“Insecure leaders never develop people. They replace them.” -John Maxwell

People can obtain a leadership position for lots of reasons…. education, experience, performance, relationships, certifications, etc…. The perks of status, a pay raise, and influence can definitely seem more appealing and these positions can be highly wanted. However one’s leadership potential cannot be measured until they are actually leading. Performance or production is not the same as leading people, and it is important that we have foundational principles. Everything rises and falls on leadership and it will always be about purpose and people. The last thing you need to think is that it is about you and your professional goals….. Insecurity creeps in when you focus on your position more than your purpose, your position more than dealing with people, or your position over knowing your plan. An insecure leader thinks that everything is about them, struggles with relationships, and as a result creates paranoia or insecurity in their staff. People begin to feel dispensable, that they cannot be themselves, and go into self protection mode. An insecure leader can take very driven people and cripple their ability to make a difference. It is like having a fire that just needs more fuel, but instead deciding to sprinkle water on it. Insecure leaders are in fight or flight mode and they alienate and get highly defensive in conflict. Secure leaders focus on their purpose and people by aligning both with a plan. They find their security in their work ethic and example toward something greater than themselves. They in turn create a culture where people have the opportunity to be the best version of themselves and advance. If we had bad examples or have little experience leading people, then we can have the wrong mindset or low confidence to start our position. We are only as good as our examples or experiences and if we lack them, then we need to be educated. I am so thankful that I had a great example to learn from in Ronnie McClurg. He made me feel like the most important person on earth and let me grow in my position. In return, I was on fire to do a great job for him and help him be successful. He was a man full of wisdom and true love for people, and to this day, who I compare myself and others too. When you have seen and experienced the best, then you can pinpoint the opposite. Here are a few examples of the differences of an insecure and secure leader:

So what is a leadership position? It is simply a greater platform to influence people and guide a vision. That is what you have to want….. not the title, not the benefits, not the extra authority, not the control over schedule…. If you want to be a secure leader, then you have to deep down want the true definition of leadership. You need to be secure in dealing with people, staying in your purpose, and knowing your plan. Also understand, that confidence and security is something you earn through intentional consistent choices… We all have the capability of becoming insecure and self-centered without an intentional plan. Secure Leaders have a set of checks and balances that they follow to keep them aligned with their purpose. Here are a few tips to follow and questions to help to ask yourself:

• Know who you are and who you are not. Be good with it…
• Do not act like you have all the answers… Listen and be respectful.
• Be the hardest worker and do not expect anyone to notice.
• Do not ask anybody to do anything you are not willing to do.
• Tell people thank you often… Even if it is their job.
• Stand for what is right, but always admit when you are wrong.
• Fight for your people when policy is in question. When you do right for people, policy will always self-correct over time.
• Am I the example of what I expect others to be?
• Do I seek to understand and find solutions?
• In conflict… Do I fight, alienate, or seek the truth?
• What was my last random act of kindness?
• Are my people just being compliant or are they working with purpose and freely feeling like the best version of themselves.
• Do I worry more about image and what people think more than my purpose?
• Do I remind myself as to why I started in this business?
• Do I seek honest feedback from those around me?
• Am I building people or am I building my own kingdom?
• Do I care enough to confront people when it will make a difference?
• Do people ask me to help them? Why or why not?
• Do I give others the benefit of the doubt?
• Am I a loner in my leadership?
• Do I make it a point that my calling is constantly before me?
• Do I have a daily process or mindset that ensures I stay in alignment with my purpose?

“Then you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” John 8:32