When I think about all I have learned about being a leader, throughout the course of my life, there are countless concepts and theologies that come to mind. What I have found to be the most powerful way to lead, is to serve.

It's been said that a good leader does so by example. The example we set, as leaders, determines the growth of our team. Our leadership inspires action! It demonstrates love. It offers hope to those who aspire to follow our lead and become leaders themselves.

It's also been said that leaders breed leaders. But how? There's more to leadership than telling people what to do. A GREAT leader is, first, a servant. This is how a leader demonstrates to those they lead what is expected of a GREAT leader.

The most unfortunate challenge in network marketing is the lack of leadership.

Lack of true leadership accounts for a significant number of the challenges recorded in the history of MLM and Direct Sales. Interestingly enough, success in network marketing requires leadership. It requires discipline. It's an investment in our customers and our team members and it's our responsibility, as leaders, to convey that message so people have a solid understanding of "what they are getting themselves into."

Too often new prospects are left to figure things out on their own when a leader shirks their servant responsibility. What better way to cultivate an electric sense of action and belonging, in a team, than to teach them how to be a GREAT servant?

That would solve a lot of the challenges we face in the MLM workspace. It takes a simple understanding that people want to be loved, they want to be needed and they want to be part of something. They also need to LEARN what to do if they don't know. Therefore a great leader is an excellent teacher...

A good leader knows how to prospect.

They know, by simply looking at a profile, who IS a good fit for the opportunity. They know how to qualify those who will become a recurring customer. They are smart enough to say NO to those who do not qualify, as a referral, even when they have cash in hand. They know how to protect their team from those by qualifying people ahead of time. They think of their TEAM first and will not allow the bad leaven to leaven the lump.

The idea of becoming a leader can be intimidating. The idea of being a servant is what MANY desire. I've asked countless people, over the last two decades, "Why do you want to do this?" Most have replied, "Because I want to help people!" A good leader knows how to present leadership in a way that makes sense to those who are intimidated by the thought of becoming a leader.

A good leader is a reader.

Reading provides knowledge and wisdom that can be shared with the team. Reading sharpens the mind and provides intellect where intellect is needed. Learning provides the tools we need to lead successfully. It sharpens our minds and aids in honing our skills.

Leaders manage their time wisely.

They use a calendar to schedule their work time, family time, and playtime. The calendar is one of the best protectors of true leaders. Managing time demonstrates discipline and courage. Discipline and courage inspire trust! Trust closes deals and generates repeat business!

Regardless of where you are at, in your journey as a business owner or entrepreneur, aspire to serve and serve to inspire! Anyone can tell people what to do. A good leader can show people what to do.

A GREAT leader chooses to do it together. This creates a sense of belonging and belonging inspires longevity!