THE RIPPLES OF LEADERSHIP
Have you ever wondered why some people are so influential? Are you an influencer? What do your friends, family, co-workers, and employers think of you?
I know we cannot please everyone and people are going to think what they want about you. This is all true, but we as leaders have to make sure we are doing our best to intentionally influence people the right way.
We all have skipped rocks before, but also we have thrown a rock in still water or a penny in a still water fountain. We are all familiar with the ripple effect, where ripples are produced at every aspect of the water from a rock being dropped in the water. When we influence people the right way, our influence takes on the characteristics of the ripple effect. I call this influence, ripples of leadership.
I’m reminded of one of my favorite movies, Gladiator. Russell Crowe plays the role of Maximus, one of the favored generals of his predecessor and father, Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Maximus was not the king, but his friends and enemies respected him as king because of his character. Regardless of what arena he was placed in, Maximus gained the respect of all who watched him because of his leadership.
Maximus understood the ripple effect. Maximus even said these words, “What we do in life echoes an eternity.” As a leader, I absolutely agree with this statement. What you do today will determine your success or failure in life and how people will remember you. It called the ripples of leadership.
Great leaders understand this principle. This is why great leaders influence is so impactful, broad, and long lasting. If you want to strengthen your leadership and leave a legacy, there is a process to take advantage of the ripples of leadership. Here a few ways to leave ripples from your leadership.
1. Be the leader you were designed to be. How many times have seen people trying to be like someone else. We all were created with uniqueness. Are you capitalizing on your unique differences? Use your gifts carry out God’s plans for your life. You have experiences and stories that can positively influence our world.
2. Find a mentor to help develop your skills. We all have great gifts and abilities, but what if there was someone who could teach you how to expand your skills? I am a sponge. No, I’m not soft. However, I do like soaking everything that I can up. I am a constant learner. This is what I love about children. Children are always demonstrating a curiosity about life. Great leaders are hungry, thirsty, and have a great willingness to learn. One of the best ways to learn is from someone who has been where you want to go.
There are many other ways to create ripples with your leadership. Next time you are making a decision, taking action, or leading, just remember the words of Maximus.
“What we do in life echoes an eternity.”
I challenge you to make the most of every situation in your life and let the ripples from your leadership dynamically speak. This will not only give you influence now, but your influence live even when you are no longer on the earth.
I want to hear from you. Leave a comment below or on my Facebook or Twitter handle about how the ripples of leadership have influenced you.
Peace and Prosperity,
Bryant Hall, Sr.
MTN Universal, LLC