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“The choice to lead because of benefits, benefits no one, not even the leader.”

A thought by John C. Maxwell from his book, Leadershift (p. 62). HarperCollins Leadership. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

The reason why we choose to lead is so very important.

John says, “I’ve met a lot of people who desire to become leaders. That’s only natural since I do so much teaching and writing on the subject. When I get the chance to interact with people one-on-one, I often ask them why they want to be leaders. Sometimes their answers reveal that their motivation is really about the perks of leading. They want to be in control. They want others to do what they say. They want a nicer office. They want a higher income. They want a better parking place.

“When I started out as a young leader, my thoughts were similar. I was enamored with my title of pastor. It conveyed to me that I was the shepherd of the flock, and I thought people would automatically follow me because they needed me. They would rely on me for direction and be grateful for everything I did for them. It seemed simple.

“Then reality hit. The people of the church were kind to me, but they didn’t automatically follow me. That’s when I learned what I later called the Law of E. F. Hutton: when the real leader speaks, people listen. The title that I expected to be so important didn’t come with any of the perks I anticipated. I learned that I would have to earn influence myself along the way.

“Fifty years later, I can say that in my career as a leader, I’ve received just about every kind of perk imaginable. I’ve received titles, recognition, honorary degrees, authority, nice offices, good parking places, money, preferential treatment—you name it, I’ve had it! However, none of these things motivates me as a leader. I lead because of what I can do for other people. That’s the best motivation to lead others. It took time to get there, but I made the shift from being focused on what I can receive as a leader (the perks) to what I can give as a leader (the price).”

He later says, “The choice to lead because of benefits, benefits no one, not even the leader. Focusing on perks won’t take you anywhere worthwhile because deep inner fulfillment never comes from perks. What they offer is ultimately hollow. And they have never helped a leader to reach his or her potential. Leaders who focus on perks end up misusing their leadership, and because they love perks more than people, they are continually tempted to misuse people to receive, maintain, or improve their perks.

“If you want to reach your potential, become the best leader you can be, and make the greatest impact, then you must shift from perks to price in your leadership. A price is what stands between you and your potential. If you want to be a better leader, you need to pay for it.”

And that is what I want and I'm sure the same is true for you.  You too want to be a better leader, don't you? 

Yes, yes!
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