In a recent email, author/speaker Jon Gordon stated that when people are asked if they want to be great, everyone usually says “Yes” - Who wants to be mediocre?!
We see all around us individuals who are striving to be great – athletes, musicians, world leaders, as well as co-workers and others in our daily lives.
Gordon spells out 4 stages that he believes individuals who are pursuing greatness go through:
- The Preparation Stage – where you prepare to be great – where your actions meet your desire
- The Planting Stage – This is where you “plant” yourself- where you decide to serve “WE” instead of “Me”
- The Growth Stage – This is where you grow into the leader you are meant to be
- The Harvest Stage – This is where you “reap” the benefits in moving through the first 3 stages and are able to bring out the greatness in others
As has been said – “Good is the enemy of great”. Far too many individuals serving in leadership positions settle to be “good” and not push themselves to achieve greatness.
Being “great” takes many different forms, but what I liked best about Gordon’s stages is the final stage.
It is not enough for an individual to achieve greatness, but it is most important that he/she help those around them to also become great. Whether it’s helping a child achieve their true calling, or mentoring college students to find their career path, or ensuring that individuals who work for us are given the tools and training to be successful; as leaders we must all bear the responsibility of serving “WE”.
What have you done lately to serve “WE”?
