Leadership Tips & Training Don’t Go it Alone!

As a child, I was told that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to and that I didn’t need to rely on anyone in the process. As a result, I have become rather independent as an adult. This can be a good thing, but when taken to extreme, it can become a weakness, especially in the life of a leader. In my leadership journey I have learned to rely on others and to delegate responsibilities to others. As I have delegated and brought others alongside to lead with me, I have learned the value of a team. As I meet new leaders, I also encourage them by saying, “Don’t Go it Alone!” If we try to be Ms. or Mr. Leader –Know-It-All, we will find that we are burned out and that no one is following! I am not quite sure who said the following, but I know it is a statement that I have proven true many times over: “People support what they help create.” So, don’t go it alone, instead, bring others along with you in your leadership journey.

John Maxwell, a well-known leadership expert, recently wrote an article on this very subject, published in the September issue of Leadership Wired. In the article he shares how he once believed that the leader should always rise above their people, but now knows that the only way to insure people will follow him is to rise with the people he leads. He suggests that a leader must take people on the journey and not try to go it alone. He believes his first thoughts of going it alone lead to some negative results. Read over the following results and see if you see yourself. If you do, then it is never too late to ask someone to join you on your leadership journey!

1. Experience loneliness. You find yourself all alone because you have failed to bring others with you in your leadership. If you are lonely, that means no one is following!
2. Never ask for help. Do you feel like you have to be the answer lady or answer man? Do you think you are the only one who could do that task right? Asking for help doesn’t make you weaker, but stronger! Using others gifts, strengths, and talents will only make those you lead stronger and thus make your leadership that much easier!
3. Very “position-conscious.” John Maxwell says he was always making sure that he had his title and position and, of course, the rights that go along with that position. Take a look around. Leaders come from all types of backgrounds and varied professions. Those who are focused on others, rather than their own rights, tend to have more influence. Those focused on their own rights and position are more apt to miss out on many mentoring and influencing opportunities.
4. Competitive. Maxwell says, “Leaders encourage people and make them feel like winners.” If you are always trying to out-do everyone you’ll end up making others feel like losers.

As First Place leaders, let’s work together to invite as many people as we can, to join us in the leadership journey. When we bring others with us, we will always have a listening ear, help when we need it, opportunities to influence others and surrounded by winners!

Don’t Go It Alone!

Nancy Taylor
Leadership Training Director



Nancy Taylor is the First Place Leadership Training Director and joined the First Place staff in 1997. Nancy teaches leadership principles to First Place Leaders throughout the country and at Houston's First Baptist Church where she coordinates all the First Place groups. Nancy also speaks at First Place workshops, rallies, retreats, and conferences, where she delights her audiences with humor and encourages them with boldness. She writes a monthly article, which includes helpful tips for leaders, for the First Place E-newsletter, and was a contributing writer to the Today is the First Day devotional book. Nancy is the resident First Place Bible Concordance because of her love for Scripture memory.