Have you ever heard of the phrase “lead from the front”.

It’s a common phrase in military vernacular, but it’s less common with civilians.

It means that when you’re the leader, you go first. You’re the first in and the last out.

You lead the way through your actions and the example you set.

It doesn’t mean that you have to be out front in a literal sense, but it does mean you set the bar.

As another infamous phrase says: “as goes the leader so goes the team”.

I bring this up because earlier today I recorded a podcast with my good friend Walter Crosby.

Walter hosts a segment on his show that’s all about thinking differently about sales as he’s kind enough to have me on.

Today, we discussed a particular challenge leaders face. It happens when their team members are indifferent to growth. And it’s a difficult one for leaders to handle.

I don’t think I used the phrase. But, I did share that companies and leaders can’t expect growth to continue if it’s not part of their culture. It has to be one of the core values.

Whether across the entire company or within a specific team, you must call it out if you expect it. You must also set the example. You must lead from the front.

If you’re not setting the example, leading from the front, and discussing it often with your team, it won’t exist.

Too often, I see leaders expecting, but not living. Asking for it and not reinforcing it.

Humans are humans. We enjoy our homeostasis and our ability to avoid change.

Growth happens outside your comfort zone, not in it.

So if you want to see change as a leader ask yourself if you’re setting the example yourself.

Have you shared it with your team? Does it come up often in meetings? Is it repeated so often that your team knows it’s something you’re “all about”?

It goes back to our success philosophy. You must set the Prime Directive, for yourself, for your team, and for your company. Ask yourself, are each of these three aligned?

You should also ask each member of your team to write out their Prime Directive. You should then review their Prime Directive with your team or company. Ask yourself, are these aligned?

Remember, your team members have their personal Prime Directive. Your company's may be different. They may even oppose each other. Having reviewed these, you now know why certain issues may arise.

Once you know there’s alignment, Direct - Adapt - Iterate.
It’s all there. Now all you have to do is implement.

Death - Before - Dishonor

To your success,

Nate

​P.S. If you’d like to share your reflections with me, feel free to email me at reflections@mindvaultllc.com as I’ll be happy to hear your thoughts. This email goes directly to me and is reserved only for those who read these Reflections.