Five Thoughts on great leadership from author Jon Gordon’s book Soup

Five Thoughts on great leadership from author Jon Gordon’s book Soup

1. People follow the leader first and the leader's vision second - It doesn't matter if the leader shares a powerful vision, if the leader is not someone who people will follow the vision will never be realized. As a leader, who you are makes a difference. The most important message you can share is yourself.

2. Trust is the force that connects people to the leader and his/her vision - Without trust there is a huge gap between the leader and the vision. Without trust people will stay off the bus. However if people trust the leader they will hop on the bus with the leader and help move the bus forward towards the vision.

3. Leadership is not just about what you do but what you can inspire, encourage and empower others to do.

4. A leader brings out the best within others by sharing the best within themselves.

5. Just because you're driving the bus doesn't mean you have the right to run people over - Abraham Lincoln said "Most anyone can stand adversity, but to test a man's character give him power." The more power you are granted the more it is your responsibility to serve, develop and empower others. When you help them grow they'll help you grow.

And, I will close with a great quote regarding leadership from Simon Sinek: “Before we can follow a path we have to be able to see it. This is leadership - the ability to see a path that may not yet exist."

Until next time, I encourage you to dare to be amazing – what have you got to lose!