Be Challenged & Lead On with Anupama(Part 6): Key Takeaways from IMC!

Last month, I attended my 5th IMC in Orlando, Florida USA. You might ask what is an IMC? Let me elaborate so we are on the same page before I dive into what I learned at IMC this time around. IMC stands for International Maxwell Conference. This is a LIVE Event where we gather with other coaches, speakers, trainers to learn and grow together while making meaningful connections with newly certified members at the bi-annual conference.

Let me share with you some key takeaways from this year's leadership conference. The theme of this conference was "Leading The Way" and we believe that "Everyone Deserves To Be Led Well".

Mark Cole, CEO of Maxwell Leadership reminded us that "A Leader Knows The Way, Goes The Way and Shows The Way". What does it mean when you are leading the way? It means:

Knowing The Way - Learning or knowing how to Lead!

(1) Learn Everything You Can

Going The Way - Applying or Putting Into Practice what you learn!

(1) Leading Yourself and building the Credibility (2) Leading Others with Confidence. Only if we start moving will we gain confidence and it is important to start with self-leadership.

Showing The Way - Transforming or Becoming a Difference Maker!

(1) Leading Your Community and developing leaders around us (2) Leading A Movement where we bring people together in a world that divides with High Road Leadership.

Nelson Mandela said "Action without vision is only passing time. Vision without action is merely daydreaming. But vision with action can change the world."

Valorie Burton, MAPP, MCC coached us and asked us a critical self-coaching question. The question is "Are you doing what's urgent or are you doing what's meaningful?" Are we saying YES to things that seemed urgent at the time and then do we tend to regret that commitment later on.

As soon as I returned from IMC, I was faced with a situation where I had to decide whether to say YES to a Speaking Opportunity for the PMI Washington DC Chapter or focus on preparing for the Workshop for Educators in Clinton Township, NJ that I had already committed myself to. I knew it was urgent and meaningful when I received a call from the President inviting me to speak that week.

It was definitely a great opportunity for me to meet one of the legends Lee R. Lambert who is a founder of PMP (Project Management Professional) for the Project Management Institute .

In addition, I had the privilege to meet some amazing speakers and dedicated volunteers from Project Management Institute, Washington DC Chapter, Inc expanding my network, learning from others who are a step ahead of me in their leadership journey.

Below is a glimpse of Day 1 at the PMI WDC Conference:

In the book "Developing The Leader Within You 2.0", John Maxwell says that we need to spend time with people who INSPIRE us to see "More and Before". Let me share with you an excerpt from this chapter which has changed my approach when it comes to attending leadership conferences or being part of a Mastermind/Masterclass. I have started intentionally seeking out people and experiences that would stretch my leadership gifts and enlarge my vision.

And here's 3 things that I have discovered:

1. When I'm with the right people and in the right places, I don't spend time; I invest it.
2. The best way to meet the right people is by asking the right question: "Who do you know that I should know?"
3. Preparation beforehand and reflection afterward maximize these experiences.

It is time for you to ask yourself this question. Am I actively searching for people who can enlarge me and my vision. Am I being intentional and preparing beforehand to meet people who will make a huge difference in your life?

I had the honor to share insights at this annual conference with 220 attendees on Day 1 on the topic of "Reproduction Shift: Ladder Climbing to Ladder Building".

Next time I will share more insights from this teaching and I would like to invite you to join my upcoming Mastermind on the book "LeaderShift" where we will study all the 11 Shifts that every Leader needs to make. This 12 week course has transformed the lives of other leaders who have completed this course with me, it is your time NOW!

Contact Anupama Kinatukara, PgMP?, PMP? if you would like to hear more about the upcoming Masterclass on Leadershift or you are ready to take your Speaking to the next level by participating in the Maxwell Speakers Club with Anupama.