Don’t buy snake oil that “teaches” you to lead!

Image by opacity via Flickr

You spend big bucks traveling all over to attend the latest "how-to" leadership seminars. You fill workbooks with reams of notes, buy hundreds of dollars' worth of DVD's, and throw yourself into the latest "can't miss" system. A few months later, frustration grows as you see yourself settling back into the same ruts you've lived in for years.

Remember Einstein's definition of insanity?

"Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."

Two days ago I was asked to speak to a group of professionals over lunch. My main point was simple: "I can't teach you to lead, and NOBODY else can, either!" The folks who say they can might sincerely believe in their systems. But, PLEASE hear me -- leadership "systems" don't work! I don't care what short-term numbers you post (more $$ on the bottom line, more butts in the seats, more Twitter followers, etc.). Following somebody else's SYSTEM won't help you live your dream. Learning how to be a better MANIPULATOR of the people you're called to lead/serve doesn't contribute to their growth or your fulfillment. Coming up with a vision statement that spring boards off the latest best seller "buzz" will take you NOWHERE! If you're leading to GET instead of leading to GIVE, you're headed towards burnout - personally and organizationally.

What I can help you do is learn about YOU! What are your strengths & weaknesses? What is it that resonates in your heart? Where is your passion trying to AIM you? How are you uniquely equipped to lead yourself? How can you use the same "equipment" to effectively lead others?

If you're tired of trying to lead like the Tin Man ("If I Only Had a Heart") and want to live an authentic life, here's one way to begin:

1. Identify the frustrating "ruts" you continue to fall back into.
2. Ask God to show you WHY those patterns drag you down, WHERE do they originate, WHY have you continued to follow "rules" that derail you?
3. Lay your findings in front of a couple people you trust & whose guidance you respect and LISTEN to what they give you.
4. Ask God for the courage to step ("leap of faith") into HIS purpose for your life!

The bottom line is this: you're the ONLY person wired to lead yourself & others according to your unique purpose. We NEED you!