Hello Founders!
A little about me – I love to read, whether it be fiction or non-fiction. Since stepping into this role as your Program Manager, I often find myself thinking of many of you as I read. There’s so much valuable knowledge out there that I often feel compelled to share it with you. However, I’m mindful of how busy your schedules are, and I sometimes hesitate to recommend a book.
To bridge this gap, I’ve decided to start a blog where I’ll regularly share summaries of books, chapters, or even specific insights that could be beneficial to you. My goal is to provide you with condensed, actionable takeaways that you can easily integrate into your busy lives.
I hope this resource will be helpful to you. And if you have recommendations for me or your fellow members, please share!
Now, let’s get started with the first installment.
Leading Yourself to Greater Heights:
Insights from John C. Maxwell’s Good Leaders Ask Great Questions
In Chapter 4 of Good Leaders Ask Great Questions by John C. Maxwell, the main message is that effective leaders must be intentional in developing, not just others, but themselves by asking the right questions.
By reflecting on these insightful questions, leaders:
- Should be able to guide, challenge, and inspire those they lead, fostering growth and encouraging critical thinking; and
- Think through their purpose, strengths, and goals. By doing so, the leader can gain clarity and direction, ultimately leading to more effective leadership.
“If you can’t lead yourself effectively, everything else in your life will be a struggle.” -John C. Maxwell
So, how well do you lead yourself?
Recognizing blind spots within ourselves can be challenging. It is often easier to recognize areas for improvement in others, than it is in ourselves. We tend to judge ourselves against our intentions, often giving ourselves the benefit of the doubt because we understand the context of our actions.
Let’s look at a few practical ways to identify our own blind spots:
- Always assume that you do have blind spots. If you don’t think that you do, then that’s probably your blind spot.
- Seek feedback from people who know you well to identify your blind spots.
- Work with your inner circle to help you remove your blind spots or mitigate them in a way that prevents them from derailing you and your team.
Building on this idea, we should consider the role of humility in leadership. There is often a misconception that humility is seen as weakness, but in reality, it is the opposite. Humility is:
- Not being prideful,
- Valuing others and their contributions, and
- A characteristic that leads to teachability, open feedback, character building, good leadership, and positive team building.
“If you pair excellence with humility, people not only won’t run over you, they will respect you”. -John C. Maxwell
Final Thoughts on Personal Growth
Growth doesn’t happen by chance; it requires intentionality. It is often said that great leaders can be distinguished from followers by the leader’s capacity to develop and improve their skills.
To support you in this ongoing process, Maxwell presents several questions worth pondering:
- What gives a leader sustainability?
- What are the most important values for a leader?
- What is the most effective daily habit for any leader to develop?
- If I am reaching goals and achieving success, why should I take care of developing myself as a leader?
- The leadership process is a long journey – lasting a lifetime. How can I overcome the loneliness I sometimes feel?
In conclusion, I leave you with a thought-provoking quote from Chuck Swindoll:
“A piano sits in a room, gathering dust. It is full of the music of the masters, but in order for such strains to flow from it, fingers must strike the keys…trained fingers, representing endless hours of disciplined dedication. You do not have to practice. The piano neither requires it nor demands it. If, however, you want to draw a beautiful music from the piano, that discipline is required…You do not have to pay the price to grow and expand intellectually. The mind neither requires it nor demands it. If, however, you want to experience the joy of discovery and the pleasure of plowing new and fertile soil, effort is required…It’s up to you. It’s your move”.
Want to read the entire chapter, or better yet, the book? Check out our member library on the third floor!
Maxwell, J. C. (2014). Good leaders ask great questions: Your foundation for successful leadership. Center Street.
