The Value of Leadership

I’ve spoken many times about leadership and what it means to each person individually—as it does, in fact, mean different things to different people.

While it’s a broad definition, you could say that you’re a leader if your thoughts, words or actions have an effect on another person. You can even argue that leaders are either born or created. The fact is, each of these statements is true. Leadership starts with you. You leading you. You’re a project, and so am I.

Now let’s be perfectly honest with ourselves. The value of leadership is in becoming the very best version of ourselves. That means studying, reading, learning, asking for support and seeking wisdom at all times, no matter how successful you become.

Most of us are in the sales industry. With rejection and behavioral styles, attitudes, communication and the like, this is not a business for the weak of spirit. There’s always room for growth, so you’ve got to take yourself on daily and challenge yourself to know more, do more, change more.

How? Read more. If you don’t have time to read, listen to books while you drive, walk, run or travel. Ask those you admire and respect what they’re reading. And remember that it’s never too late to take personal and professional development courses. As Zig Ziglar used to say, “Garbage in, garbage out.” That was his way of saying that the more quality you put into your mind, heart and spirit, the better you become.

When? Now! Time is always going to be an issue if you don’t learn to prioritize. That includes time for family, time for date nights and time for you. Whether it’s journaling, reading, listening or attending, make the decision to turn it around now.

Why? Because you’re worthy of all the things you’ve dreamed of. My wife often says that dreams are God’s way of showing you what you’re capable of, even if you don’t think so. She often tells her team that if you can dream it, you can achieve it, or else you would never have dreamed it in the first place.

True leverage comes from creating other leaders in your life and business. Your business partners, your children, other family members and friends are all watching you, mostly when you don’t know it. It’s time to step up and be the role model—the leader—you were meant to be when you were born.

Rick Geha of The Rick Geha Real Estate Team began his real estate career at age 22, and has been selling for over 36 years; he has run, managed or owned real estate offices for the past 23 years. His love of people and mentoring their passions has led him to a successful career as a speaker, trainer and coach. Over the past 15 years, he’s led more than 1,000 classes and workshops throughout the U.S. and Canada and has presented keynote addresses to thousands of professionals from all industries and walks of life. Rick is proud to be someone who’s spent nearly three decades helping people worldwide discover and walk their path to personal freedom and is currently a coach with Workman Success Systems. Contact him at Rick@RickGeha.com.