Every time you stand in front of those you lead you have an opportunity to influence their life. You can harp on rules and commandments (less effective). You can read a quote that sounds amazing (not bad). Or….be a SUPER-LEADER! (best choice) What’s the difference between a leader and a SUPER-LEADER?
…well…it’s the same difference between a villain and a SUPER-VILLAIN
To be a SUPER-LEADER it’s all in your PRESENTATION!
Mike Schlappi is an Olympic athlete, a motivational speaker, and a great life example. He does all this from a wheelchair. He was recently interviewed on the Mormon Channel which if worth a listen.
There are many things to learn from this interview. Mike shared unforgettable life lessons that are so applicable for the LDS leader. I’d urge any bishop to recommend this interview to people they are working with that are going through a rough time. Very inspiring.
Listening to this interview from a leadership perspective there is one theme that stood out about how to inspire others as a leader. KNOW YOUR LIFE STORIES. There is nothing more engaging and powerful than telling a story. 90% of the interview is simply Mike Schlappi telling different stories. The stories he tells stay with you and communicate the principle very effectively.
The next time you give a talk make it 80% stories from your life. Have fun with these stories. Paint a clear picture and help them experience the story as if they were there. You may think you don’t have any stories, but you do. Start writing them down so you have them as reference when you need them.
What stories have leaders told you that have impacted you life?
