Leadership – Under the Influence
Leadership – Is Everyone a Leader?
If you’re involved in Network Marketing you will notice that everyone is calling themselves a leader, a coach, a trainer, a consultant, or my personal favorite, an expert in their field. That is after all what the industry teaches us to do. But can someone really become an “expert” in their field in a couple of days, weeks, or even months? Of course not! You see most people enter into this industry trying to build a business, many for the first time. They have spent their whole life as an employee, following rules and conforming to whatever policies and procedures their company dictated. As such they don’t immediately have the right skills needed to build a business of their own. Instead of focusing on building a business and making money right away they should be focusing on their own personal growth and building a leader within themselves.
“Inexperienced leaders are quick to lead before knowing anything about the people they intend to lead. But mature leaders listen, learn, and then lead.” – John C. Maxwell
Let me give you a quick example. Lets say that your involved in a fantastic little network marketing company called Global NPN. You write some articles and start to see some great rankings in the search engines for many of your keywords and you notice that you’re starting to get a nice amount of traffic to your site. Awesome right! Now you see that you get a few sign ups. Perfect, that’s what it’s all about right? Wrong. Just getting sign ups is not what it’s all about at all. When people join your team under your link, you have in fact taken some responsibility towards their success or failure. Let me repeat that. When someone joins your team you have in fact taken responsibility for that person.
Now look to the last five people who you have personally signed up into your organization.
Did you call them up on the phone to introduce yourself and learn more about them and what they’re all about?
Did you try to reach them on Skype?
Did you send them an email asking some simple questions which will help you understand where they are coming from and how you can best assist them?
Did you offer to couch them via one on one or group webinars?
Did you even say Hello?
Of the many programs that I have been involved with over the years, more often then not I would not get an email, or a Skype message, or a phone call from my new sponsor (leader?) introducing himself or herself and building a relationship with me for mutual benefit!
You’ll hear me refer to John C. Maxwell in this article a couple of times because I just love his work on leadership and I just recently re-read his New York Times bestseller entitled “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.” If you have not yet picked up a copy of this remarkable book then I highly recommend that you do go pick one up today and study John’s time tested 21 laws of leadership.
When I say that the industry tells us to go out there and call ourselves leaders, although I disagree with all marketers taking that claim right out of the gate, I do agree that in order to achieve true success in network marketing, or in any endeavor for that matter, you must become a leader. As my good friend John says “Your leadership ability – for better or for worse – always determines your effectiveness and the potential impact of your organization.”
Leadership – Under the Influence
“The true measure of leadership is influence – Nothing More, Nothing Less.” – John C. Maxwell
(See, I told you that I was going to refer to John a couple of times, isn’t he awesome!)
There are several misconceptions of what Leadership really means.
You’re not a true leader just because your management, or because of the “position” that you hold. The main difference between management and/or position is that leadership is about influencing people to follow, while management relates to maintaining systems and processes.
Likewise, just because someone is an entrepreneur or they are a pioneer in their field does not necessarily make them a great leader. Without the necessary “people” skills, one can’t influence people and therefore they make poor leaders.
Another leadership myth is that if you posses great knowledge then you are automatically a good leader! Well, if we think about it, we know that’s not true either! I know that I preach all the time on my blog that “knowledge is power” and I believe that is true, but it doesn’t make you a leader. All the knowledge in the world won’t help you if you have no influence over others.
A leader has to have solid character and be able to build and maintain relationships with the right people. He/She needs to have knowledge and intuition, experience and ability. When you’re a leader your followers must know what you are capable of, that you can help them succeed.
I just finished reading a great little article by fellow tribe member Raena Lynn. Her article highlights the life and teachings of one of the greatest leaders in personal development of all time, Jim Rohn. You can check out Raena’s tribute to Jim Here.
When you learn to lead through Influence you will master the skill of leadership and others WILL follow you as you lead them towards success.
I would love to hear your stories of influence in the comment section below. Also if you enjoyed reading this article please share it with family, friends, and business partners by clicking on any of the share and like buttons below. Thanks so much!
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Becoming a leader isn’t easy, just as becoming a lawyer is never easy. But learning to lead is a lot easier than most of us think it is, because each of us contains the capacity for leadership. However, not all people have the skills and capabilities to lead.
Tony Tate recently posted..Personal Sacrifices For Professional Success
Hi Kevin,
I love great Leadership information, so I really enjoyed this post! And I must look up John C. Maxwell’s 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership! Napoleon Hill in Think and Grow Rich addresses “knowledge is power,” and he says it is nothing of the sort when it comes to running a business. Professors, for example, have all kinds of knowledge; but how many professors are actually putting their knowledge to actual use? Teaching, yes, this is awesome; but if one cannot apply their knowledge in the real world to produce income, how powerful is knowledge?
On the other hand, some professors are really great influencers, and I would imagine to find these professors in all kinds of civic and professional leadership roles.
Thanks for the great article!
Linda
Linda Thomas recently posted..Work Ethic vs. Entitlement Mentality
Hey Linda,
Glad that you enjoyed the article and please let me know what you think of John’s book after you have finished reading it, I’m sure that you’ll love it!
You are absolutely right, knowledge is nothing without the ability to influence others. One thing that John admits in his book is that No leader possesses the skill for all 21 laws of leadership. Therefore, great leaders will surround themselves with other leaders who possess the elements which they are missing. (ie. people skills.)
Thanks for your comment Linda, and I look forward to you coming back to see me again soon.
Kevin
Hi Bud,
Great read, your right about personally contacting your down line, a lot of people don’t. If you believe 100 percent in your business and show your people that you are committed you will be successful. You have to lead by example, it works for me. Keep up the good work and talk to you later.
Grant
Hello Kevin
Your post is one that has removed the fluff about being a leader and gone to the nuts and bolts of being a leader. I agree with Pete Chapman’s comment,”if only there were more leaders like you – the internet would be a better place.”
In relations to what you are writing on on being a leaders here is something that John Maxwell has in his book “Developing The Leader Within You”. Knowing how to do a job is the accomplishment of labor. Showing others is the accomplishment of a teacher. Making sure the work is done by others is the accomplishment of a manager. Inspiring others to do better work is the accomplishment of a leader.
Thanks
Perry A Davis Jr
Music City
Perry A Davis Jr recently posted..What might be the most important idea of the “now” and “next” of network marketing ?
Hey Perry,
Thanks for returning to my blog and for those kind words I really do appreciate that very much.
One of the most important things to realize about leadership is that it is a skill that one can acquire in life, it’s not something that we are born with. It’s not a skill that can be mastered in a day or a week but rather becoming a great leader takes years to perfect.
I love your summary of the differences between laborer, teacher, manager, and leader, very well said.
Again Perry thanks for sharing my content and I hope that you will return soon.
Kevin
Leadership is not an easy thing. Lots of people call themselves leaders (guru is another term) but how many of them are real leaders. I like that you call upon a leader to “own” the responsibility of those he or she is leading. It’s a dynamic relationship and when it happens in the right circumstances, it can bring about the very best, both fo the leader, and the person who is being “lead”.
Stevie Smith recently posted..Once A Woman, Always A Woman
Hey Stevie,
Thanks for visiting my blog and for your comments, that’s one of the great things about blogging is the interaction which we have with our readers and friends.
I’m glad that you enjoyed my article and leadership and that you agree that as a leader we must take some responsibility for our followers. Those who lead with a keen sense of responsibility will be able to attract many more followers who are more likely to achieve success because they too become accountable for their own actions.
Thanks again Stevie for your comment and I hope to see you back real soon.
Kevin
Kevin,
I agree with all key characteristics you have presented on your subject. I would add that a true leader must be transparent in all activity.
It takes years of developing leadership skills. Then a real leader understands this is a lifestyle and one much continue daily to learn from others. Thus, sharing ideas and taking steps for the betterment of all on the team.
Wonderful article, Kevin. One I look forward in revisiting soon. Your a great presenter of useful information. Thanks for sharing.
William Earl Amis Jr III recently posted..When Is “Persistence” Required
Hey William,
I agree with you 100 percent, a true leader does have to be transparent in his/her activities. The “follower” has to believe that the leader can take them to where they wish to go, otherwise there wouldn’t be much point in following them.
You’re also correct that leadership takes years to learn and a lifetime to master. Not one person actually has all the skills needed to be a “perfect” leader but great leaders will surround themselves with other leaders who have the skills in which they are missing.
Thanks for visiting and for leaving your comment William. I hope that you will return again soon.
Kevin
Awesome post on Leadership Kevin.
).
I could write a whole post about
my thoughts on what a true leader
is (actually probably will soon
To me leadership is not about me getting
results but it is all about helping others
to get the results they desire.
If you are able to get results you desire
but not able to show others how to do the same
then go work on your leaderships skills.
A true leader once told me (my recent Boss at
my J.O.B) “I can’t get to where I want to go
if I don’t show you how to get to where I am
at in this industry”. Needless to say these
comments he said told me this guy is a true
Leader.
JeremyDrapal recently posted..Set Up A Daily Action Plan For Your Online Home Business!
Hey Jeremy,
I agree with you 100 percent! Adding value to others is what true leadership is all about!
I’m going to steal another quote from my good friend John Maxwell.
“The bottom line in leadership isn’t how far we advance ourselves but how far we advance others.” – The Law of Addition.
Thanks so much for visiting my site and I hope to see you back again soon!
Kevin
Hello Kevin,
What an important message. Leaders can come in all kinds of different shapes and sizes.
Whilst people starting to think that they are fit for leadership as soon as they hear something new and want to share it with the masses is sometimes a good thing.
I also think, like you say here, that a truly amazing leader will take the time to really get to know who they are leading.
After all, it isn’t a one size fits all, good leaders know that people have different needs, learning styles and skills.
A good leader will tease out those emerging talents in others and start to help shape and mould the leaders of tomorrow.
Great post!
Beth
Beth Hewitt recently posted..Bringing something to the table!
Terrific article Kevin, and you’re quoting one of my very favorite people. I’ve been a fan of John Maxwell for years and have many of his books. Your points are so right on – and not just for network marketing!
Marquita Herald recently posted..Dancing in the Rain
I do think one of the many things about leaders is they take action. It’s not the only thing because the real test is whether they have followers! But even the guy you mentioned that does the work on his blog and gets a few signups in his opportunity is taking action… which is more than 80% of everyone else. So it’s a start in the right direction. Someone said that my post on fans/product creators could also be the same as leaders and followers, but of course it’s not exactly the same. But there is this overlap, of those who are spectators and those who are in the game. It def starts there! I think that your observation about following up with team members points to not only taking action, but taking the best actions, ones that impact others for the good.
Richard Goutal recently posted..Product Creator or Fan – Which are You?
Hey Richard,
Thanks for visiting my site today and for leaving a comment.
I agree that taking action is one of the key elements of great leadership. But, as you say in your comment, taking the “best” actions and having the ability to influence others in a positive way is the path to true leadership.
Thanks again for your comment Richard and I look forward to your return sometime soon.
Kevin
Ahh Kevin, if only there were more leaders like you – the internet would be a better place.
You share some insights that many would benefit from hearing… I am happy to share
Take care
Pete
pete chapman recently posted..Video Technology – The Key Tool Of the Internet Network Marketer!
Hey Peter,
Thanks so much for your kind words my friend and for sharing my article, that’s awesome. I consider you to be a great leader also as you demonstrate daily your willingness to lead the members of your team towards their goals.
Thanks again Pete, hope that you will come back to visit my online home real soon.
Kevin
Kevin,
I bought John C. Maxwell deluxe audio a edition of The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. I haven’t listened to it yet…and I don’t know why. In fact, I had forgot about it. I guess it wasn’t the right time.
Anyway, great tips on becoming a leader. I am excited about listening to my book now.
Jaden
Jaden Daniels recently posted..Self Talk Can Eliminate Negative Feelings
Hey Jaden,
That’s great Jaden, I’m glad that you purchased the audio version of John’s laws of leadership. I look forward to hearing your views on John’s book after you have had the opportunity to listen to it!
I always encourage people to “never just read a book, or audio program only once, you will have wasted your money.” Every time that you listen to John’s program you will get something else out of it, so enjoy and let me know what you think!
Thanks for visiting Jaden and please come back and see me again!
Kevin