Throughout my career, I've been fortunate to learn invaluable lessons from exceptional leaders. These insights have not only shaped my leadership style but also served as my north star in achieving success across all aspects of business and life. At the heart of these lessons lies a common thread: Appreciation. I’ve found that recognizing and valuing others isn't just the right thing to do; it's the key to unlocking unprecedented levels of success. Here are three fundamental lessons that have been my guiding light:
1. MOPFI: Make Other People Feel Important
MOPFI has been the cornerstone of my success, both personally and professionally. MOPFI is simply taking the time to genuinely show care, going above and beyond for others, and making everyone you encounter feel valued has been transformative. Influence, I've learned, cannot exist without genuine appreciation. Here’s one of my favorite practical ways to Make Other People Feel Important – expressing appreciation through handwritten notes. Try it. Share something specific that you admire about someone and watch how it strengthens your relationships. If you lead others, you can kick it up a notch by sending handwritten notes to your employee's family members (spouses, parents, or children) expressing why you appreciate their loved ones.
2. Build Your Brand
Your brand isn't just a logo or a slogan; it's a reflection of your character in every interaction, decision, and communication. Consistently reflect on how your actions shape your brand. Ensure that your clients and employees understand the values you stand for – reliability, honesty, fairness, and integrity. Every social media post, conversation, and business decision should align with and reinforce your brand identity.
Check out my recent video on building your personal brand to learn more.
3. Serve First, Always
True fulfillment and success come from serving others selflessly. Adopting a servant’s heart ensures that you always prioritize the needs of others. To make it practical, take the time to connect your clients with valuable resources, support your team members’ growth, or simply offer up your free time to alleviate someone’s workload. Consistently putting others' needs before your own creates a culture of generosity and compassion that enriches both personal and professional relationships.
In conclusion, my journey to success has been paved with gratitude and appreciation. I’ve made it my mission to MOPFI, build a strong brand rooted in integrity, and prioritize service over my immediate rewards. These principles have not only shaped my journey but also continue to guide me towards greater heights.
