WHAT DETERMINES THE HISTORY OF YOUR FUTURE

There is one thing, above all else, that we share in common – our ability to build cultures. When you think of the word culture. I tell people that our DNA determines the cultures we work to create and improve; it is who we are and how we do it!

Although you have become in the position you are in for different reasons, we are all leaders and influencers. Did you know that? Manny people believe a leader is typically a person in a management role. However, everyone is a leader and an influencer. I'll shaI'llhis with you. My wife and I led our church's Wednesday Night Kids Club several yeachurch'sWe were in this role for over 12 years. During those years, I constantly interacted with the kids and adults. Then, one day we decided to visit the church. We had left, moved from the area, and hadn't attended for many years.

After the sermon, we began walking to our car when a young man approached me and said he wanted to hug me. I asked him his name, and he told me, and I started to tear up. I told him, you don't have to hug me. I want to hug you! He stated that I had a significant influence on him by teaching him to build his strength and faith in Jesus Christ and that I influenced him to become a firefighter, and he was now a captain for the Phoenix Fire Department. He also stated that he is married and learned to treat his wife in a very loving and supportive way, just like he saw me treat my wife. I was in tears. This kid didn't have a father, and his mother was not around much because she always had to work. So on Wednesdays, he would come in early and stay late; I would pray with him during that time. We would talk about being a firefighter and how important it was to treat your wife very well and always support them. This is why I tell you that we all have influence and lead people regardless of who we are and what our role is.

As you think about this, I want you to know that we all need to increase our impact and influence as leaders, communicators, teachers, coaches, speakers, and trainers. Understanding how to build a culture successfully will empower you to be a person of significance.

Some of you may believe you are a strong leader and influencer because you have a strong force and reaction to your teams and think that creates success. NO, THAT IS WRONG! You become an influencer and leader through your firm, persuasive, and convincing approach to the people you interact with. So how do you do this? It's all about the principles and values you build with yourself and ultimately influence others.

You should focus on these core principles and values for successful leadership.

• Adding Value To Others – we can only value others to the level that we love ourselves.
• Living Intentionally – living your life on purpose for a purpose
• Exceeding Expectations – the average is what everyone else does
• Grow Daily – the only guarantee that tomorrow will be better is to grow today
• Positive Attitude – a "positivity thinker" believes that there is always an answer
• Equip Others – training others to train others – the Law of Multiplication
• Be An Example – others do what others see

If you maximize your commitment to these listed principles and values, I promise you will become a strong and successful leader and build a sustainable culture.