I have a long way to go to become the leader I desire to be.  You too can probably think of several places where your leadership doesn't measure up to its full potential.

If only leadership could become a reflex.

In John Maxwell’s book on the laws of leadership, there is a chapter entitled "The Law of Process."  In the chapter you will find the old boxing saying: "Champions don't become champions in the ring, they are merely recognized there." It illustrates the point that becoming a great leader is an ongoing process of paying the price day after day.

Maxwell goes on to tell the story of former boxing great, heavyweight champ Joe Frazier.  Frazier once said, "You can map out a fight plan or a life plan.  But when the action starts, you're down to your reflexes.  That's where your road work shows.  If you cheated on that in the dark of the morning, you're getting found out now under the bright lights."

Has your preparation been exposed lately?  Are you paying the price to grow your integrity in the dark of the morning?  Are you reading anything to help develop your leadership gift?  Are you discussing leadership with anyone else?

There are no short cuts to greatness and you will never regret doing the right thing!

Like boxing, if this leadership thing is to ever become a reflex, we must be willing to pay the price on a daily basis.

The question I have been asking myself lately is, "Have I been paying the price when it comes to pursuing leadership development?" How about you?  If you have been given the leadership gift then you must develop it and use it to the fullest.

I hope you will do some evaluating today and ask yourself if your leadership is a reflex or is it still underdeveloped.  If the latter is true of you it is time to get to work “in the dark of the morning.”

i2i,

Randy