The subject of leadership can bring up an array of topics to cover as well as discussions to have. I have realized that the majority of people who I know who have strong leadership qualities have such a tight list of core values that they dedicate themselves to live by. These are things that they would never compromise for any reason. Now I am not saying you cannot be a strong leader if you do not have core values, however I feel that when you do, it is almost like self accountability to ensure you are dedicated to your vision. The company I work for has core values and I can remember when we were all in discussion about what the list should contain. Everyone sent an email with 5 things they would like to see on the list. Basically, core values for your business, your family or even just yourself should be characteristics that you strive to uphold. For example, our first core value is teamwork: this is somewhat of an obvious one for a company because without teamwork, things become chaotic and unorganized. Naturally, this may not be a core value in your personal life, but it is ideal for a business or organization. In addition to teamwork, we also have integrity, excellence, relationship driven, and giving back to our community. All things we are passionate about in our company and strive for on a daily basis. These are things that I have personally adopted into my life and try to display every day while working. Hopefully I have painted a good picture for you of what our company is about.

“Dedicate yourself to your values and standard”

So the question to ask yourself now is what are my own core values? Do I need core values? Do successful people have core values? Well, not necessarily would be an answer to all these questions. However, I believe the only way to lead others successfully is to change their core. Someone may have all the potential in the world, but if their inner core is “rotten,” then at some point their potential will run out. I believe your core values start at home and you will display them when you leave. What kind of person are you when you are home? Are you the worlds best friend when your out and about, but when you arrive home, you change? How do you treat your spouse? Leadership starts with being selfless to other people. One thing I learned from my brother-in-law long before I got married was we should begin each day thinking of how we can serve our spouse. How can we make their day better? That word: SERVICE is something we don’t hear much about anymore unless it’s a “church service” or “community service.” These are great things don’t get me wrong, however are we serving others every chance we get? Even the highest level CEO of a company, the strongest leader of that business, should be a servant at times whether it is counseling someone or just expressing his appreciation to his workers. Selflessness and service will allow you to be so humbled that you will make a difference in many people’s lives. I always hear about husbands who will sacrifice their lives for their wives in an instant if something detrimental were to happen, however my question to that is why aren’t you sacrificing yourself daily for your wife? My wife and I have only been married 2 and half years and I fully understand how being selfless and humble seems impossible at times, but also being the leader of the household, how important it is to humble myself for my wife. Serving her on a daily basis to make her day a fraction better and to take stress off her plate. I am not saying I’m the perfect husband by any means because I certainly know my flaws and understand I can be selfish at times, however it is not the action that defines a man, it is his core and his response to accountability for that action that will define him.

“Leadership starts with being selfless to other people”

Leadership and discipline are things that take practice and require a lot of sacrifice to achieve. Holding oneself to a higher standard and not letting others sway your decisions and values. These are things that have become increasingly difficult in today’s world. Disciplining oneself mentally and physically to set a positive example for other people who may not have the same drive and focus. The reason I love getting up early and having a consistent workout regimen and even something as simple as having a healthy marriage  is because it is almost weird to other people! I enjoy doing things that other people are unable to do, not because they can’t, but because they are mentally to weak to do so. I enjoy being that example to others saying  yes, you can do this, you are just choosing not to because you are comfortable where you are. Remember, you should train yourself to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. I always tell people the only reason something is uncomfortable is because you don’t do it enough! Being a leader is stepping out of your comfort zone and choosing not to stand still in life, but to continually do things that will propel you forward to get you closer to your goals. It’s okay to want things, but you have to work for it.