Network Marketing Business, by virtue of its very nature, requires leadership as its most vital function. One way to express its nature is, "a lot of people each doing a little bit." Whether the people involved do a little or a lot doesn't matter, as long as you've gathered enough of them. Historically, the most successful Multi-Level Marketing organizations have rallied and held on to large numbers of people.
So Why is Leadership so Important?
Let's take a look at leadership's literal definition. Leadership is simply the act of inspiring or persuading people to do something they would not ordinarily do on their own initiative...say for example, join a MLM deal and become a lifelong evangelist for its products and opportunity. Most people that you and I know are not looking to do that. Even faced with the opportunity, they are not inclined to capitalize on it.
If You Lead...They Will Follow!
When a leader offers the opportunity, either directly or as part of the package, followers have a tendency to follow. A follower is anyone that does not have enough experience, confidence, vision or power to lead in that particular domain. It is interesting to note that a follower in one domain may be a very powerful leader in another domain.
It takes a powerful leader to actuate and retain masses of people in an environment that they are either not inclined to enter in the first place, or tempted to abandon at the first sign of difficulty (i.e., rejection, less than perfect service, slow income results, etc.). This type of leader is not merely the "powerful", old-school leader that manipulates, sells and bullies people. A new, more powerful style of leadership is required to attract and hold the masses in a fickle environment such as ours. We call these leaders...
The New Millennium Leaders
Leadership is the profession of the next century. Virtually all of society's ills can be sourced to a lack of leadership-whether politics, education, business, religion, our communities or our families. New Millennium Leaders will be some of the highest paid, most revered, most influential professionals available. Out with the old...in with the new!
Old Tired "Heads"
· Work toward selfish goals
· Choose the path of least resistance
· Pursue objectives only until obstacles are encountered
· Use a political-follow up the polls-approach
· Participate in deceptive manipulation
· Display a forceful leadership style
· Assert a dogmatic philosophy
The New Leaders
· Create a VISION that contributes to and inspires others
· Possess the COURAGE to say what is true and do what must be done
· Have a COMMITMENT to do it any way, every day
· LISTEN at a therapeutic level
· Exude CHARISMA
-Do that which others fear
-Source others' needs
-Play full out in their groove
-Play full out in their values
-Play full out in their passion
-Have fun!
· Exemplify INTEGRITY
-Walk the talk
-Self-honesty
-Do the right thing
-Make decisions that serve others rather than self
Leadership is an art that can and should be taught. Leaders are not born; they are developed either by their environment or by another leader. I challenge each of you to take on your own leadership development. Encourage any and all budding leaders in your network to get on the path with you. Your long-term financial security depends on it!
Richard B. Brooke