Bigger than your life: Leaving a legacy as a leader

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Think back in your life. Who has touched your life and what have they left you with? What type of person were they? By influencing your life, they were a leader to you.

Leaders touch many people and change lives. Their level of influence starts out small and grows as they touch their followers.

As a leader’s circle of influence grows, they will touch many lives they never know about. This will be done by the books they will write, conferences they speak at, or even blogs that they write.

When leaders start influencing others, their legacy starts to grow. The energy and knowledge that they pour into others will be the legacy that they leave.

The influence of each human being on others in this life is a kind of immortality.
–John Quincy Adams

In my life, I have had many leaders who have influenced my life. Many of those leaders were people directly in my life. A few have been authors and speakers that have spoken into my life through their work.

When someone enters your life and becomes a leader to you, I feel it is only right to give them the honor they are due. Because of them, you are where you are. Today, I would like to honor a few of those leaders in this post.

The key to successful leadership is influence, not authority.
–Kenneth Blanchard

1. Richard South: Richard is the youth pastor at Oakcrest Church of God. He has probably spoken the most into my life. As a youth pastor, he gave me great wisdom regarding the bible. Since becoming a youth leader under Richard, he has been a great encourager. He routinely writes notes of thanks and praise to acknowledge my work. He models “leadership by influence” in all aspects of his leadership. I have never seen him request something that he was not willing to do himself.

2. Dan Miller: Dan is the author of 48 Days To The Work You Love. I first encountered his book while I was working at Family Christian Stores. His book has encouraged me to explore the many different options in regards to employment. He has also guided me through his podcast. The willingness and joy he shows in helping people find their calling is inspiring. While I have never met Dan face to face, he has helped shape my life in ways he will never know. For that, he is a great leader to me.

3. Zig Ziglar: It has only been within the past couple of years that I discovered who Zig Ziglar is. It is through his books that Zig Ziglar has been a leader to me. His book See You At The Top, was an eye opener to me. It introduced me to the power of positive thinking and the steps to success. His book Dear Family has also had a profound impact on my life. Reading through the letters he writes to his wife, children, friends, and other family members made me want to be a better man. I am not sure if there is anyone out there more inspiring than Zig Ziglar.

These are but a few of the men who have been leaders to me. They have had a huge impact on my life. I’m proud to acknowledge that they have influenced my life and where I am going.

Question: Who have you viewed as a leader in your life? What have they done for you and have you thanked them recently? Please post your answer in the comment section below.