Corazon Aquino
Mohandas Ghandi was undeniably a leader, yet he lived a simple life style. Corazon Aquino was a leader who also lived a simple life style. Many people are leaders in their organizations or communities who nevertheless are far from wealthy.
On the other hand, many are wealthy and are not leaders at all. No one follows or even desires to follow them. So we know that wealth does not indicate a leader, despite aphorisms to the contrary through the ages.
And being in a position of leadership does not indicate a leader either. We know this because we have all experienced it; we have known corporate CEOs, church pastors, and college presidents who are not leaders at all.
Have you ever heard someone lament, “What this company (country, church, industry, club) really needs is leadership.”
But what is leadership?
In a broad sense, a leader attracts followers. Others (tyrants, swindlers) may push or manipulate people into following them, but there is no coercion associated with following a leader. I have made a small animation where I have illustrated the difference of a life-style of attraction vs that of compulsion.
So what is it about a person that enables them to attract others? What allows them to pull willing-minded people toward them, to lead them?
Part of the difficulty is in using terms interchangeably. For example, the terms “success” and “leadership.” Network marketers and internet marketers are in business (presumably) and it is only reasonable to want success! I think it is fair to say that wealth is a sign of business success, though, as previously noted, not all who gain wealth are leaders.
It is just this confusion that contributes to some of the mythology surrounding leaders and leadership in the direct marketing arena.
“Look How Rich I Am!”
Years ago, I was involved with a group of network marketers where visible wealth, business success, and leader were all discussed in one breath. So it was expected that anyone rising to leadership or even aspiring to leadership had to have a Cadillac and a Winnebago Motor Home. A lot of people went into debt in order to look successful. I believe the phrase is, “fake it ‘til you make it.”
This same mentality has been used in the internet marketing arena to “attract” followers. Successful marketers are photographed in their luxury homes, standing by their luxury car, or on their luxury cruise in order to convey their success, and thus authority, and thus leadership.
I am not saying it doesn’t work. It does work, even if it is not necessarily logical. As we are told so often, marketing is emotion based.
Not so differently, some internet marketers talk excessively about their charities, and depending how it is done, it can be an unconscious or deliberate attempt to convey wealth to a different segment of marketing newbies in a manner presumed to be more acceptable than ostentatious consumerism.
Authentic Leaders
But increasingly we hear from more transparent leaders, some who share their financial struggles with their followers – in the present (not years later as part of a sappy tale from the stage).
One such leader is Eric Walker who has always said what he believed and what he was doing in his business; he has always been open. He is a leader because he attracts people through his warmth, encouragement, modeling, creativity, and willingness to help. He has openly shared the story of his entrance into internet marketing, his time of working on the staff of Mike Klingler, and his settling in to build his own internet business.
Eric left the certainty of a career in teaching to follow a dream. In a blog post two years later, he wrote: “I’ll say it as plain as can be. Don’t quit your day job.”
He went on to say that his desire to do a better job in providing for his family necessitated rethinking the idea of “full time marketer.” He told all of his followers that he was going to get a day job. Obviously, Eric is not wealthy.
Yet he is a leader. At the time of this writing, he is still developing his carefully mapped out plan for setting up a service for internet marketers. He hasn’t quit.
He emphatically stated that he is forging ahead with his online business, it is just that he has taken another pathway toward building it. And he still has many followers. He is still a real leader. An authentic leader with integrity you can trust. It will not surprise me at all to find his number of followers grow exponentially in the next few years.
I am not opposed to wealth! I aspire to be wealthy. I like material things. But I do not confuse wealth with the qualities of leadership. Authenticity, giving your time and help to others, and integrity is what counts for me.
Honest Leaders
One month after Eric’s post, another marketing leader told her friends and followers about her agonizing decision to cut expenses by selling the family’s large home and relocate to a smaller home. She said that her family had finally accepted that “We can’t rely on future earnings, spend it now and expect to generate more… We were ready to no longer be: HOUSE RICH AND CASH POOR.”
Emma Tiebens is a marketer loved by many for her ability to reach out and connect with people. She is a gifted speaker and video marketer with a large following. She entertained many followers and well known marketers in her lovely home. Now she has downsized her home to reduce the stress in her life of keeping up with it all.
Is she any less a leader now that she has come clean about her financial struggle and mistake? Not at all! If anything, her authenticity improves her standing with many of us.
What is often overlooked is that leaders are first of all people. They have a lot of the same struggles as everyone else. But there are two differences –
- Leaders keep progressing, albeit with ups and downs, because they don’t quit.
- Leaders are authentic.
Mike Klingler, one of the better known internet marketers, has said:
When you reach high, transcending all fear and doubt, taking on more risk than before… and then you MISS (because perhaps you leaped from a difficult position)… you will fall and could hit hard. When it happens, know that it’s OK to “cry” – Just be sure to get back up. Go at it differently. Don’t think ‘leaders’ never whimper when they fall short. The difference is they keep at it. Be the person of influence!
Coming Next: Internet Marketing Leadership Myths | #2 New Leaders Can’t Be Trusted
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Richard,
This made my day, and I’ve had a great day. I sat down and took my time with reading this because it felt that good. THAT good. Then I fashioned my thoughts because I didn’t want to leave the experience. Thank you for that.
Man, you’re a good blogger. I always have a good time here. And you know what! That’s what Blogging is all about — creating that “happy habit” that keeps us dogs coming back for the cookie. Good writer you are, sir.
So here is my spiel, thanks for the space to do so, Richard.
###
Thoughts on Leadership
The hunger I still maintain after two years of learning, training, succeeding and failing and succeeding again and really NOT ever succeeding or ever failing, is what keeps me going.
Similarly, the secret to success is simple. Keep going. It’s a plain statement, I know. And in it has no luster to speak of, doesn’t even necessarily make for a great story. It’s just a “keep on going” attitude.
But that hunger for significant monetary gain, as well as a genuine love for people, has always kept engaged. I think it’s essential for my brand of leadership.
My head is in this stuff all the time. That, combined with a “keep going” attitude develops leadership.
I also think that the nature of internet marketing, blogging and social media is like sports in the sense that it doesn’t necessarily build character, it reveals it. I think I was naturally raised to have a strong fortitude for my goals.
I want to point out that my WHY, as it’s called, the reason I do THIS … is for my family. I’m a leader IN and FOR my family – that’s my #1 focus. Take the eye off that ball and the consequences are a long term trying to forgive what you can’t forget.
So to me, if taking a step backward means gaining two, that is what I do. Sometimes this means adjusting one’s time scales. It has to be excepted if you’re going to keep on keeping on. One of the worst mistakes you can make is to give up on your dreams when things get tough. It displays poor modeling for the family.
Another thing I try to keep in mind — it’s that the entrepreneur who has more fun, and genuinely exudes THAT is also the one who believes the purpose of business is to give people rewarding lives. Or at least help to provide that opportunity.
###
Again, I really appreciate your kind words. It always means a lot, and because I have a considerable amount of respect for you, it means that much more.
Thank you Richard,
Eric Walker
.-= Eric Walker´s last blog ..No Feed Key Found =-.
Thanks so much for visiting and your complimentary remarks. And especially thanks for adding to the conversation here regarding the topic of leadership. You have provided some great insights. The more I keep chugging toward my goals, the more I would have to agree – it reveals character.
You can catch more of Eric’s ideas on leadership here:
Looks like the link evaporated when I upgraded the site – here the link referred to in my reply above http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=487307751240
Hi Richard,
I do have to agree with Eric – you are a great blogger. Your style makes everything you say easy to understand.
And with regards to leadership – the greatest leaders to me are those who are genuine, honest, transparent, who love people and love helping people. The flash cars, houses and toys have never proclaimed ‘leader’ to me.
Keep blogging!!
Cheers,
Helen
.-= Helen Wenley´s last blog ..Vitamin D does more than just prevent the flu =-.
Thanks to you Helen for your complimentary notes above also. “Transparency” as a leadership trait is a complex thing and I hope to write more about that shortly. I do know that you have a love for helping people, Helen, and in comes through to those in the wellness area and amongst the marketing community.
Hi Richard,
I always enjoy following your blogs. You have become one of my “mentors” because you are the best blogger I have found. When it comes to leadership, one can never measure that on amounts of money. I have known many famous and very rich people that walk around in jeans and a T-shirt for comfort, live in a modest home, and are rich enough to take time out to GIVE to others. That’s true prosperity to me. I never liked numbers. I can visualize what I would like to have and it always comes one way or another. Sometimes it comes three-fold.
A true leader gives of themselves. A true leader that makes tons of money is happy because he/she can give more.
Regards,
Dona
.-= Donna Merrill´s last blog ..Quality versus Quantity – Social Marketing Strategies =-.
Wow! Thanks for the kind words Donna. The Go-Giver story is real, more than an allegory, isn’t it!
Richard,
You impart so much great information is an easy to read format. Plus you back everything up with sound facts. Rich is not a monetary value, it is sharing and giving to others. THAT’S what makes someone a leader. The value and open, honest interactions with others.
Thanks for bringing up this subject,
Val
.-= Val Wilcox´s last blog ..Your Level of Persistence =-.
Again the agreement with the giving spirit. Thanks for that Val.
Earlier, in the first comment in this thread, Eric spoke of an attitude of keeping on. That fit nicely with my quote from Mike at the ned of my post. Now…
I want readers here to take a look at what you have written, Val, in your post linked to your comment about “Your Level of Persistence.” I think the connection to persistence and leadership is clear. And you have helped make it actionable. Take a look dear reader!
I couldn’t agree with you more. I’m terribly cynical about people telling me how to become successful whilst they stand next to ‘their’ luxury car or ‘second’ home. What I want is honesty! I can take it .. I understand the person who says, ‘hey I’m not going to kid you this is hard work and I haven’t made it yet’ but I don’t want to be taken for a fool.
I like your type of open and honest advice and have found a lot of useful information here on your blog. Keep up the great work!
Best wishes
Joanna
Thanks for visiting and sharing here Joanna. And I think “honesty” though I mentioned it above, is a tough issue. As I mentioned with regard to “transparency.” I hope to write about that a bit more.
Richard, you hit a nerve and it’s good that you did. Confusion can reign easily when we’re not on the same page with someone else. It’s always good to define what we mean by our words such as the word “leader”. Your definition is clear and sensible. I like a clear and sensible presentation and want to thank you for setting the record straight about leadership, wealth, and success.
As usual Richard, this is a very thought provoking post. I certainly agree with you about leaders not always being wealthy. I’ve known many leaders on the internet who have had large numbers of followers, but they were not wealthy. Some (one in particular I’m thinking about) gave the impression of being wealthy, although she never actually told anyone she was wealthy, but people just thought she was. I realize now, it wasn’t because she pretended, it was because she had the mindset of a wealthy person.
Unfortunately, some of the leaders I know who had huge followings gave up too soon.
Some people who are just starting out in Network Marketing act like leaders very quickly, and others take longer, perhaps never actually becoming a real leader.
It occurs to me that the individual(s) that had “huge followings [and] gave up to soon” would make a terrific story for a post (protecting the privacy of the name of people of course). But really! huge followings and they give up?
You hit the nail on the head Richard. People like Eric and Emma always stand out because of their honesty and no hype attitude. But yea, I just like so many others like reading your blog. You always have good info on what to look for in becoming successful, not just appearing successful. I really enjoyed how you explained leadership.
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Richard – “rich” is all relative isn’t it? Real authentic leaders are rich beyond the wildest dreams and it has nothing to do with money. They get their “wealth” from helping others and leaving a legacy behind. I love your blog and your post is very well written and engaging. THanks for sharing!
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Thanks Richard, Learning to be a leader is something that I’m constantly thinking about and trying to improve upon. Inspiring others to see that within them so they too can succeed is also important to me. Thanks
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Hi Richard,
Great post on leadership and authenticity. I have seen both sides of this coin myself. Supposed leaders that portray their leadership by a lifestyle they lead…or appear to lead. Only to discover at some point when they disappear that they were faking it and didn’t make it. I have also seen some tremendous leaders that have given up everything they owned for the pursuit of their dream and their passion. Their willingness to live a bare bones lifestyle in order to achieve a greater good. I can say this… their authenticity screamed so loudly that they have made huge progress and attracted raving fans to support them.
I look forward to the next post in your series.
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“How” I live my life is just as important as my products, company, and opportunity!!!??? (Well, yeah! -Thanks, Don, for the a look at two types of people and how they impact our impressions.)
I enjoyed reading your post on leadership Richard.
I have never been attracted to those who portray their wealth on their websites or capture pages.
My impression is that is how they looked at me, a source of money rather than a business partner.
To me leaders are the ones who step up, organize things, help people, get things done, and even though they are motivated by success they realize that they have to lead first.
Thanks Richard and thanks Eric for the great comment.
Peter
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I like your definition for leader as the ones who step up, etc. Such a nice pithy way to put it. And with a touch of ironic humor, the way it ends “they have to lead first.” If I steal that phrase, I will give you the credit.
It’s perfect.
Richard, I really connected to this post!
Reading all the comments, you truly deserve the praise because you are a brilliant writer. Your message is clear and simple with a lot of depth.
Thank you for demystifying leadership. Most people are used to Positional Leadership at work, in the military, police, etc. The issue with this type of leadership is without the title or the position, very few would follow them.
I love that you are highlighting the type of leadership without titles. You can be a 360 degree leader leading your peers, leaders, and followers.
Discipline comes from the word disciple which means follower. To have discipline is to follow one’s true self. By being authentic to oneself that’s where we lead by example and attract others who have similar goals and values.
BE-DO-HAVE principle, most think once I HAVE, then I will DO, and I will BE. The truth is once you BE, then you DO because it’s who you are, and the HAVE are a result of who you are and what you do.
I believe relationships are similar. When we can connect with people based on who people are versus what they do or have, it brings about a real deep connection. You don’t want people to care about you because of what you have or even what you do, you want people to care about who you are.
Thank you again! I love how you highlighted my dear friend Emma. Had the honor of having her and her family join me for a Birthday dinner celebration. She is the real deal and will be one of the giants in the industry because of her heart, honesty, and authenticity.
To Your Genius,
Eiji
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And thank YOU for adding to this discussion significantly, Eiji. I was trying to get at that point that leadership is not based on position but you made it a lot better. As a matter of fact I thought others might want to explore what you wrote even further. It was John Maxwell who wrote a book on the 360 Degree Leader. There is a summery pdf about his views located here: http://www.ohiohealth.com/documents/university/The360DegreeLeader.pdf
Maxwell has written a lot about leadership, and so I have decided to make his classic book, Developing the Leader Within You, as the next subscriber “friendship gift.”
Thanks for bringing all of this to the table!
It is unfortunate that there are few true leaders around. I believe that an authentic leader knows himself as well as sensitive to the concerns others. Our present trend of leadership however is through dominance and wealth.
Hi Richard,
Thank you for such an insightful and thought provoking post.I think most people can see through those that “fake it until they make it”. As you say, true leaders show their authentic selves and are driven by a desire to help others and that is what attracts people to them.
This is my first time here, I will be back for more.
Thanks Deirdre
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Very interesting post. I agree with you that leadership has nothing to do with money. Rich or poor is not a qualifier. I believe that leaders develop their own thoughts based on their own experiences combined with the input from others. They stick out their neck and defend a stand point that is not commonly accepted, or that nobody had thought of before. Leaders are unique. And they have the ability to communicate the uniqueness to their followers. That is true leadership to me.
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Thanks for stopping by Karin – I have benefitted from visiting your blog not so long ago.
The expression “Thought Leader” comes to mind after reading your comment. It is a good addition to the mix here about leadership.
Hi Richard,
AUTHENTICITY! I think you nailed it with this insight on “Real” leaders. We are all leaders. I am a father of 5 children and whether I like it our not I am a leader. Either a good one or a bad one. I can’t pretend to be a good leader. My kids would see right through that. Mainly because they spend so much time with me.
If you are authentic, I think you can be a great leader despite your wealth or your failures.
Always balancing,
Rafael
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My dearest Richard, Eric and (all of you who wonderfully shared your comments on this post!)
How could I have missed commenting on this! Oh my goodness, I read and re-read this post and the your comments and I am without words!
Richard… I am soooo beyond grateful that you took notice of my post and found so much value in it, enough to share with your audience and your friends. Truly the past 90 days have been the most challenging but the GREAT NEWS is that I am beginning to see the light. Well, truthfully, I believe I MADE A CHOICE TO SEE THE LIGHT FIRST, even knowing that I will have to go through darkness for a brief period of time. I knew that I wouldn’t stay in the dark because I simply REFUSED to do that!
The decision to write that post wasn’t easy… While I truly respect and understand the power of blogging to share your authenticity online, I also am mindful of the limitations and boundaries we all have to be aware of when we do. Did I think it will jeopardize my reputation? Absolutely! Did I know that there could be other people going through what I was going through? Absolutely! Knowing both answers enabled me to decide on risking my reputation for the sake of actually empowering and inspiring someone who’s probably going through the same to have HOPE and BELIEVE that there is a brighter side to it.
It’s so ironic that you chose one of my “heroines”, past President of the Philippines, the late President Corazon “Cory” Aquino. FYI, I was with the crowd present at the “People Power” in 1986 in Manila, Philippines and we collectively stopped the tanks from firing at the people and our unity effected a change of government which ousted the Marcos regime and brought to power Pres. Cory Aquino. Her courage of stepping up to a role of President from simply being a housewife and pillar of strength of support for her family and her late husband was something I would never forget!
When I was starting with online marketing 2 years ago, I never really saw myself as a leader, despite the fact that I did build an organization of over 6,000 people in my primary opportunity using offline means. However, online was a different story all together. As I started connecting with people, identifying industry leaders and learning the ropes, I didn’t really position myself as a leader.
However, what I found out was this: If you connect with people at a heart level and you start sharing not just your successes but your fears and failures as well, you will develop with them what is what I believe to be now the #1 currency online – TRUST. They will effortlessly trust you because “When one speaks from the heart, other hearts listen…” – that’s a fave of mine from another mentor Ruth Klein.
I am in awe of you Richard and your generosity to ALWAYS bring life lessons of empowerment, inspiration and marketing “survival” skills to those who are so blessed enough to be around you…
I am deeply, deeply honored to call you FRIEND… you are a rarity in this industry and I pray heaps of blessings upon you and your family for all that you do!
Big Hugs and I look forward to our phone chat very soon!
Utterly Grateful,
Emma
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Hi Richard,
You are an incredibly talented writer!
I resonated right from the top where you stated “Being in a position of leadership does not indicate a leader either.”
We don’t need to go any further than politics to have this one ring home.
Even in Network Marketing, I’ve seen people in top ‘leadership’ positions that don’t even come close to being true leaders.
Leaders are humble, when things go wrong, they don’t blame but rather take the fall. When given direct praise, they credit it to their team.
These qualities essentially make them magnetic. As you’ve said they don’t coerce as people are natural attracted to them.
Material wealth is never an indication of the qualities a person possesses.
Thanks for highlighting Eric and Emma’s here. Their authentic stories are going to have an impact on many marketers both new and established.
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