if I look behind me, there is no team following and duplicating me. Still the lone ranger… I know my mission in life is service to others as it brings me incredible satisfaction and fulfillment. But it’s so much better and fun to have a team, my team and not just being a team player. And like Maxwell says, integrity is key. You are a prime example of that. Thank you for being the leader that I look up to. It’s time to walk my talk and do what I say I will do. In gratitude, Deb
February 26th, 2011 at 1:05 am
Aloha Debra,
Great to see you here on our blog! I am glad you are gaining some insight about leadership. And yes, integrity and character is the key. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it! Much aloha 🙂
Kellie Hosaka�´s last blog post ..Why We Do What We Do
February 23rd, 2011 at 3:09 pm
Oh my gosh Kellie!
Talk about synchronicity, I am just finishing “Becoming a Person of Influence! Go figure LOL
John keeps everything so real and easy to accomplish through his teachings. This is definitely going down as one of my favs,
Val 😉
Val Wilcox�´s last blog post ..Attitude of Gratitude
February 26th, 2011 at 1:08 am
Aloha Val,
Cool huh? That’s how it works! I love synchronicity! I expect it everyday and then I know I am “in flow”. When I am feeling great, the “magic” happens, when I am not feeling great, the synchronicities don’t show up. I am glad you enjoy John Maxwell! He’s the best on leadership! Aloha 🙂
Kellie Hosaka�´s last blog post ..Increase Your Financial IQ And Learn About Money
February 25th, 2011 at 8:51 am
GREAT post Kellie!! The ‘carrot and the stick’ has been an obstacle in my home based business journey. While I was able to give 110% as an employee, I find it hard now that I’m an entrepreneur giving myself the same focus. It was refreshing to hear that one of my mentors (YOU!) have struggled and overcame this. Thanks for the inspiration!
: ) Lisa
Lisa Arnold�´s last blog post ..Your Wish Is My Command
February 26th, 2011 at 11:35 pm
Aloha Lisa,
Nice to see you back again! One thing that may help you is whenever I was tired or lazy to work, I looked at picture of my son and remembered what I wanted for him. The time, the freedom and I wanted his father, my husband Glen to have the freedom to be home with his son too! That got me to work very hard when I was home with my son and my husband still had to go to his job. It’s the best gift ever, when you tell your husband he can quit his job any time he wants to. I’ll never forget it! Aloha 🙂
Kellie Hosaka�´s last blog post ..Increase Your Financial IQ And Learn About Money
February 27th, 2011 at 9:57 am
Kellie,
I have to agree with you that John Maxwell is a great speaker and author. I have a couple of his books on my bookshelf, including “Becoming A Person Of Influence”.
A leader in the 9-5 corporate world is much different that a leader in the Entrepreneurial world. Your analogy of the “carrot and stick” makes this easy to understand. As an entrepreneur you have to lead the way. Do the do. People will follow you if they can see where you are going and you’re helping them to get there with you. I see it as more of a servant role. The more I serve my followers the more they will follow. Thanks for sharing your wisdom with us.
Don Enck�´s last blog post ..Secrets To Creating Engaging Video
March 1st, 2011 at 11:27 pm
Aloha Don,
Thank you for your comments. John Maxwell is the best! Looks like you are a great leader Don! Congratulations on your success. Aloha 🙂
February 28th, 2011 at 11:02 am
hiya kellie!
i really enjoy your distinctions between the workplace and the entrepreneurial space we now exist in.
the idea of earning respect as a leader as opposed to ‘ruling with an iron fist’ in the workplace is a huge difference. and so REWARDING to have your team show respect for you as a leader.
thanks for sharing your journey!
Melissa McCloud�´s last blog post ..Not For The Carb Conscious
March 1st, 2011 at 11:30 pm
Aloha Melissa,
Thank you for your kind comments. I am so glad you are enjoying me being totally “transparent”…LOL! It’ll save you time and now you won’t make all the mistakes I have made. Much aloha 🙂
December 19th, 2011 at 7:15 am
Its a wonderful piece of work you have there. I really love the article. Its a great work. I bet you I am picking a lot of inspirations from it and I will definitely prepare a speech on this. Thanks a lot. You are really inspiring us.