Leaders Go FirstSample

Leaders Go First

Leaders go first is a very true statement, and somewhat self explanatory. Leadership is being willing to go first. It means they set the example. They see more and before everyone else. Going first isn't a privilege, it's a responsibility. Going first doesn't make leaders better, it makes us more responsible for whoever and whatever follows us. Leaders shoulder the impact of making the first move. So the real question is, are you a leader?...

Are you a "go first" leader?

Going first is why leaders have to sacrifice the perks of leadership for the price of leadership. Going first as leaders means sacrificing likability. We believe leaders are lead followers. (Read 1 Corinthians 11:1) And in order to be a "go first" leader we believe there are some things you must do first:

1. Believe In and Lead Yourself First

I've never met a successful leader that didn't believe in themselves or lead themselves well. If we want others to believe in us, we must go first and believe in ourselves. This requires positive self-talk, self-investment, self-reflection, and self-awareness, because before you can effectively lead anyone else, you must lead and believe in yourself first. You will never lead at a level higher than the level at which you lead and believe in yourself. If you won't push yourself to go and grow first as a leader, you'll lack the influence to move others. 

2. Set Expectations for Yourself First

Leaders must establish up front where the team is going, what the team is chasing, and what it means to be part of the team. This means establishing expectations and living up to those expectations first. We can't set low expectations for ourselves and high expectations for those we lead.

3. Keep Your Commitments First

The first and the most important commitment that any leader makes is to him or herself. A commitment to integrity, to responsibility, selflessness, team, family, and doing the job well. But those commitments hinge on the one a leader makes within themself first. If you as a leader cannot be true to your word within yourself, you will struggle to keep your word with other people. 

Jesus, the ultimate leader, was true to His commitments. So much so, that nails didn't keep him on the cross, commitment did.

You must be willing to pay the price of being the example, the price of going first, if you want others to follow your lead. If you're a leader or desire to be one, you must always be willing, ready and committed to "go first."