Time for Mindset Change

Hello Friends,

I have met a lot of people who desire to lead. Others, who already “know and believe” that they are leaders. Since I work with leaders, I always ask them why they want to be leaders. Many of the times, the answers I get reveal that the motivation is really about the perks that come with leading. Many want to be in control, to control others. They want others to do what they say. They want a nicer office, a higher income. They want a better parking space. Don’t get me wrong. There is nothing wrong in desiring these things. I also realise that some of these desires are driven by insecurity.

When I started out as a leader, my thoughts were similar. I was enamored with the title I held each time and it conveyed to me that I was important and I thought that people would automatically follow me because they needed me. They would rely on me for direction and be grateful for everything I did for them. It seemed simple. Then guess what, reality struck. The people liked me and were kind to me but they did not automatically follow me. I learned quickly that I had to earn influence myself and no title can give you that. I’ve received titles, recognition, nice offices, money, preferential treatment  you name it! However, none of these things motivate me as a leader.

Money, power and success leave you feeling empty. You may not believe me, but this is true. In fact, the emptiness so many people experience in life is more intense in success than in failure. When you fail you have nowhere to go but up. But when you are up, when you have done what others only dreamed of doing and you still don’t feel great……well, then what? Most of us have this notion that “once I get to a certain place or achieve a certain thing, life will truly start in full and finally, I will be happy and whole”. It just does not work out that way. You graduate and find that there is still something inside of you that says there has to be more. You find the ONE, get married and have kids. And that’s great, but still there is that thing inside that says there must be more……you land a job, and then a career job and then your dream position, but still there is a quiet, but real, gnawing saying that its not all that you imagined it would be. You’ve done everything you know to do, everything that was supposed to bring you satisfaction but you still can’t help but feel empty.

What gives?

It’s time to make the shift.

The reason I lead is because of what I can do for people. That’s the best motivation to lead others. It took time to get there but I made the shift from being focused on what I can receive to what I can give. I realised that focusing on perks would not take me anywhere worthwhile because deep inner fulfillment never comes from perks. What they offer is hollow. If you want to become the best leader you can be and make the greatest impact then you must shift your leadership. You must be willing to pay the price. This price is what stands between you and your potential. If you want to be a better leader, then you must pay for it in more ways than one.

The truth is, every advance you make as a leader will require a Leadershift that changes the way you think, act and lead. If you want to be an effective leader, you must Leadershift. You cannot be the same, think the same and act the same if you hope to be successful in a world that does not remain the same.

Leadershifting moves us forward in the face of the natural temptation to be mentally rigid. It prompts us to become more innovative and to get out of our comfort zones, question conventional wisdom and welcome change.

Join us as we start this seasons Mastermind Group and together we can Leadershift through this COVID-19 season. I always say, the toughest person to lead is yourself. It is now the time to lead yourself. Invest in yourself through this season and I assure you when the sun shines again, you will not regret it.

Take care of yourself and be safe!