The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader - Commitment

We continue our learning and growing with the lessons contained in John C. Maxwell’s book titled The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader. This book carries the subtitle: "Becoming the Person Others Will Want to Follow".

Everything rises and falls on leadership. And leadership truly develops from the inside out. If you can become the leader you ought to be on the inside, you will be able to become the leader you want to be on the outside. People will want to follow you.

Quality #3 - Commitment: it separates doers from dreamers.

“People do not follow uncommitted leaders.  Commitment can be displayed in a full range of matters to include the work hours you choose to maintain, how you work to improve your abilities, or what you do for your fellow workers at personal sacrifice." - Stephen Gregg, Chairman and CEO of Ethix Corp.

If you want to be an effective leader, you have to be committed. True commitment inspires and attracts people. It shows them that you have conviction. They will believe in you only if you believe in your cause.

What is the true nature of commitment? Take a look at three observations:

1. Commitment Starts in the Heart.
   1. Some people want everything to be perfect before they're willing to commit themselves to anything. But commitment always precedes achievement.
   2. If you want to make a difference in other people's lives as a leader, look into your heart to see if you're really committed.
2. Commitment is Tested by Action.
   1. It's one thing to talk about commitment. It's another to do something about it.
   2. The only real measure of commitment is action.
   3. "Nothing is easier than saying words. Nothing is harder than living them day after day." - Arthur Gordon
3. Commitment Opens the Door to Achievement
1. As a leader, you will face plenty of obstacles and opposition - if you don't already.
2. And there are times when commitment is the only thing that carries you forward.
3. "Commitment is the enemy of resistance, for it is the serious promise to press on, to get up, no matter how many times you are knocked down." David McNally

“Just remember that it you're not working to the utmost of your ability, there will be someone out there somewhere with equal ability. And one day you'll play each other, and he'll have the advantage." - "Easy" Ed Macauley, basketball coach

Bringing it home:

1. Measure it.
   1. Take out your calendar and your checkbook register - these are the true measures of your commitment.
2. Know what's worth dying for.
   1. If it came down to it, what in life would you not be able to stop doing, no matter what the consequences were?
3. Use the Edison method.
   1. Make your plans public, and you might be more committed to following through with them.

Learning and growing together!

Donald G Rosenbarger
Senior Vice President
Delta Companies Inc