WEEK FORTY-ONE

Hello and welcome to Week Forty-One of the Jim Rohn One-Year Success Plan. We
hope you are having a great week and are ready for this week's journey.

Our topic this month is Leadership and when I think of great leaders I think of people like
Winston Churchill, George Washington, Martin Luther King, Abraham Lincoln and
Mother Teresa. Thinking of leaders in those terms, it's easy to keep it in "far-off" concept
and forget that it relates to each of us in a very personal way. Leadership is a state of
mind first and foremost. The great leaders of our time didn't just one day decide that they
wanted to lead a country. Instead it was because of who they were and the character
(which is the main topic of Jim's and Chris' focus this week) they worked to form
throughout their lives that, when the opportunity -- and in some cases, crisis -- presented
itself, propelled them into positions of strong leadership. In the same way, whether we
like to think of ourselves as leaders or not, we are. So if we've taken the time to prepare
our character and hone our leadership skills, when the opportunity presents itself -- if we
have done our homework -- we will be ready.

Abraham Lincoln said that he would study and prepare himself so that he would be ready
when opportunity came. As you go through this week, ask yourself, "Am I ready for
when the next crisis comes or the next opportunity presents itself?"

Make it a great week!

Kyle

“All work is done by teams; the leader's output is the output of his or her team.”
-– Brian Tracy

Copyright Jim Rohn International 2002-2004 608

Copyright Jim Rohn International 2002-2004 609
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Jim Rohn's Tenth Pillar of Success: Leadership, Part Two -

Character: The Core of Leadership and Leadership Mistakes
to Avoid
Hi, Jim Rohn here. This month we are covering the topic of Leadership:

1. The Foundational Principles of Leadership and Developing a Powerful Vision.

In last week's lesson, we covered the basic foundational elements that are central to
becoming a person with tremendous leadership skills and abilities. We also discussed
secrets to having a powerful and compelling vision that helps you attract others.

2. Character: The Core of Leadership and Leadership Mistakes to Avoid. This week
we will look at what I believe to be the core element of what it means to be a leader--the
issue of character. We will look at what it means to be a person of character who can
inspire others, and how character is essential. We also look at some typical mistakes
people make that hinder their ability to lead and move their organizations forward and
how you can avoid making those same mistakes.

3. Skills Needed for Effective Leadership and Developing Potential Leaders in Your
Organization. Next week we will focus more on the basic skills that effective leaders
demonstrate. We will also be looking at some strategic ways to develop potential leaders
around you to ensure a new generation of leaders.

4. Becoming the Best Leader You Can Be - Taking Care of Yourself and Motivating
Those Who Follow You - In Good Times and Tough Times. In two weeks we will be
taking a closer look at making sure that you take care of yourself. In this day and age it is
even more important for the leader to be closely guarding their own growth and
development. We will also look at how to motivate others to follow you.

Character: The Core of Leadership

There has been a lot of discussion lately about character and leadership. Most political
elections today seem to have an element to them wherein one candidate suggests that the
other doesn't have the character that it takes to lead.
Just a cursory glance at the business page in the
newspaper shows a major discussion of character and
ethics in the corporate world. Schools are rocked with
scandal, as are some churches. Everywhere you turn
today it seems as though there is a lack of character.
But doesn't this beg the question, "What is character?"

Copyright Jim Rohn International 2002-2004 610

Here are a few definitions of character that I have found that, when put together, give us a
good understanding of what character is:

1. Strength of mind; resolution; independence; individuality

2. Moral or ethical strength

3. Who you are when no one else is around

In other words, a person of good character is a person who has a strong moral base and
acts on it. They have the core inner strength, fortitude and determination to do what is
right, whether anyone else is there to validate it or not. They operate out of what is good
and right, not out of personal expedience.

Once we have defined character, we must also ask: Why is character important?
Character is important because it is what we place our trust in when dealing with other
people. When we decide to follow a leader, we evaluate their life, their skills, etc., and
then make a decision to trust them. We trust that they are who they say they are. We trust
that they will do what they say. Trust is built on good people who are consistent in their
goodness. Those are the people we can trust - and the leader/follower relationship is, at
its fundamental core - one of trust.

Six Essential Traits of Good Character

The following are what I believe to be the basics of good character. Miss one of these and
you will find a weak link in your character - one that may be your undoing as it relates to
your leadership. As you go through the following, give sober reflection to your life as it
relates to these integral parts of good character.

1. Integrity. Integrity is a good catch word that is similar to character but provides us
with a different way of looking at the idea of character. The root word of integrity means
"whole" or "undivided." That is a terrific way to help us understand what integrity is--it is
a life that is undivided. For example, you don't act one way in one situation and another
in a different situation. There is integrity and wholeness to your life. Living this way will
build trust in your followers. Another use of the word integrity that provides insight for
us is when the word is used in regard to a physical structure. A wall or a building that is
strong and has no cracks is said to have integrity. The same could be said for great
leaders.

2. Honesty. It is regularly said that, "Honesty is the best policy," but I would add that
honesty is the only policy for great leaders. Think about it. Why do people hedge the
truth? Usually for a few basic reasons--one, they are afraid of the ramifications or two,
they are trying to hide something. Either way, it results in the fact that you destroy the
trust of those who follow you. Even if you tell them the truth but they know you have lied
to others, it will destroy the trust you had with them. They find themselves thinking, "If
he will lie to them, will he lie to me?"

Copyright Jim Rohn International 2002-2004 611

I have never understood what people hope to accomplish by being dishonest. As the good
Book says, "Your sin shall surely find you out." Eventually people come to know that
you are not honest in your dealings, and that is what you become known for. And your
reputation is what your leadership is based on. When we are honest and live transparently
before our followers, they are able to see us for who we are and make solid decisions to
follow.

3. Loyalty. People of good character are loyal people. They have a "stick-to-it" attitude
when it comes to others. Anybody who knows human nature knows that people fail. It is
just a matter of time, no matter how talented someone is. A person of good character
stays with their friends even in the down times. Anyone can be friends with others when
times are good. People of good character stay with them when they need it most. Where
this translates into making you a good leader is this: people want to follow a leader who
will stretch them beyond where they are now, but who will also allow them to try--and to
fail. When we are loyal to our followers, they will be loyal to us and make every effort to
succeed on our behalf and on behalf of the organization. There are few things that
strengthen the leader/follower bond more than when a leader shows his or her loyalty to a
follower who needs it.

4. Self-Sacrifice. Lee Iacocca became a legend when he said that he would bring
Chrysler back from the brink of bankruptcy and would take only one dollar a year in pay.
This was a classic example of a leader sacrificing for the followers. It also showed his
understanding of empathizing with the average line worker. And the workers of Chrysler
rewarded him with an incredible following as they built Chrysler into one of the world's
leading car companies. What is it about self-sacrifice that breeds followers? Followers do
not mind putting in the hard work. They don't even mind a leader making more money or
reaping benefits from their work. What followers do mind though, is when the leader is
using them for his or her own personal gain. People of good character do not use other
people--period. So when a leader shows sacrifice of personal gain, it says to the followers
that he or she is willing to come along side of them - and followers reward that almost
universally. A person of good character shows that they can give up personal gain for the
good of the whole.

5. Accountability. People of good character do not mind accountability. In fact, they

welcome it. This is the act of allowing others to have a say in your life, to speak to you
straight about your life and conduct. The brutal truth is that we have blind spots and need
other people to be in close relationship with us so we can advance down the road of
success. The need for accountability doesn't prove lack of character. Rather, it proves the
presence of character. G.K. Chesterton said that, "Original sin is the only philosophy
empirically validated by 3,500 years of human history." The person of good character
knows this and invites others to speak into his or her life.

We see this is especially true now with all that has gone on among our leaders lately.
Followers are growing tired of those leaders who will have nothing to do with
accountability. They do not mind leaders who make mistakes. They do mind leaders who
will not take responsibility for those mistakes by being accountable. When we allow
ourselves to be held accountable, our followers know that we are serious about keeping
our own house in order and thus will do a good job in leading the rest of the organization.
Copyright Jim Rohn International 2002-2004 612
6. Self-control. The ability to make decisions - good decisions - about what we will and
will not do with our actions is at the core of what we become in regard to our character.
There will be plenty of options to participate in things that are not moral. Everybody has
temptations, but the person of good character knows well enough to exercise self-control,
literal control over his or her choices. When people do not exercise self-control, they
sabotage their ability to lead. People lose respect for them and will follow less, if at all.
Self-control is the ability to choose to do the things we should and to refrain from doing
the things we shouldn't. When we exhibit self-control we again build trust in our
followers. They respect us and want to follow us.

You can strengthen your character. We are born with clean slates. As we grow, there are
many influences that shape our character--our parents, teachers, friends, and choices all
mold that inner character. The good news is that no matter where you are right now, you
can decide that your character will grow stronger. You can choose to be around those
people who will challenge you to become better. You can choose to put positive materials
into your mind and heart. You can begin making choices that reflect a change in lifestyle,
and thus, in character. No one is "stuck." You can change - if you want to!

Next, Chris is going to talk to you about mistake leaders should avoid.

Until next week, let's do something remarkable!

Jim Rohn

“Nothing so conclusively proves a man’s ability to lead others as what he does from
day to day to lead himself.”
-– Thomas J. Watson

Copyright Jim Rohn International 2002-2004 613

Hi there, Chris Widener here. This week I want to talk with you about Leadership
Mistakes to Avoid.

When you read books about leadership there are many points about what to do and what
kind of person to be, but what about what not to do and what not to be? These are just as
important! That is why I want to take some time this week on this very important topic
and hopefully challenge you to think about your own leadership situation. This week we
focus on the kinds of mistakes great leaders don't make!

1. Not Riding Momentum - To increase your leadership effectiveness, you want to learn
to ride the momentum of the situation (the positive momentum of course!). When we
begin to experience bad momentum we naturally try to stop it and that is wise, but many
people also have the tendency to try to stop the positive momentum as well. This comes
from our basic desire to have things "under control." Unfortunately, often when we try to
control the situation, we actually stop the good that is happening. So let go of the reigns
and ride the momentum! When you are rolling, let it roll!

2. Flaunting the Privilege of Leadership - Leadership has

its privileges, that is for sure, and rightly so! The
entrepreneur who started the company ought to be paid well
and reap the rewards for the risks that he or she took.
Unfortunately, human nature is still such that people can
and do resent the success and privileges of others, even if
those people worked hard for those privileges. Therefore, a
great leader will not flaunt their privileges because it could
cause a backlash and actually harm their ability to lead.
Whenever possible, share the privileges and rewards of
leadership, and your followers will love you all the more!

3. Picking People Who Won't Threaten Them - Great leaders will always try to pick
people who are better than them! Again, human nature is such that we think, "Wait, if I
hire her, she'll have me out of a job in no time." Then we pick someone of lesser quality,
while our competitor hires the good one and surges ahead. Instead, great leaders are
secure in themselves and will pick the best people available to them! If they are better
than you, you will grow together as a team, you will still be the leader, and people will
respect you for your ability to pick - and lead - a winning team!

4. Not Having a Second in Command Who Compliments Them - An ordinary leader

picks someone who is like them so they can feel comfortable. An extraordinary leader
picks someone who can do all the things that he or she can't; someone who can see things
in ways that he or she can't. An Extraordinary Leader needs a right hand person who can
compliment their skills and style. This way the old adage is proved true - two heads are
better than one!

5. Not Giving Power Away - An ordinary leader wants to do as much as they can so they
can be seen as a good, hard worker. They think that they lead by example in this. An
Extraordinary Leader knows that they need to empower others to do the work and make
the decisions if the organization is to grow and they are together going to make a
Copyright Jim Rohn International 2002-2004 614
difference. We must let others take leadership themselves, even if it means they fail at
first. This way we multiply the organizational leadership and we enjoy greater success!

6. Unable or Unwilling to Make Hard Decisions - Leadership is all about making

decisions. People in non-leadership positions don't like to make decisions because they
operate from a subjective viewpoint. They aren't thinking about the overall health of the
organization; they are thinking about who might get offended or who might lose their
jobs. While we want to be sensitive to these things, great leaders understand that
sometimes hard decisions have to be made for the sake of the organization--and they
make them.

7. Trying Not to Have Casualties - This may be the greatest leadership lesson I have
ever learned. Great leaders know that anytime the organization makes ground, there will
be casualties. In the movie "Gladiator," the lieutenant comes to tell Maximus that the
troops are not fully ready for battle. Maximus sees that the other side is about to move
and if they don't move first, they will lose the war. The Lieutenant begins to say, "The
casualties will be too great," but Maximus finishes the lieutenant's sentence so that
instead he said, "The casualties will be 'acceptable.'" I realize now that when my
organization experienced a tremendous increase a few years ago, the people who got
offended were the casualties and that any time a group moves ahead, that is bound to
happen. We shouldn't look for or enjoy casualties, but understand they will assuredly
come, and accept them. So move ahead!

These are just a few of the mistakes that poor leaders make. If we stay aware of them we
can be assured we won't repeat those mistakes. Here they are again, stated this time as
what we should do:

1. Ride the Momentum

2. Don't Flaunt the Privilege of Leadership
3. Pick People Who are Better than You
4. Have a Second in Command Who Complements You
5. Give Power Away
6. Make Hard Decisions
7. Allow For and Accept that There Will be Casualties

Have a great week!

Chris Widener

“All great leaders have understood that their number one responsibility is
cultivating their own discipline and personal growth. Those who cannot lead
themselves cannot lead others.” -- John Maxwell

Copyright Jim Rohn International 2002-2004 615

 Q
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Q. How would you rate the strength of your character? Why?

Q. How honest are you? If you struggle with honesty, what do you think are the reasons?
In what areas can you improve your honesty?

Q. How would you rate your ability to sacrifice for the good of your organization? How
would those who follow you rate you in this area? Why? In what ways could you
improve this ability for those who follow you?

Q. How much self-control do you exhibit? Are there areas of your life that you have a
lack of self-control? How do those areas affect your leadership capacity?

Copyright Jim Rohn International 2002-2004 616

 A
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1. Spend some time this week alone and away to reflect on your character. Write down
the areas you need to work on and then come up with some action points for this
week. For example, if you have a habit of "stretching the truth," then commit to
telling the truth in all situations. Write comments here.

2. As you go about your leadership this week, make at least three points to give power
away to others so they can help you in your leadership skills. Write comments here.

A.
B.
C.

3. Sit down and think of at least two hard decisions you have been putting off. Now, this
week, make those decisions and put them into action.

A.
B.

Review of Brian Tracy's CD Nine:

• Leadership - the critical difference

• The qualities of leadership
• Courage and character
• Taking risk and going boldly
• The importance of integrity
• Truthfulness in all things
• Accept responsibility

Copyright Jim Rohn International 2002-2004 617

 A
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This week we will be listening to CD 10 of Brian Tracy’s Success

Mastery Academy.

• The Magic of Self-Direction

• Global competition
• Anxiety and stress
• Goals put you in control
• Your area of excellence
• The million-dollar list
• One great dream

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