If you’re a leader, more than likely you have a ton of free time. And I’ve noticed that, when it comes to free time, the most effective leaders give it away.
Leaders like Michael Hyatt, Seth Godin, Jeff Goins, and Jonathan Milligan (and there are many others) do two things with their free time:
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They focus on areas where they have freedom. Leaders don’t waste time on roadblocks, challenges, and naysayers. They don’t focus on restrictions. They know that these areas suck valuable time, energy, passion, and momentum out of their life and work. Instead, they invest time and energy where they will achieve the maximum return on their investment.
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They give their freedom away. As a leader, you have the freedom to decide the people and projects that get your time and attention and the time and attention of your team. You have the freedom to craft and communicate vision. To set and manage priorities and determine the strategies that will best position your team and organization. To make sound decisions for your life, career, and team. Yet, if you are making progress, you have chosen to give that freedom away – to family, to your organization, to your team, to friends, to charity or ministry. Leaders are unselfish. They profoundly believe that it’s better to give away their freedom than it is to seek more freedom.
What’s mine is yours…
When my daughter, Madison, was 4, her and I began to engage in relatively substantive conversations. One Saturday morning we were spending time together and stopped by one of our rental homes. Although she’s pretty quick, it took her several visits to the home to figure out that we actually own more than one home. And that we own a home that we don’t live in.
So she asked, Are we going to your other house? I told her that we were. She was quiet for a few seconds, then she asked, Is this house mine, too? Sure it is, I said. Everything that’s mine is yours. She grinned from ear to ear as we stopped in front of the house.
Effective leaders communicate this to those that follow – Everything that’s mine is yours! My time is yours. My mental energy is yours. And my very freedom is yours. They selflessly invest – over and over, month after month, year after year.
What would you add to the list? Share in the comments.
One of the greatest gifts you can give is face-time with those who matter to you. It says to them: “You’re important. You matter to me.” That’s leadership. That’s love.
So true Harvey! Thanks for the reminder.
Well done. I have found that focusing on roadblocks is one of the most discouraging things you can do as a leader.
I agree, Michael. Thanks for connecting!
Great article, Michael. Relevant and timeless (no pun intended).
Leaders invest their free time knowing that the return will always be greater than the initial effort.
Nice! 😉 And I agree with you. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
“Everything that’s mine is yours” … That a great thought from the leadership perspective!
Great post.
Thanks Dale. Giving yourself away to develop greater influence seems counterintuitive – but its the only way to develop lasting influence. Enjoy your day!
Michael,
Your perspective that leaders give away their freedom is right on the money. So often, people think being a leader allows them to get more for themselves. Great leaders use their position to give away more of themselves. You give up the right to be focused on your own good when you become a leader. If you don’t give that up, no one will be following. http://andersonleadershipsolutions.com/whats-a-shepherd-without-sheep/
So true, Dave. Thanks for the reminder!
Michael, this is a great article. I love what you said here, “Effective leaders communicate this to those that follow – Everything that’s mine is yours!” This is true and even taking it from a Biblical perspective, Jesus often said we can do what He can and what is His, is ours. I’m glad you wrote this and that I had the opportunity to read it. I will be applying this is my own leadership position.
Thanks Ashley. I’d love to hear how it goes!
I have enjoyed reading this particular selection. After being in 6 ministries throughout a span of 10 yrs. I, too, have seen many leaders and their ways/leadership. I agree with the thought that WHEN to leave or move on is a difficult thing to determine . God showed me not too long ago that He IS still sovereign and can do WHAT HE wills with me. However, when we see all the “good, bad, and ugly” it tends to make me fine tune my heart and desires for the almighty God. He still is in control and will (if we are listening) let us know when to move on. Until that time…following is a good way to get the experience to be the BEST leader when God says its time.
So true. There have been times that I have decided to remain in a challenging situation to grow intentionally and learn to lead more effectively. I’ve never regretted that decision. Thanks for connecting here! Michael
I love practical life applications like this!
Same here, Danya. Thank you for sharing!
Hey Mike, I read your post this morning. Then I just now read Acts 16:25-34: Paul giving up his freedom/ability to escape prison and choosing to stay there for the life of the jailer. Powerful stuff. There is a leader.
Then you look at Jesus’ life…wow. Thanks for the post.
Good thoughts Dusty. I appreciate your leadership.