What are you risking?“The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing, and becomes nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn and feel and change and grow and love and live.” ~Leo Buscaglia
Let’s face it—God’s greatest leaders have historically been the antithesis of remarkability. The people that have made the greatest difference were never the ones that spoke with the most eloquence, knew all the rules, or even looked the part. But they were the ones that had the audacity to say, “God, I’m nothing without you. If I’m going to do anything for you, I need you to fill me with everything I need.” They made enough space available in their lives for God to do something great.
The good news is Jesus already died to heal your imperfections. To strengthen your weaknesses. To break your addictions. You’re a new creation in Christ—one that will play a vital role in glorifying His name.
~By Steven Furtick
Recently I was afforded the awesome opportunity of interviewing Jon Gordon. Jon is a husband, father, and author. His best-selling books and talks have inspired readers and audiences around the world. He is the author of The Wall Street Journal bestseller The Energy Bus, as well as The No Complaining Rule, Training Camp, The Shark and The Goldfish, Soup: A Recipe to Nourish Your Team and Culture, and his latest book The Seed: Finding Purpose and Happiness in Life and Work. I could literally write pages and pages about all Jon’s accomplishments from sharing his principles with NFL Teams such as the Atlanta Falcons to the many Fortune 500 Companies like Noodles & Company, Campbell Soup, and Pepperidge Farm however Jon would tell you today that his past accomplishments are meaningless. What matters most is that something he says will inspire you to take action.
Please take a look at this short clip that Jon recorded sharing with you some thoughts about his new book “The Seed: Finding Purpose and Happiness in Life and Work“.
As you can see, Jon is inspirational. He has found his greater purpose and today is inspiring millions to find their’s as well. Like I said, I was afforded the awesome opportunity of interviewing Jon. So without further ado …. my interview with Jon Gordon.
What was your first recollection of experiencing great leadership?
I would say meeting and spending time with Ken Blanchard, the author of the One Minute Manager.
Who had the most significant influence on shaping you as a leader?
Honestly the answer is God. I wish I had better leaders in my life growing up and in my early career but I didn’t. People often ask me where my leadership principles come from and they come during my walks of prayers in the morning.
What are three words people would use to describe you?
Energetic, sincere, real.
What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing leaders today?
Busyness, stress, fear and negativity.
What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess?
Optimism. It’s the most important characteristic of a leader.
What advice would you give someone who is considering a leadership position for the first time?
Know what you stand for. Know your purpose and vision and share them. Read leadership books. I’m amazed at how many don’t read to improve themselves as a leader. Books will help you clarify what you believe and shape you and your actions as a leader. It’s not just about reading. It’s about applying.
Over the years, what is one behavior or trait that you have seen derail great leaders?
Pride. It comes before the fall. The best leaders are humble and hungry.
If you could study leadership with anyone in the world with whom would you study?
Abraham Lincoln. For a leader who is living I would say Bob Iger the CEO of Disney.
If you could give my readers one piece of advice on leadership, what would that be?
Lead with optimism. Leadership is a transfer of belief. Steve Jobs had the ability to convince people they could do things they never thought possible and they did it.
What’s next for you? Is there another book in the works?
Yes. The Positive Dog. It’s about the benefits and strategies of positivity.
If you are interested in finding out more about Jon Gordon I encourage you to visit his website at www.JonGordon.com or follow him on Twitter @JonGordon11 or Facebook.
Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links” which does mean that if you click on the link and purchase the item through Amazon that I will receive a small commission however the purpose behind this post was not for monetary reasons but yet to introduce you to an incredible leader and motivator. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Would like to share with you some “Unforgettable Moments Of The Week”.
This is what Wisconsinites woke up to on January 1st, 2012. The snow held tight to every branch and made a beautiful landscape. God’s turned the drab into beauty. Talk about starting the year off right!
Sunday, January 1st, 2012
Wednesday evening Pastor Chris Kliner lead our Konnect ministry (Grades 1st through 4th) into worship. Seeing kids worship like this is what it’s all about. Kids developing a personal relationship with the King.
Wednesday, January 4th, 2012
While returning straw from our live nativity at Pathways Church we (Justin V and I) somehow got stuck on the farm for a bit. The animals were beautiful.
Thursday, January 5th, 2012
There are so many times in our lives when we lose focus of what our goal and purpose is. Last night I was reminded about Peter walking on the water and how he lost focus.
Matthew 14:22-36 reads …
As soon as the meal was finished, he insisted that the disciples get in the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he dismissed the people. With the crowd dispersed, he climbed the mountain so he could be by himself and pray. He stayed there alone, late into the night.
Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared out of their wits. “A ghost!” they said, crying out in terror.
But Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.”
Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.”
He said, “Come ahead.”Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!”
Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart, what got into you?”
The two of them climbed into the boat, and the wind died down. The disciples in the boat, having watched the whole thing, worshiped Jesus, saying, “This is it! You are God’s Son for sure!”
On return, they beached the boat at Gennesaret. When the people got wind that he was back, they sent out word through the neighborhood and rounded up all the sick, who asked for permission to touch the edge of his coat. And whoever touched him was healed.
The Bible says “Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand.” This tells me that Peter had literally walked all the way out to Jesus and when he was literally just foot or two away he lost focus.
How many times have you taken a step of faith and while hearing the voice of God, only to get literally feet away from the goal when fear takes you down?
The waves always get a little rough when we are in the Will of God and in those moments satans goal is to get us to take our eyes off God … even just for a second.
As we approach the New Year, I want to encourage you to “Keep Focused”. Keep your eyes on Him. If Peter had just stayed focused of God, fear would have never had the opportunity to shake him up.