Rethinking the rules. Reworking the formula. Knocking down walls. Finding new paths.
I was excited to learn that community leaders in New Albany, Mississippi, have been taking steps to develop their leadership skills to ensure they are effective as possible as they work to make improvements to their hometown and plans for its future. They began a class based on John Maxwell’s book, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. They are reading the book and following a workbook designed to reinforce what they are reading and further enhance their skills. Maxwell admits in his book that no leader does all 21 rules well. The trick, he says, is to understand your own skills and build your team with people who have the skills that you may lack. The saying, “None of us are as smart as all of us,” is important to remember when putting together a team.
Maxwell has said, “I want to make a difference with people who want to make a difference at a time when it will make a difference.” With the downturn in the economy, it is very refreshing to see communities that are taking this “slow” time to look at how they do things so they can improve upon them and grow as leaders. The communities in Mississippi that are accomplishing the most are those with the best leaders. Often times, a manager who maintains systems and processes is called a leader, but the leadership I am referring to is a service, not a position of power. Leaders influence people, and proof of good leadership is found in the followers. In order to inspire people to follow, leaders must have:
There are many ways to go about improving and/or developing your leadership skills, but New Albany’s selection of Maxwell’s book looks like one good place option. Maxwell tells stories about past leaders with whom we are all familiar, like Henry Ford. He spends time analyzing how the Ford Motor Company could have been so much more if Ford could have learned to empower the people around him, instead of maintaining control. Maxwell examines the limitations inherent in Ford’s leadership style and tells us that good leaders are focused on adding value to others, lifting them up and helping them advance into something bigger than they may see themselves. Maxwell reminds us that while it is true that some people are born leaders, we can all become leaders with the desire to lead and proper training.
In thinking of examples of successful leadership in Mississippi today, I am reminded of what Cliff Brumfield is doing in Brookhaven. He is leading his community to further develop its existing assets to be sure the town is prepared to take advantage of future opportunities that will come with brighter economic times in the months and years ahead. As a result of these efforts and Cliff’s leadership, the volunteer base in Brookhaven has grown, and they are very optimistic about the future. Their accomplishments have produced obvious pride in that small town.
Growing personally as a leader starts with having a desire to become a better leader, and what better incentive to begin improving your leadership skills than knowing that you can better inspire those around you to make improvements within your community. Now is the time to make a difference!
