Sunday, September 10th, 2006...12:09 am
Be Better Tomorrow Than You Are Today
Lead up principle #9 in John C. Maxwell’s book The 360° Leader is to be sure you are better tomorrow than you are today.
Growth is one of the things the insures that you will be able to lead from the middle. Many people have goals to become something or reach a specific level. And at that point, they are satisfied. However, that can be deadly to a career where someone wants to lead. As leaders, we never want to “arrive” in our profession. If we ever get satisfied with our place in life, we are finished in terms of growth.
The Better You Are, The More People Listen
If I wanted to learn about ice hockey, would I more likely talk to Joe Sakic of the Colorado Avalanche, or the guy in the upper tier of the Pepsi Center that brews beer on his day job? Now the beer guy may know hockey, but I want to talk to the expert. Why is that? It is because Joe’s 1,489 career points in 1,237 games in the league gives him credibility. I can’t say that about beer guy. Beer guy knows beer…or at least those who drink his beer hope he does.
The point is, if you want to be the “go-to” guy in your office, you must be the expert. Expertise gives you credibility, and credibility in leadership is priceless.
The Better You Are, The Greater Your Value For Today
It takes many years for trees to start bearing fruit. Truth is, most trees do not bear fruit for as many as 5 years after it is planted. So like a tree, we must be allowed to grow. If you are not moving forward as a learner, you are moving backward as a leader.
The Better You Are, The Greater Your Potential For Tomorrow
The more you learn and grow, the more capacity you have to learn. If you want to have influence with your leaders, you must fight to grow. An investment in your growth is an investment in your future.
So learning, talking, and practicing your craft today is the best way to make yourself better for tomorrow.
- Jason
6 Comments
September 12th, 2006 at 11:42 pm
Great post! And I love that you picked hockey as your example! But little typo… Joe Sakic
September 13th, 2006 at 9:05 am
Rae,
Thanks for pointing out the typo. I have fixed it.
I use hockey because I play pickup at the local rink myself. Can’t wait for training camp to get started. I miss it.
Only problem is that I have had to give up my Center Ice package because I recently switched TV providers. My new provider has it, but not in my area yet.
I should expect that the last place anyone would get a hockey TV package in in Alabama.
Hopefully I will not be without it very long.
September 13th, 2006 at 12:04 pm
Thanks for sharing the series on 360 Leadership. This latest Maxwell book is on My List To Read, but I haven’t gotten there yet. Your shared nuggets of wisdom have made me want to read it even more.
I have also listened to some of Maxwell’s ‘maximum impact’ and ‘injoy’ tapes/cds (gotten from Ebay). Implementing even some of his wisdom into our everyday work and personal lives will reap big rewards.
Thanks for your blog.
Cheers! -D.
September 20th, 2006 at 6:56 pm
Thanks for the great post, Jason. I’ve always had a great respect for this kind of self-correcting attitude about ourselves. I tell my wife that I’m far from perfect, but I listen and I’m willing to change.
September 21st, 2006 at 7:59 am
My boss sent this article around to each of us in our office, so I thank you too. I have been listening to the 360° Leader CDs and am excited about the changes I have been able to accomplish within myself. Everyday we must be open to learning something even (and especially) if its difficult.
September 21st, 2006 at 9:19 am
@Matt
Personal change is powerful. Be careful how much you tell your wife you are willing to change though
She will start to expect it.
@Karin
I am flattered at your boss doing that. That is really cool. I am glad the column struck a chord.
This is truly an outstanding book. I recommend it for anyone who wants to become a better leader in the workplace…or anywhere else for that matter.
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