Value All People
In reading High Road Leadership this week, I came across a quote that John Maxwell’s dad, Melvin Maxwell, shared with him when John was asking for some career advice. Melvin said, “Value people. Believe in them. And love them unconditionally. Do those things every day and you will be successful.” This resonates so deeply with me, especially as someone who strives to be a steady leader perpetuating a steady environment for my family and team every day.
Value All People
To value others, you have to see their worth. You have to let them know you see them and their capabilities. And then you have to help them feel worthy, as well. When you help someone realize their own worth, they will reach new levels of achievement that perhaps they have never experienced before. By valuing others, you literally give them confidence to strive higher. As leaders, it is important to start with those who are leading other people in our organization. These are the people who have the most influence. Influence trickles down easier than it rises. If we can help the people at the top of the organization see their worth, they will, in turn, help others see their worth and contribute to a thriving organization.
Believe In People
Again, people generally rise to the level of others’ expectations. This is why it is so important to purposely show people you believe in them every day. And the easiest way to show people you believe in them is to equip them. When you spend time, money, or personal effort on helping people become more than they are today, you are equipping them to succeed. I assure you – they will notice it, and they will be buoyed with determination to make you proud, to step up, to do more. Alternately, you can show people you believe in them by challenging them. Now, it is important to note that not everybody responds positively to a challenge. But for those who do, you should certainly challenge them. You should not give them the freedom to be anything less than what you expect them to be. And when you challenge someone to be better, most people will rise to the occasion.
Love Unconditionally
Loving unconditionally is something I try to do and teach my children to do every single day. Loving unconditionally means loving with no strings attached. You don’t make someone deserve your love before you love. You freely give them your love as a gift, without expecting anything in return. Personally, I like to consider unconditional love as more of a mindset. When you walk this Earth with the mindset of freely giving your love to others – no strings attached – you will, inevitably, be hurt. But that is okay, and that is certainly to be expected in this imperfect life. This life was not promised to us without hurt. That hurt you experience at times will pale in comparison to the safe, trusting, reassuring, confident environment you create for yourself and the people in your life you choose to love unconditionally. When you give your love unconditionally, you will be a steady leader in a steady environment.
“Value people. Believe in them. And love them unconditionally. Do those things every day and you will be successful.”
… Such a powerful quote, I wanted you to read it twice before you turn away from this blog. I hope this empowers you to approach your day today as the leader who foremost values others.
Written by Schuyler Williamson
Pre-Order The Steady Leader Book: Pre-Order Book
God Bless!
~ Schuyler Williamson