All great leaders with whom I’ve spoken have been vigilant about what they allow to go into their minds. Whether it be with whom they conduct conversations, the movies they watch, or the books they read. They know instinctively that all that goes in will either positively or negatively influence what comes out.

I like the quote by the late veteran television talk show host quoted on this poster.

If you happen to get something else from television, that’s all fine; but don’t lose sight of its primary purpose for being in your home. You may watch it differently once that quote finds its way into your consciousness

Before taking anything into our minds as leaders, some good questions to ask are:

• Will what I’m about to take in increase the emotions I’m already having trouble managing (i.e. fear, anxiety, envy, hubris, greed, discontentment, etc.)?
• Will it build me up to where I’m a stronger leader (i.e. love, joy, humility, peace, knowledge, etc.) after having taken this into my mind?

Great leaders do not passively allow input to enter the vault of their mind. They guard that vault – making conscious and intentional choices about what is allowed to continue strengthening or weakening this single most important tool in their leadership toolbox.

Categories: Influence

Tags: influence