Leadership is hard because there is always a greater price leaders are required to pay. One of things needed for sustained leadership is a willingness to continue paying that price even when you do not wish to.
What helps me continue moving forward as a leader are words of encouragment. I wish I was the type of leader who had amazingly tough skin and a strong will, but the truth is that I absolutely thrive in encouraging environments. The reality is that I could have never played for Bill Parcells, Ozzie Guillen, or Bobby Knight.
I do not think I am alone in that area. That is why I love the attached video so much. It shows a GREAT motivator, in this case Ray Lewis, in action. If you wish to be as successful in the area of motivation as Lewis, there are 14 lessons you can learn from his pre-game speech to the Stanford Cardinals basketball team.
- Great Motivators Brighten Every Room They Enter – As a motivator, ask yourself these questions. When you enter a room or meeting as Lewis did, are people genuinely glad to see you? Did their day just get better? Are solutions now available to whatever issues your team may be facing?
- The Motivation Was Strategic And Targeted – Constant motivation can lose its impact. Did you notice that Ray’s appearance came as a surprise. Great motivators understand proper timing and when to leverage their influence.
- “I thank you guys for the opportunity.” – Great motivators have a spirit of gratitude. They understand it is a privilege to be allowed to speak into someone else’s life.
- Great Motivators Do Not Waste Opportunity – Because it is such a privilege, great motivators see their time with others as a responsibility and are extremely prepared.
- Great Motivators Are Succint – Lewis did not aimlessly ramble. He understands the economy of words.
- Great Motivators Cast Vision – Lewis had passion and energy. His words were clear, crisp, and painted a compelling picture of a destination worth arriving at.
- “If tomorrow wasn’t promised, what would you give for today?” – Great motivators inspire us. They create urgency and a call to action.
- “Forget everything else. Forget there was any sunlight left.” – Great motivators help us prioritize and bring clarity to our lives.
- “What would you spend today thinking about? Yourself or the man beside you?” – Great motivators are generous and focused on others.
- “Whatever legacy you’re going to leave, leave your legacy!” – Great motivators want to help people do something that is lasting.
- “Wins and losses come a dime of dozen but effort, nobody can judge effort. Effort is between you and you. Effort ain’t got nothing to do with nobody else.” – Great motivators are most interested in helping you maximize your individual capacity and potential.
- “Every day is a new day. Every moment is a new moment.” – Great motivators know that your past does not have to define your present reality or future.
- “I’m pissed off for greatness. Because if you ain’t pissed off for greatness that means you’re OK with being mediocre.” – Great motivators lift our lids and raise our level of expectation.
- Great motivators bring results – Stanford won this particular tournament.
This post is dedicated to the following 12 leaders who motivate me. These are the ones who make my life more fruitful and help keep me in the game!
- Jesus Christ – Simply the greatest leader and the greatest example ever! This is THE one leader I wish to be most like!
- My wife and daughter.
And now the 10 others who will be listed in alphabetical order with links to their Twitter accounts so they can motivate you as well.
- Richard Chancy
- Ken Friar
- Casey Graham
- Derwin L. Gray
- Greg Kell
- Mike Linch
- Crawford Loritts
- Thomas McDaniels
- Ike Reighard
- Joseph Sangl
Leaders, tell us about other great motivational people who inspire you?
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