Being a True Leader
One of the subjects I get asked about often in interviews is leadership. I’ve learned quite a bit about leadership through my role as founder and chairman of BNI, the world’s largest business referral organization. But I’ve also been extremely privileged to be able to build relationships with and gain insight into the subject from some of the world’s top leaders in several fields and industries.
One of the first people who comes to mind when I think about what it means to be a true leader is my friend and colleague, Brian Tracy. Brian is the epitome of a leader–he is dedicated to succeeding by helping others succeed, and he uses his depth of experience to teach others how to become leaders themselves.
Brian has classified the key qualities of leadership as integrity, discipline, responsibility, courage and long-time perspective, and he lives his life according to those qualities. Brian was recently diagnosed with throat cancer and, true to the form of a leader who genuinely walks the walk, his positive attitude, courage and hopeful outlook for the future continue to remain rock solid.
Brian says, “When you think about it, having cancer can be a metaphor for any big problem or unexpected setback in life . . . I choose to see this as a ‘learning experience.’ Maybe I’ll develop a speech or seminar to share what I’ve learned, and the parallels with the ups and downs of normal life.”
Leadership is about using your experience and wisdom to move others in a positive direction; it’s about empowering others by serving as an example. Brian doesn’t just give presentations about leadership and advise others on how to be good leaders–he exemplifies everything a true leader should be, especially during times when it’s not easy to be in such a position.
Click here to see how Brian is continuing to inspire and motivate others through his experiences. We can all learn more than a thing or two about being a true leader from Brian Tracy.
If Brian has inspired you to accomplish your goals and lead yourself and others to success, tell us about it by leaving a comment below. You can also copy and paste your comment for Brian to read on his blog.
Ivan-
You are a true leader. Thank you for this blog post. Working for Brian, I can without a doubt say that Brian Tracy is as true of a leader as they come. You, Brian, and a select few others really are at the top when it comes to Integrity and Authenticity.
Ivan, spending time in Las Vegas with you and your team last March, then getting some one on one time with you where you shared your personal story, then bringing me up on stage to pull a chair out from underneath me and 3 others (only to have us hold each other up in that example)… well all I can say is that YOU are a leader and I am very grateful to be in the company of masters!
James Radina
Brian Tracy International
http://www.jamesradina.com
Thanks James. I appreciate your comments.
All the best.
Ivan
During his speech at Wealth and Wisdom, it occurred to me what a high level of personal integrity Brian Tracy has as a leader and role model to the audience. Even though he didn’t have to say that he doesn’t usually drink water during a presentation — but was making an expectation that day to the desert climate –he made this disclosure to his audience as if it was out of integrity not to tell us. This was the 1st time I’ve seen Brian speak live, and I was so impressed with his ease at making a connection to his audience with his words, his sincerity, his passion for improvement, his commitment to customer service (which I will emulate by using the ultimate question) and his invaluable wisdom that kept me on the edge of my seat for his entire talk. It is obvious that Brian does not just write great books; he is the epitome of his books. I can’t wait for the next time to see Brian in-person and have told everyone I know about how I will apply his tips starting this week.
What a great resource!
If you want to lead you must follow first. Never ask a follower to do what you yourself have not yet done. I will retweet this article Ivan.
In fact one of my first experiences in true leadership was the building and launch of my BNI Chapter in Walnut Creek CA! It was a great experience.
My favorite quote regarding leadership…
When the best leader’s work is done the people say, ‘We did it ourselves!’
— Lao-tsu
A great source indeed, like @forex robot mentioned. I also agree with the comment by @Jason Wheeler, of course you cannot expect your followers to do what you’ve never done. Fantastic article. I’ll recommend it to all those entrepreneurs I interact with.
A great source indeed, like @forex robot mentioned. I also agree with the comment by @Jason Wheeler, of course you cannot expect your followers to do what you’ve never done. Fantastic article. I’ll recommend it to all those entrepreneurs I interact with.