Tag: Mark Twain

Honest Influence

Although stated in various ways, Mark Twain provides a powerful thought in this statement, “If you tell the truth you don’t have to remember anything.”

Leaders will influence small and large groups of people. Their influence is going to be measured by the level of honesty perceived.

When leaders are seen as being dishonest, people will not follow.

When leaders are seen as honest, the opposite is true.

Even when it might seem easier to bend the truth, honesty is always the best policy.

The result of this practice has lasting repercussions on our leadership influence.

Circle of Safety

Mark Twain expressed the following idea, “Great things can happen if we don’t care who gets the credit.”

John Maxwell took this idea to another level saying, “Great things can and actually do happen when we give others the credit.”

We know from a biblical perspective that spiritual leadership will not allow a self-centered attitude to exist. Instead, scripture indicates over and over the need to seek after the well-being of others.

Jesus provided this example for us and He desires we pursue the same direction. The result might just develop what Simon Sinek refers to as a “Circle of Safety.”

Our Drive and Purpose

Start With Why, by Simon Sinek, discusses the importance of our WHY in life and leadership. Before we can explore HOW and WHAT in relationship to both, we need to understand WHY.

Mark Twain said, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”

We recognize HOW leaders can inspire others to take action. When they know WHY, they possess a drive and purpose in life that is unstoppable.

If we truly want to eliminate the impossibility factor, then we need to communicate WHY to those we lead. When that happens, look out!