Leadership Quotes

Helping People Get What They Want

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Zig Ziglar was one of the most well known motivational speakers. He inspired millions through his simple communication style. There are many of Zig’s quotes that people often share but I think one that he was most famous for.

“You will get all you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want.” – Zig Ziglar

Like most sound advice, it is easy to say, but more difficult to actually follow. What if the goals and desires of my team don’t match up with mine? What if what I want for them is different than what they want?

We may not actually be that articulate or even voice it, but our selfishness can come in to play. Some people may try to first manipulate people in to what their desires should be so they are aligned.

That is not what Zig meant. He meant we should serve others and help them get what THEY want even when it may not align with what we want for them. Some times we may help people and not get anything tangible from it. Other times we will. I believe he was right. It is a better way to live and a better way to lead. Just help people get what they want. If we help enough people, we will be just fine and we will be happier in the process.

Who Gets the Credit?

richflorenceLeave a comment

All of us want recognition on some level.  I’m not talking about fame, but simply receiving recognition for our achievements.

It is a strong motivator often times even stronger than financial compensation.  Recognition is a healthy part of any organization as it drives productivity.

Like most things in life, the need for recognition is a double edge sword.  While it can drive productivity, it can also kill it.

Ronald Reagan said it best.  “There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit.”

Often times our desire to be recognized holds us back.  More importantly it can hinder the growth of the business, organization or even ministry.  Dealing with people’s egos is tricky. I think that is what Ronald Reagan was talking about.

It is important to ask ourselves what is most important. Would we rather be recognized at all cost or would we rather progress be made? Ronald Reagan certainly received his share of the credit, but he also understood the importance of not letting that get in the way of progress.

We could all benefit from giving more credit away. Not only would it make the organization healthier, but it might even make us healthier in the process.