I’m a Leader NOT a Clown

Back in 2013 I was able to attend the Chic-Fil-A Leadercast. At the time I was a district level leader with nine General Managers reporting to me and I paid to bring them to Leadercast as an investment in their leadership abilities. As a leadership buff that has studied and learned from some of the best it was truly a blessing to hear from Andy Stanley, John Maxwell, Henry Cloud, Condeleeza Rice and Jack Welch.

Today I was reviewing my notes from the Leadercast and this line stuck out to me....
“I’m a Leader NOT a Clown”

Actual Picture of Me Being a Clown

BUT, to be serious why did I take that note from John Maxwell’s talk and what was I trying to tell myself ?!?

Don’t focus on trying to make people Happy...

• A Clowns job is to make people happy; A Leaders job is to get results.
• Clowns make people smile; Leaders add value to the people they lead.
• Clowns are a joke; Leaders build confidence by developing the strengths in others.

So from my notes a Leader:

1. Gets results
2. Adds value to the people they lead
3. Builds confidence in others by helping them develop their strengths. 

Reading over my past notes is always a blessing to me and I thought this was a good reminder of what we as leaders should keep in mind as we serve others. 

I’ll leave you with these thought provoking questions:

1. Do I take notes and review them from time to time?
2. What exactly do I do to add value to people and how do I know when I am?
3. Am I helping others develop their strengths or just improve weaknesses?

Thank you again for reading and may God bless you!

- TB