Leadership Motivation

When I was young, I had ideas about changing the world. So, I set out to do that. Directly out of high school, I moved to Mexico to volunteer and learn about the “world-changing” business.

I had an opportunity to volunteer and travel in a network of organizations within Mexico. I quickly learned the following lessons:

• It’s difficult to change the world.
• Leaders often struggle with getting along and leading their teams.
• Their teams struggle too.

After some time in Mexico, I moved on to a group I thought would be more organized and effective. I experienced a new network and new countries. But I saw the same patterns – struggles with results, leadership, and team dynamics.

World Changing Leaders

During this time, I began to receive leadership responsibilities. Soon, I became part of the same patterns that were now frustrating me.

Eventually, I worked my way into disaster and war zones. Our success or failure could have life or death significance in those locations. Good leaders with healthy teams could accomplish near miracles in the most insecure environments with the least amount of funding. Conversely, poor leaders and unhealthy teams could accomplish little or even cause harm in secure environments with the best-funded projects.

As humanitarian “experts,” what was true for us was also true for national and local leadership where we served. It was abundantly clear the problems we were there to help were created and perpetuated by those in leadership: War seems like an obvious consequence of leadership decisions. But “natural” disasters such as chronic famine or widespread damage following earthquakes are easily and unrefutably tied back to leadership decisions.

Most of these leaders separate into the following groups. Those who:

• Didn’t know what to do.

• Knew what to do but wouldn’t act.

• Didn’t care and acted in their own best interests.

But there were always a few – perhaps 10% – who both knew what to do and did it. Their impact and value were significant.

I began to think, “Maybe I’d have more impact if I could help more leaders be part of that 10%.”

And so that’s what I’ve done now for nearly twenty years.

Change the World

Initially, I assumed that most of the world-changing leaders were working in non-profits, ministries, and governments. Many are.

But I eventually discovered that, aside from family life, most human activity happens through business. In many cases, the organizations that truly have the greatest impact on a community aren’t the non-profits, etc. It’s the business leaders.

So, I began to work with them.

In fact, I am now convinced that many, if not most, of the world’s best problem-solvers and solution-bringers are entrepreneurs.

Coming back full circle: In my disaster recovery days, we knew we had been successful once businesses were back up and running. In nearly all contexts, widespread, active commerce was (and is) the best sign of a self-sustaining community.

It’s not always politically correct to say this. Over the last few years, it’s become popular to equate business with a social and moral ill. But it’s not.

Why? Because a healthy business environment is the single most crucial indicator of a healthy self-sustaining community. A place where the people who can solve problems or meet needs are free to do so. Where those who need goods or services can find someone who provides them. Where people can live lives with the dignity that comes from honest work.

It’s a sign of health.

I still work with non-profits, ministries, and governments. But most of my clients are in business. All of whom have an impact. Most of them really do care for the community or clients they serve, their employees, and the overall impact that they have.

They are what motivates me. To help as many as want to become part of that 10% of leaders who know what to do and can execute it well. Especially in a way that values and benefits those around them.

For the people whose lives they touch, they do change their worlds.

I just thought I’d share a little about my story and some of what motivates me.

What motivates you?

Take good care,

Christian

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