“Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.” (Proverbs 6:6-8) 5
You probably have heard it said, “Those that fail to plan, plan to fail.”
Standout leaders think things through and plan things well.
“Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference has never tried to fall asleep with a mosquito in the room.” - Christine Todd Whitman, 50th Governor of New Jersey
What would it be like to make a difference with your life?
How would you get started?
Stand out leaders know how.
Albert Einstein made a valid point. He said, “Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.”
Standout leaders do not get trapped in the definition of success but focus on making a difference with their life by adding value to others.
Adding value to others is the way to wealth building, personal success, and fulfillment. This means that actual stand out leadership begins when you know-that-you-know that you can make a difference in this world.
Let’s face it, before you can lead others, you must be able to lead yourself. Leading yourself requires a different spirit.
In the Bible when David heard the challenging words of the giant Goliath he asked, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that would challenge the armies of the living God?” (1 Samuel 17:26). David had already fought the lion and bear and in his mind this fight would have the same outcome – God would prevail in his life with a victory. David’s young age did not matter because stand out leadership can be demonstrated at any age because leadership is revealed through action.
It can be small or large, making a decision, taking action, helping in some way, problem-solving, presenting an idea, or just simply taking that first step. David was not like everyone else. He knew he had to take action. He knew he could make a difference with his life and his willingness to battle Goliath added value to those around him. It is David’s courage that we admire, but let’s not lose focus on the value his courage added to the others gathered on the battlefield.
Standout leaders may not know where every step will take them but they are not afraid of taking that first step. They know that a simple action, even in the face of scary giants, can change everything. Standout leadership is about what you do, not about charisma, position, birthright, bank account, education, power, or authority.
Since the best leaders know they can make a difference with their lives they take personal responsibility for taking action. These positive actions and the value they add are what others see and admire in the leaders they follow.