Adding Value

I just returned from the John Maxwell Leadership Conference in Orlando FL with a renewed sense of purpose and zeal for what I do. The theme of this year's conference was "People of Value, Adding Value!"

It's a GREAT reminder of our obligation as we pursue black belt excellence as leaders in life to consider the value of "adding value" to others.

John Maxwell says, "Leadership is influence." Influence, like respect, is earned. As we build relationship with others, gain their trust, respect and influence are the natural outgrowth. One of the easiest, yet often overlooked, ways to gain influence and respect is to add value to the lives of others.

Roy Disney said, "It's not hard to make decisions if you know what your values are." Before you can add value to others, you have to know what your own values are.

Your values give you your identity. They define who you are. When your values come into alignment with your words and your deeds, you become a person of value who can then add value to others.

As leaders, we are called not only to know our values, but to live them out each and every day. Adding value to the lives of others begins with us being an EXAMPLE in the way we walk, talk, live, think and act. One who pursues black belt excellence as a leader in life lives a life of integrity, humility, selflessness and generosity.

Adding value is an INTENTIONAL act. In the business of our day, we can get so wrapped up in the tasks at hand, the duties and obligations of our day, we can forget that it's the people that make the team. Charles Schwab was paid a large fortune for his ability to add value to the lives of people, because his employer understood that people, not the product they manufactured, was his greatest asset and he was willing to invest in the growth of that asset - the lives of his people.

Adding value requires we EXCEED EXPECTATIONS. It's "going the extra mile" to make sure your people know they are important to you. Adding value is more than a simple "Hi" as you pass your family, co-workers or volunteers in our organization. It's putting your day "on pause" to spend a few moments connecting in a personal way, making those you come into contact with feel special, recognized and appreciated.

Adding value demands CONSISTENCY. We are social beings. That's how we are hard wired. As a result, adding value cannot be a one-time event. Building relationship with those around you, building a team, requires a continual investment in their lives. Giving them what they need to succeed, accomplish the task at hand, or to grow personally or professionally.

As we consistently live out our values, and add value to others, we deepen the bonds of trust and respect with those around us - gaining influence into their lives as we get their "buy in" to be influenced by us. Remember, people do what people see - so consistency in living our our values permits us to add value to others - and to see them do likewise in the lives of others as well.

At the International Maxwell Conference, John Maxwell reminded us to be catalyst for transformation. He called on us, as John Maxwell Team leaders, to think, act and speak in such a way as to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Adding value to the lives of others is TRANSFORMATIONAL. It starts with us, as leaders. As we live lives of integrity, humility, selflessness and generosity as we pursue black belt excellence as leaders in life, we transform ourselves for the better. As we change, and demonstrate that change before others, they too go through a transformation in their own lives - and we and they are better as a result.

It was Ghandi who said, "Be the change you want to see in others." It's something I'm personally working on, and I hope you'll join me on this quest. There are days I do this well, and days I could do better. But as we used to challenge our students in the karate school I taught for years (and the instructors who still teach there do at the beginning of each class), I continually remind myself that "I'm on a quest to be my best!"

That's the continual pursuit of black belt excellence as a leader in life.

As we make it our life mission, as leaders in life, to add value to others, we bring POSITIVE TRANSFORMATION to our families, our business relationships, those we worship with, volunteer with or simply enjoy as friends.

One of the most exciting things I enjoy seeing in the martial arts schools I visit that are part of our Association (and in my own schools when I taught) is students voluntarily helping students. As instructors, it's our job to teach proper technique, forms and other technical aspects of our given arts. But when those who are not yet black belts step up and begin to invest in the lives of other students who are not yet at their rank level, helping them improve their blocks, kicks, punches, stances and self defense do we see the value of adding value to others being passed on to others.

In any "team" scenario, be it a workplace, sporting venue, volunteer organization or a family - watching others add value to other team members is a sure sign that you as a leader (or someone who has influence in their lives) is adding value to them.

We often learn best by teaching others. So let me challenge you to practice adding value to the lives of others - and as a part of that, teach others to do it as well. It requires that you first model it, recognize and complement it when you see others doing it, and reinforcing it through consistency and reward.

Remember...Adding value is part of the transformational process of developing the leader within ourselves first, then transforming the leaders around us as we add value to their lives, which aids in their own personal and professional development.

John Terry is the founder of IMGA, a world-class coaching organization focused on leadership, communications and sales training. He is an Executive Director with The John Maxwell Team, and is a certified speaker, trainer and coach. John is also a Master Coach & Trainer with Real Life Management. IMGA World Class Coaching can help you (or your staff, employees, or volunteers) Inspire, Motivate, Grow and Achieve more as you pursue black belt excellence as a leader in life. To learn more about what we offer, or to schedule John for a speaking engagement or personal or group coaching, visit our website, www.imga.com.