Two keys to success for leaders:
Receptivity and Relationships
Introduction
Welcome to Leadership Lifter! Today, I want to share with you two foundational keys to success that can help you move from merely surviving to truly thriving in both your personal and professional life. These principles have been transformative in my journey, and I believe they can do the same for you.
I Am Not Born a Leader, I Am Made One
One of the most empowering truths I’ve embraced is that leadership isn’t something you’re born with—it’s a journey you’re chosen to embark on by God. As a leader, I’ve learned to be intentional about my growth, aiming to be excellent, authentic, and purposeful. Knowing that God is for me gives me the courage and strength to keep moving forward, even when the path isn’t easy.
The Power of Mindset
Mindset is everything. A while ago, I read Mindset by Carol Dweck, and it completely reshaped my approach to challenges. This book talks about the difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset. When I adopted a growth mindset, I found that I could thrive—even in difficult seasons—by seeing challenges as opportunities for growth.
As Proverbs 23:7 says, "As a person thinks in their heart, so are they." That verse reminds me daily that what I think about shapes who I am and what I become. It’s a principle I strive to live by.
Key 1: Receptivity
The first key to success I’ve embraced is receptivity. Being open to new ideas, learning, and growth has been transformative. When I choose to remain teachable and humble, I position myself for continuous improvement.
Here are some ways receptivity has shown up in my leadership journey:
Lifelong Learning: I’m constantly reading, listening, and evolving. Growth never stops.
Positive Attitude: I’ve seen how my attitude directly impacts my leadership. A great attitude opens doors that skills alone can’t.
Remaining a Student in Every Storm: I’ve learned to ask, “What can I learn from this?” instead of letting difficulties defeat me.
Continuous Improvement: I regularly evaluate how I can get better—even when things are going well.
Resilience: Setbacks happen, but bouncing back quickly is what defines a strong leader.
Viewing Challenges as Opportunities: Every obstacle has the potential to teach me something new.
Forward-Thinking: I try to always think ahead, setting goals and creating a vision for what’s next.
Adaptability: Change is constant, so being flexible has been essential.
Seeking Feedback: Constructive criticism is an opportunity to grow, not a threat.
Building Relationships: Surrounding myself with people who inspire and challenge me has been key to my growth.
Key 2: Relationships
The second key I’ve discovered is the importance of relationships. Relationships are more than connections—they are resources that fuel my creativity, innovation, and success. The most important things in life are not things; they are relationships. This truth has transformed the way I view and value the people in my life.
Here’s how I’ve learned to evaluate and prioritize relationships in my life:
Who adds value? I nurture relationships with people who uplift and inspire me.
Who subtracts energy? I’ve set boundaries to distance myself from those who drain my focus and energy.
Who multiplies my impact? I intentionally connect with people who help me grow and bring new perspectives.
Who divides my attention? I limit relationships that cause unnecessary distractions.
Being intentional about my relationships has made a huge difference in my leadership journey. The people I choose to surround myself with either propel me forward or hold me back.
Leadership in the Marketplace
As a leader in the marketplace, I know how important it is to keep growing. That’s why I seek opportunities to engage with other leaders and attend events where I can learn and network. Surrounding myself with like-minded individuals has been a game-changer, giving me fresh ideas and strategies for success.
Conclusion
Leadership is a journey of growth, learning, and transformation. By focusing on receptivity and relationships, I’ve been able to move beyond survival mode and truly thrive. If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this, it’s that you don’t have to go through this journey alone—God is with you every step of the way.
So, let’s keep striving to be lifelong learners, building meaningful relationships, and embracing the challenges ahead. I’m excited to see how these keys to success transform your leadership journey, just as they’ve done for mine.
If this message resonated with you, please share it with others. Together, let’s lift our leadership to new heights. And remember: God is for you!