I might as well kick this off with the warm and fuzzy-lovely. Part yes because my recent marriage to the love of my life, other part because it's just the way it must be. In my first and current tri-mester (10 years) of the biz world I have come to be a raving fan of what the L in L-eadership really means. Yes mi amigos and amigas, it stands for LOVE. It really is so much about Loving the role you hold as a leader and holding the people you lead. Hold them close to your heart and perhaps they will rally to create a better future for the others. The other people - Oh yeah, that would be indirect reports, business friends and the nucleus of the corporate heartbeats wherever you may be, the community at large and why yes your beloved customers.
I was once told by a wise friend, Dr. Milton Granham that if you do not care for people, you will never make it as a Leader. Now, understand that Dr. Granham has numerous academic accolades, a few masters perhaps and more than one PHD and the most prized possession = Many Many years of Experience! Well you must respect the P.H.D and all others, but what about the L.O.V.E? You better hold it and if you do not have it, be searching for a dose of it fast. It's not going to come from a textbook and you cannot one-click hop it in your basket on amazon. It's in your heart friends, so go sit in that cozy chair and think about your soul and how you want to really Lead people.
This belief was affirmed and released in me in a magnificent way when I first saw my friend Tim Sanders speak in 2003 @ John C. Maxwell's Catalyst Conference Tim powerfully revealed to me why Love really is the Killer App. Once it gets on you, there is no washing it off. Journey where my heart found it's biz beat. Read Love is the Killer App and perhaps the conditioning of your biz life will become further untangled.
Next time you think about Leadership or even write it down, don't forget...CAPS LOCK MUST BE ON. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE TYPING - JUST LEADING. TURN IT ON MENTALLY. L-ove your people and your biz.
Oh yeah, the day I totally knew what the L meant - back in 2003 - that would be the same day I met my wife Sara Grace whom I must dedicate this to. You show me daily what the Big L Looks Like!
That's my boy....he knows what he wants to do, he knows who he wants to do it with and he loves both with a passion....his boss is Jesus Christ and his father is "Almighty God"....he is the best and most genuine freind one can have....and I am blessed beyond comprehension to be his Dad.
CWW
Posted by: Chuck Wall | July 06, 2007 at 11:07 PM
Hot Sauce baby! Love the blog idea...now I can finally tap into the brain of Ryan Wall...this site is priceless...and to think that the first post would be about the Love Cat...classic. And then the first comment is from your dad and serves as an example of the great love a son should have with his earthly and heavenly father. Beautiful Stuff!
Posted by: Chad Johnson | July 08, 2007 at 12:14 PM
Ryan,
As always....EXCELLENT. That will be what the "E" in Leadership really means in the Ryan Wall world. Each time I see a Ryan product, I am awe-inspired to better myself and to anticpate the incredible things you and Sara Grace are going to accomplish. Actually this was the perfect reminder for me today. I need to remember as I embark on my task filled day that it is always about the people that I lead and influence and it is all to be done in LOVE. Once again you have impacted my daily life diciplines.
Posted by: Mark Cole | July 09, 2007 at 08:09 AM
To the living Love Cat whose compassion, network, and knowledge truly changed my life in a big time way! Immeasurable thanks, Ryan, for always allowing the heart to come before the hand. I’m eternally grateful.. I now breathe the leadership oxygen.
Posted by: Jayson Teagle | July 09, 2007 at 08:38 PM