I was observing a class recently, and the history teacher was talking about the three Gs of exploration: Glory, God, and Gold. She said that these 3 things are what explorers were after way back during the age of exploration.
I found it interesting and listened as the teacher continued on explaining about each one and the goals of and desires of the explorers.
As I continue down my path of leadership, I began to reflect on what my three G’s of leadership would be. I kicked around a number of ideas, listened, and tried to open my mind to what those G’s could be. The more I thought about it the more G’s came to me, and eventually, I wrote them down.
Number one. Gather. I listen to a lot of books while I’m on the elliptical each morning. It helps me to keep moving and learning. I really enjoy it. One of the things I have noticed in many is the common theme of building relationships. What better way than to gather people together. Whether it’s at a conference, at school, in a business meeting, at a dinner party, or just meeting with friends/family, gathering people together is an important component of leadership. It helps to gather & build relationships. One of the detrimental effects of the pandemic was the lack of social interactions with others. Many spoke about their bubble and that small group that was able to stay together, where so many were isolated. Whether it is a TEDTalk, a book, or just special people, it always goes back to having positive relationships. In order to have those positive relationships it’s important to gather people together.
Number two. Grow. It’s so important that we continue to grow and learn in our leadership journeys. I recently listened to Hall of Fame basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski. Coach Krzyzewski has been extremely successful his lifetime of coaching and leading. He still talked about being in his 70s and that he is growing and learning. Whatever the situation I am in I like to ask myself what can I learn from this? How can I grow? My good friend Dr. Rob Gilbert always says even when bad things happen, something good will come from it. How can we look at situations and continue to grow? Even with those folks or situations that drive us crazy, how can we continue to grow? This is an extremely important component of leadership.
Number three. Gifts. This is a two-part component of leadership. Number one is the gifts and talents that you possess. What are those special traits and characteristics that you have that have a wonderful impact on others? How do you bring your best self to the work that you were doing? How are you developing those gifts and talents you have?
You have all you need inside of you to be successful and have a positive impact on others. How are you using these gifts? I never knew I had the gift of writing or speaking until Dr. Rob pulled it out of me one day. Now I feel a tremendous calling to continue to write, speak, motivate, and push others to be their best selves. Think about the gifts you have. Write them down and ask yourself the questions. What can I do to have a positive impact on others? Do this and your gifts will continue to develop and grow inside you through your journey of leadership.
The second part of this G (gift), is what are you gifting to others? What are you giving of yourself along your journey? I’m not necessarily talking about cookies or material items, but more so, how are you motivating them? How are you reaching out to help those who might be down on their luck, facing depression, or lost on their way? There are opportunities everywhere, and it could be the slightest thing that can uplift another. A text after work, a phone call checking in, or a visit. Asking someone: how can I help you? Giving someone a book or sharing a podcast that has a positive impact on you can help them immensely. Invite them to a positive experience with you?
As we are on our journey, there are many opportunities to give, and use our gifts and talents to help others.
Like the great Maya Angelou said, “people will forget what you said, and they will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” When you can help another person with your gifts and talents, and give something to them, the feeling is unbelievable.
Keep rolling friends. If I can help you in any way don’t hesitate to reach out at @andrewmarotta21 on Twitter! Keep surviving and thriving!
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#LeadershipSparks: What Spins Your Propeller
Quote: “Leadership should be more participative than directive, more enabling than performing.” —Mary D. Poole, author
