By: J. Maxwell
When I teach at a conference
or go to a book signing, people sometimes confide in me that they desire to
write books too. “How do I get started?” they ask.
“How
much writing do you do now?” I ask in return.
Some
tell me about articles and other pieces they are writing, and I simply
encourage them; but most of the time they sheepishly respond, “Well, I haven’t
really written anything yet.”
“Then
you need to start writing,” I explain. “You’ve got to start small and work up
to it.”
Leadership
is the same. You’ve got to start small and work up to it. A person who has
never led before needs to try to influence one other person. Someone who has
some influence should try to build a team. Just start with what’s necessary.
St.
Francis of Assisi said, “Start doing what is necessary; then do what is
possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” All good leadership
begins where you are. It was Napoleon who said, “The only conquests which are
permanent and leave no regrets are our conquests over ourselves.” The small
responsibilities you have before you now comprise the first great leadership
conquest you must make. Don’t try to conquer the world until you’ve taken care
of things in your own backyard.
What one small, specific leadership step can you take today?
I have heard it said "Bloom where you are planted". That is so true. Great post. God bless you.
ReplyDeletethanks so much for a great reminder, JT .. God bless you, as well.
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