The 5 Pillars is a project that I have been working on for almost two years and had a great time with the official launch of “The 5 Pillars of Influential Leadership” Coaching program on May 23th.

Why the 5 Pillars?  I have spent more than 30 years in the business world and although it has been primarily in the Construction world, the 5 Pillars philosophy works across all industries.  In fact, while developing this program I realized that it can have a significant impact on your personal life as well.

I will break down each Pillar into three sections, personal, business and community. Any growth or improvement needs to start within, with the end goal of influencing the community you live in.  In this post we will take a look at BUSINESS LEADERSHIP.

Here we are, the final Pillar – Leadership.  For 14 weeks we have been discussing the skills and values that help form an influential leader.  For the final three weeks, we will look at what influential leaders do, and how they do it.

VISION

Influential leaders not only have a vision, they share that vision with those that they lead.  A vision is only as good as the way it is communicated to those that are part of it.  We is always better than me!

AUTHORITY

Authority is not a right, it is a responsibility.  Influential leaders use authority to make the tough decisions that have to be made for the good of the whole.  Authority has to be used responsibly to work effectively.

COMPENSATION

Compensation is almost as difficult a topic to deal with as politics or religion.  There is always an issue of playing the comparison game along with issues such as tenure.  When possible, consider an adequate compensation package to be equal to what it would take to replace that person.

DELEGATION

Delegation is one of the most difficult things that a leader is challenged to do.  Influential leaders delegate the things that others can do at least 80% as well as they can to save time to invest in the things that only they can do.

CRISIS-MANAGEMENT

The most important thing to do during any crisis is to provide stability and a sense of control. Influential leaders recognize that at the heart of every crisis is the loss of control.  A realistic plan forward will help reduce the impact of any crisis.  Communicating honestly and openly is a great way to bring any difficult situation under control.

EMPLOYEE REVIEW

I believe there are two key elements to any review process.  Honest feedback, positive and negative, and clearly communicating expectations.  Influential leaders clearly express what is expected which takes much of the personal element out of the equation.

NAVIGATION

Anyone can steer a ship but only influential leaders can chart the course.  In almost every walk of life, we run into roadblocks and unplanned detours.  Influential leaders are able to navigate through virtually any obstacle that gets in the way.

INNER CIRCLE

Your inner circle should be made up of people that can pull you up.  Equal or lessor, and you will stay the same at best.  The ideal inner circle is made up of a group of individuals that all bring different expertise to the group, thus collectively pulling each other in an upward direction.

EMPLOYEE RETENTION

Good help is hard to find.  It is even harder to keep.  Influential leaders invest as much into those that they want to retain as they expect from them in return.  This win-win type of relationship is what builds strong teams that last.

The 5 Pillars coaching program will take each topic to a much deeper level.  We will explore open ended questions and how they are directly impacting your life and more specifically in this segment, will allow you to evaluate and understand your role in growing your business.

In the mean time, start asking the type of questions that will result in better answers. When you ask “How can I”  you get an answer that will move the needle.  “What can I do today to increase my ability to be an influential leader at work?”  Answer that question, act on it, and you will succeed.

RELATED:

• Click here to see Part 1
• Click here to see Part 2
• Click here to see Part 3
• Click here to see Part 4
• Click here to see Part 5
• Click here to see Part 6
• Click here to see Part 7
• Click here to see Part 8
• Click here to see Part 9
• Click here to see Part 10
• Click here to see Part 11
• Click here to see Part 12
• Click here to see Part 13
• Click here to see Part 14
• For more on The 5 Pillars of Influential Leadership and to view my video click here
• To view my guest post in the 2013 International Leadership Blogathon click here

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Barry Smith    8/8/13   photo by author   © Building What Matters 2013
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The post The 5 Pillars Of Influential Leadership – Part 15: Our Leadership appeared first on BUILDING WHAT MATTERS.COM.

Every time mother nature throws something at us, I am reminded of the leadership that is needed to pick up the pieces in an effort to bring back some type of order within the chaos.  I recognize that lives have been changed forever, but in reality, we are forced to move on.  Not forget about those lost, but move forward in honor of their lives and their memories.

The interesting thing to me is how so many step up to the plate when there are no other options.  The need is there, and countless people simply step to the plate and do what needs to be done with no expectation of anything in return.

I think John Maxwell is right when he says “Everything Rises and Falls on Leadership.”  The community impacted by this latest event will recover.  They will recover because leaders will step to the plate and lead them forward.

The lives that were impacted by the tornado will be changed forever and I won’t pretend to understand the challenges that they face.  But this I know, as a community they will pull together.  They will encourage each other and lift each other up when the memories of those lost are pulling them down.

They will find strength in each other knowing that they must go on because they need to be there for each other.  They will rise again and they will do it on the leadership of those within the community that understand and believe that to do so is the only option.

SERVANT LEADERS provide WISDOM and COURAGE to MENTOR, DEVELOP and INFLUENCE others.

Leaders use their VISION and AUTHORITY to deal with CRISIS MANAGEMENT.  They depend on their INNER CIRCLE to NAVIGATE challenging times and MANAGE the resources they have available.

When there is ABUNDANCE, leaders give GENEROUSLY.  PRIDE will be put aside and STRATEGY will result in building TRUST and creating a LEGACY that will make a difference.

No question or challenge today, but a request:  Please keep those impacted by the events in Oklahoma on Monday in your thoughts and prayers as they deal with the challenges they face in recovering from this tragic event.

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On May 23rd, at 8:00 pm ET, I will be hosting a free call introducing “The 5 Pillars Of Influential Leadership” Coaching Program.

This will be a content filled call that will not only teach you about influential leadership but also about leading an intentional and successful life.  The words in capitals above are topics within Pillar #5 – LEADERSHIP.

This is the final of five posts related to the 5 Pillars that will go out prior to the call on the 23rd.

For more information and to register for the free call CLICK HERE.

To see the first video on Pillar #1 – AWARENESS click here

To see the second video on Pillar #2 – ENVIRONMENT click here

To see the third video on Pillar #3 – GROWTH click here

To see the fourth video on Pillar #4 – COMMUNICATION click here

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Barry Smith    5/21/13   photo by author   © Building What Matters 2013

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The trip never really ends on the journey of life.  When it does end, we go six feet under.  The real destination is somewhere we never really get.  Even when we think we have reached our destination, there is still tomorrow.  Is that it?  We’re there?  Done and no more?  I don’t think so.

So if there is no final destination here on earth, than I guess it makes sense to make the most out of the journey.  Oh, I almost forgot about the quote.

“Don’t wait for the storm to pass, learn to dance in the rain.”

Wow, think about that one.  How often do we wait for the storm to pass before we start to do something?  Worse yet, once the storm has passed, we have already moved onto something else and will never even have the chance to dance in the rain.

Here are four reasons the next time you have the chance to dance in the rain, you should go for it:

1.  INSPIRATION

I am going to guess that we have all seen someone literally dance in the rain.  Maybe in real life, but at the least on television or your computer.  I think back to all those images and if memory serves, most of those people were dancing in the rain for a reason.  Honestly, I don’ t remember the exact cause, but they were doing it to inspire others.  Funny thing, once one or two start, they all jump in.  Inspiration is kinda funny that way.

2.  CLARITY

Need some clarity?  Go do something that has absolutely nothing to do with anything.  Dancing in the rain just might qualify.  Many times when we are lacking clarity it is because there is simply too much other stuff in the way.  Go do something that requires no real thinking, just a little effort and ability to let go, even if for just a few minutes.  The results just might just surprise you.

3.  COURAGE

Sometimes we are afraid to “dance in the rain.”  Yes I say this metaphorically.  What is it that is your storm that you are afraid to dance in.  Sometime’s to achieve “that something more”, we need to have the courage to dance in the rain.  If you have to, do it afraid.  Or, if where you are is alright, no further action needed – no worries – have a seat and just wait for the storm to pass.  You can get back to your perfect life as soon as the skies clear up.

4.  EMPOWERMENT

When you or someone else finds that extra something needed to dance in the rain, you can’t help but feel empowered.  Why shouldn’t you?  You just did something that most people will not even try.  Think about that for a minute.  You just did something that most people won’t even try throughout their entire life.  That seems pretty empowering to me.

So what do you think?  Are you looking forward to the next time it rains?  I am.  I have spent too much of my life waiting for the storm to pass.  Guess what, there is always another storm coming.  It’s about time we start dancing in the rain because life isn’t about the challenge, it’s about how we deal with it.

Are you ready to dance in the rain?

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Barry Smith   www.buildingwhatmatters.com   10/19/12            photo by author

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Have you ever been frustrated trying to accomplish something and felt like you were trying to do it all by yourself?  Have you ever been faced with a significant challenge and felt like there was no one you could turn to help solve the problem?

We have all been there at some time or another, so how do the big decision maker’s do it?  They surround themselves with and inner circle of individuals that are like-minded and fill in the voids in the areas they are weak in.  Let’s face it, we all have weaknesses of some kind and we need to be able to compensate for the skills and talents that we don’t have within ourselves.

“You can do what I cannot do.  I can do what you cannot do.  Together we can do great things”       –  Mother Teresa

John Maxwell in his The 21 Irrefutable Laws Of Leadership gives us five questions to ask ourselves when considering who to include in our “inner circle”:

1. DO THEY HAVE HIGH INFLUENCE WITH OTHERS? 

• Not only do we desire, but we require people around us that get results.  The way to get results is to influence or persuade others to help accomplish the mission.  Choose people that have the ability to influence or lead others in the right direction.

2.  DO THEY BRING A COMPLEMENTARY GIFT TO THE TABLE?

• If it were all left up to us, we would most likely not succeed beyond what can be attained by our own skill set.  Choose people that can make things happen by using their own strengths and talents and you keep doing what you do best.  Your inner circle should include a team that can cover all the bases.

3.  DO THEY HOLD A STRATEGIC POSITION IN THE ORGANIZATION?

• Part of accomplishing goals and reaching objectives is by using your authority in a positive, collaborative way.  Make sure that the people in your inner circle have the authority to make the decisions that will provide for the desired outcome.

4.  DO THEY ADD VALUE TO ME AND TO THE ORGANIZATION?

• Every organization should have improvement as a constant goal and objective.  Your people are both your biggest asset and your biggest liability.  Without a doubt, any member of your inner circle should be adding value to others.  Developing those around us is the most important part of improving your team.  If no one is adding value and developing others, you better become a fan of right were you are,  because that is where you will be.

5.  DO THEY POSITIVELY IMPACT OTHER INNER CIRCLE MEMBERS?

• Team unity within your inner circle will directly correspond to your success.  The idea is that collectively you will be able to accomplish much more than could be achieved individually.  Just as we see in sports every day, you can have all the talent in the world but if you can’t work together productively, you will not reach your potential.

Consider these five questions when looking at your inner circle and ask yourself one more question …

“Is this the team that I need to take me or my organization to the next level?”  

“You might need to call time out and make a substitution.”

Next Up:  Law # 12 – The Law of Empowerment 

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Barry Smith   www.buildingwhatmatters.com   7/25/12

The post The Law Of The Inner Circle – Who Does A Leader Turn To? appeared first on BUILDING WHAT MATTERS.COM.

I am of the belief that everyone desires more in life.  It may be happiness, money, physical attributes, success, notoriety or any of a number of things but the desire remains constant; more of something.  So how do we apply the Law of Magnetism to reach these goals?

John Maxwell in his The 21 Irrefutable Laws Of Leadership, gives us three characteristics to focus on in considering this law and how it equates to our success or goal achievement.

ENERGY – We are drawn to people that have a similar energy level as we do and likewise, those that are drawn to us are typically a match for our energy level.  If you find yourself or those around you lacking motivation and drive you have two options.  Change yourself or change your friends.  This may seem harsh but I experienced this in my own life.  As a speaker, coach and trainer with the John Maxwell Team, I have been highly energized through collaboration with like-minded individuals helping each other to pursue common goals and dreams.

GIFTEDNESS – We are all born with specific gifts and talents that come naturally to us.   For example, you will typically see athletes running in the same crowd and similarly you might find engineers or doctors running in their own circles.  Here is the key – although we come into this world with a set of specific talents, there is nothing keeping us from learning new skills that will provide the opportunity to change the type of groups that we spend our time with.  As we become more proficient in these new skills and become part of these new circles, soon we will not only be attracted to like-minded individuals but we will see them drawn to us.

LEADERSHIP ABILITY – John Maxwell says that “Leadership is Influence, Nothing More, Nothing Less.”  Consider the people that influence you and consider the people that you influence.  How would you answer the question “Would you like to be more or less like the people you are spending your time with?”  That may be a question that you may not like the answer to.  The good news is that you have all you need, inside yourself, to make the changes to better surround yourself with like minded people that will make you more of what you could be.

Who you are is who you attract.  If you don’t like the type of people you are attracting, it might be time to make some changes.  What changes will you make?

Don’t miss a single post from Building What Matters by subscribing at the top left of this page. 

Next Up:  Law # 10 – The Law of Connection

Barry Smith   www.buildingwhatmatters.com   7/11/12

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How would you respond to the question “Why is it important to be a leader?”  Many people view leadership the same way they view success.  We want to go as far as we can, climbing the corporate ladder, trying to achieve the highest position possible in the business we work in.  John Maxwell in his The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership says-

“I believe the bottom line in leadership isn’t how far we advance ourselves but how far we advance others.  That is achieved by serving others and adding value to their lives.”

There are many responsibilities of a leader; encouragement, direction, vision and communication to name a few but ask yourself this question – Am I making things better for the people who follow me?

The Law of Addition, when implemented, will allow your people to achieve more, become more loyal, and will allow them to be more successful at getting things done than they ever thought possible.  Consider it this way, you as a leader have a specific set of goals, either personally or professionally.  Likewise, those that follow you have their own set of goals.  When we combine efforts to help each other reach our goals, not only do we achieve them quicker but the compound effect of collaboration will generally result in achieving things that were not even part of the original picture.

As a leader, we need to be willing to invest in others to help them achieve their goals.  Zig Zigler says this-

“If you first help people get what they want, they will help you get what you want.”  

By helping others develop the skills needed for advancement and fulfillment, we not only help them to better themselves, but increase the strength of the circle around us.  Look at any successful person and you will most likely find a strong support staff around them.

So what is it that we need to do to add value to others in their desire to achieve more?  I would suggest that we need to shift the focus off ourselves and onto them.  This may not be easy or comfortable at first, but when we see the results of our influence on those around us and feel the effect of their improvements in self-confidence, competence and desire to improve themselves we are developing a leader for the future and at the same time, improve the strength of our own network.

The legacy we leave will be represented by the difference we made in the lives of others.  I would encourage you to start thinking about the people you care about most or spend the most time with and intentionally make an effort to add value to their lives in helping them reach their potential as a person and as a leader.  Speaking for myself, I want to be remembered as someone who made a difference.  How will you be remembered?

Next Up:  Law #6 – The Law Of Solid Ground

Barry Smith   www.buildingwhatmatters.com   6/13/12

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Consider the following when evaluating who is, or who needs to be, in your inner circle:

• Are they holding me accountable to remain consistent in my values and beliefs
• Are they supportive of me achieving my goals
• Are they adding value to my life
• Are they encouraging me to reach beyond what I believe is my potential
• Are they willing to be there for me no matter what the situation
• Are they someone I can turn to with any problem or issue
• Are they a positive influence in my life
• Are they like minded in what I believe in

Many of us have never really considered who makes up our inner circle.  Some would suggest that your inner circle is those people that you spend most of your time with.  It has been said that “we will become a combination of the five people we spend the most time with.”   I have heard this quote used in many different ways related to such topics as values, attitude, financial success, weight loss and others.  The common thread is how our “inner circle” of people influence our thoughts and behaviors.  If you think you can identify your inner circle, put this post to the test and evaluate how these people are influencing your thoughts and actions.  How do they align with the bullet points listed above?

John Maxwell in his The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership says that “A leader’s potential is determined by those closest to him.”  We all have goals we want to achieve in both our personal life and in our business career.  If you are finding it difficult to achieve your objectives or have never thought about who is in your inner circle, I would encourage you to do it today.  If Maxwell is correct, what kind of limitations might you have on reaching your potential and achieving your goals?

Barry Smith  www.buildingwhatmatters.com  5/27/12

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