(Editor’s Note: The author is a former Gwinnett banker who is president of Oconee State Bank of Watkinsville. The bank has a branch in Gwinnett at 2055 Sugarloaf Circle in Duluth.)
By Neil Stevens
WATKINSVILLE, Ga. | The term “leadership” has many meanings. John Maxwell may have coined it best when he said: Leadership is influence — nothing more, nothing less.”
Stevens
The book, Leading Life on Life, is about four consistent actions that define every strong leader’s character: loving others, equipping others, affirming others and developing others.
The goal of the book is not to convince you that I am perfect at embracing the four primary actions. This book was written to unify the efforts of the leaders who read it with a shared commitment in all we do – for our customers, for our community, and for each other.
I am now beginning my fourth decade of observing the actions and behaviors of great leaders. Over time, I have found several common characteristics they all possess. But two stand out the most:
- Their leadership is tailored to each individual.
- A trustworthy operating system always guides them.
The first characteristic I’ve seen again and again is that great leaders inspire others exclusively and uniquely, according to who each person is, not according to who the leader is. Instead of trying to impose their views and strengths onto others, they seek to honor and elevate the distinct personality and strengths of the people around them, by devoting regular time to each of them, one on one, life on life.
The second common characteristic of great leaders is that a learned, trustworthy operating system always guides them when they are with others. While there are many traits and actions that guide great leaders, I’ve found that four primary actions are common to all of them. This operating system can be summed up by an acronym you might have already picked up on:
- Love.
- Equip.
- Affirm.
- Develop.
The book, Leading Life on Life, unpacks the artfulness, depth, and intention behind each of these four actions, with a particular focus on ways each of us can model them as we seek to authentically inspire others around us – our co-workers, our customers, our communities, and, yes, even our bosses – to higher performance and greater results, life on life.
You can purchase Leading Life on Life by emailing creese@oconeestatebank.com All proceeds from the sale of this book benefit Oconee State Bank’s foundation – The Remarkable Foundation. This foundation gives back to nonprofits in our communities we serve.
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
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