The other day I posted a graphic on social media that said, "If you want to be a great leader, start by seeing greatness in others, and then inspire, encourage, and coach them to achieve it."
A number of people responded to me saying, "That’s you Jon. You do this all the time. You see the best in people. That's your gift."
The truth is I didn't post that quote to generate those encouraging responses. I posted it because I wanted to encourage people to see the greatness in others and bring out the best in them.
Far too many people don't see the best in people and others are too focused on themselves to see anything in others. As Maya Angelou said, "You can't be a great leader if all you see is yourself."
I posted that quote because I want to help others become better leaders.
And yet, as people responded with their kind comments I thought about my life and it's true that I do see the best in people. I see their potential and what they become.
In fact, my co-author of The Coffee Bean, Damon West, tells me all the time that I didn't see him as an ex-convict who spent 7 years in jail. I saw him as someone who was going to impact the world with The Coffee Bean message and he has.
I really do see the greatness in others but that also means that sometimes I get burned. Sometimes people don't live up to that belief. Sometimes people wrong me.
When this happens, I can allow these people and moments to make me cynical or I can choose to continue to see the best in people.
Over the years I have chosen to continue to see the best in more and more people.
Of course, it's important to have discernment and since I have been burned many times I have great discernment now. :)
But, even when my gut says "watch out" I still see what that person can become if they work hard, live with integrity and make good decisions.
I want to encourage you to see the greatness in others. See their potential and help them achieve it.
More often than not, they will rise up to your level of belief in them.
Have a great week!
-Jon
P.S. I'm launching a group mentorship program because I want to help more leaders grow and make a greater impact. Stay tuned for more info.
