Did you ever wonder what great leaders think about leadership? Well, hear it directly from them. The links below will take you to two short videos containing thought provoking and life changing ideas from leaders across history. Because leadership requires that ideas be put into action, select three quotations that you want to incorporate into your life---and then commit to doing so. After 30 days, assess the change in your life and the lives of those around you.
What are the characteristics shared by most leaders? View this 6 minute video and see how many of the traits you regularly display. If you see some you do not regularly use, try them out for a while and see the changes they bring.
Our lives are determined by the daily choices we make. Generally, these choices are not difficult but, somehow we loose perspective. Remember, it is not knowing the right decision that is most important---it is actually doing it. As one of your Quest speakers said, "We lead with our feet". The attached short video is an excellent reminder of some of some basic rules of life.
"Be there. Be there on time. Be there in the present. In all things, give yourself your very best." These are all ways to say that life is too precious to waste or leave to mindless routine. We must always strive to appreciate the moments of our life. This short video makes these and other points that will help you in your Quest to become a leader and live a joyful life.
Appreciation and gratitude are important qualities of leadership often overlooked. These qualities add to your life and the lives of those you interact with. Be sure to acknowledge and thank the people in your life that have helped you most, a parent, a special relative, a friend or exceptional teacher. I know you will find this short video of interest.
What Would You Try if You Couldn't Fail? So many of us play it safe and hold back because we are afraid of failing---and consequently miss out on so much of the beauty, excitement and joy of life. What are the things that you would try if you knew you would succeed? By following the 16 Quest guidelines, you can always succeed! So, what are you waiting for? Please take the link to a short video that you will enjoy.
More than any other behavior, your role as a person and leader will be molded by how often and effectively you expand your comfort zone! Effective leaders do not let fear or anxiety hold them back. Most people do not care for adversity and challenges but, leaders do! Leaders know that by "expanding their comfort zone", they will grow, thrive and prosper. Please be sure to view the movie, "Welcome the Rain".
Here is a video you will not want to miss! It illustrates how one more dregree of effort makes so much difference. http://www.212movie.com/
One of the most important leadership qualities is to always "give yourself your very best". These are not mere words; they are important and powerful concepts that our world and times demand.
Trying your hardest is difficult and takes courage. Is it better to "hang back" and coast? Why is it that when a person fails to try her hardest, she cheats herself? Here is what President Roosevelt said 109 years ago.
"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat."
-- Theodore Roosevelt, Speech to the Hamilton Club, April 10, 1899
In a later speech he said:
"The credit belongs to the man (person) who is actually in the arena...and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while doing greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat."
President Roosevelt's words are more relevant today than ever before! You are special and unique and deserve the best. If you don't give it to yourself, how can you expect it from others? Always give yourself your very best. You, and our world, deserve nothing less.
Joyfulness and Passion
Effective leaders are happy, joyful and filled with passion. They love what they do, are fully engaged in life and are a part of something bigger than themselves.
Turning the noise off, or at least "turning it down", is essential to becoming a leader. Leaders, by their words and actions, persuade others. Leaders aren't easily manipulated. They examine societal messages and choose the worthy ones. Leaders reject the shallow definition of beauty offered by people who are eager to take their money. Check out this one minute video.
