E-couragement: Engaging Leadership In Just Minutes A Day
March 2009 “Don't wish it was easier; wish you were better. Don't wish for less problems; wish for more skills. Don't wish for less challenges; wish for more wisdom.” Jim Rohn
This is your lucky day! Boy, do I have a deal for you. Welcome to Engaging Leadership Made Easy. When you purchase our 5-CD program you can expect amazing results in literally minutes-a-day. You’ll have the loyal, committed, and engaged followers you’ve always dreamed of. The best part is that YOU WON’T HAVE TO CHANGE A THING! That’s right. Our program is easy and painless. In an instant you can expect results that will impress all your friends and ensure that you’re the most popular leader in your organization. You can have this incredible offer for three easy payments of $19.95. Why wait? Order now and begin your journey to becoming an engaging and effective leader! And, that’s not all. If you call within the next 20-minutes we’ll include our one-of-a-kind toothpaste that will instantly whiten your teeth AND give you confidence to become an inspiring speaker.
Seem far-fetched? Maybe not. As a country we pride ourselves on being a world leader in education, technology, and business. At the same time, we seem to have an unquenchable desire to enjoy major life achievements…for three easy payments. What is it about our culture that keeps the infomercial business booming and the elusive fantasy of “something for nothing” alive and well? We spend billions each year pursuing the looks, health, relationships, and earnings of our dreams. We want it to be effortless and in only minutes-a-day. We don’t want to change our activities, personalities, eating habits, spending practices, or our lives. Yet, we are willing to whip out our credit cards and order up our own personal “genie in a bottle” to do all the hard work for us.
Could it be that we’ve adopted a similar mindset when it comes to developing the skills and abilities required of an engaging and effective leader? It’s time to banish the myth of the “quick-fix” success plan and begin speaking the truth to each other. Leadership is tough and comes with a great price. It hurts. It can make you cry and wish you had never heard the voice inside calling out, “You must lead.” Leadership is not for the faint of heart. You must be willing to take a stand and to lose your popularity. You will certainly stumble and fail. You will be judged unfairly. Your natural flaws and imperfections will be on display for all to see. At times you will be blamed for others people’s lack of success. Others will expect resources you cannot give and answers you do not have. Your judgment will be questioned. You must be willing to accept 100% responsibility for your own mistakes and those of your organization, while giving away much of the credit for success. It will help if you relinquish the fantasy that you’ll be cherished, immortalized, or revered.
Leadership is also deeply rewarding. Through your guidance and encouragement some of your followers will soar beyond their wildest expectations. Look for your dreams to materialize while inspiring others to dream for themselves. Some will hear what you say, “get it,” and act on it. You will experience loyalty and commitment from the soul, heart, and minds of others. You will forge meaningful and lifelong relationships. You will be changed for the good of yourself and others. You will experience the true meaning of courage, vulnerability, and grace.
So, let’s try this again. You’ve heard of reality TV, this is reality infomercial. Welcome to Engaging Leadership. This program will require you to invest your blood, sweat, and tears as well as unusually long hours. The payment plan requires a 20 – 40 year investment with a variable rate of leading other human beings in an uncertain world. We do not accept credit cards. If you order today there are no special offers outside of perspiration and sleepless nights. The only reason to “call now” is your own deep and compelling belief that your life and the lives of those you lead could be positively impacted forever.