These lessons are dependent on a variety of experiences I had while at the conference ranging from being in a grand place (where I had never been before), the speeches, the dignitaries, the teams, meeting foreign nationals, having a one-on-one with individuals (such as Ruth (Gemstone co-overseer, a strong, dynamic, and visionary leader), Dr. Toyin (Nigerian Author & felicitous Coach), Mr. Samuel (Ghanian leader and educator in career transition), and Esther Nasimiyu (an intelligent and inspirational facilitator), and Prof. PLO (the titless decisive leader) and from my personal observations.
1. There is so much that happens outside our circle of influence that we do not know about.
Not only are we not privy to them but they are of so great importance for our lives. Being so, failing myself out there will eventually work against me. I am deteriorating as long as I stay isolated. How else would I have gotten a chance to be with these great men and women? Place yourself at the opportunity junction. “
“When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened.”
Billy Graham
2. Movement has its perks.
It is in movement that things happen, potentials are revealed, and actions are credited. Progress is a close relative to growth and success. As long as you are moving in the right direction, wonderful things are bound to happen. This reminds me of a quote by someone who said, “I’ll pursue my goal and if I fail, you will find my body pointing in that direction.” Being on the move reduces the gap between desire and achievement.
3. Everyone has his own path.
It was clear when I heard of the impact stories from the panel session (Angie Murenga – Ececutive Leadership Coach, James Okumu – Lead Pastor at Destiny Chapel, Christine Mwai – Credit Director at ABSA Bank Kenya PLC, and Abby Mango Fertility Lead Nurse at NHS UK) and from Dr. Ezekiel’s path to his present: No other single human can go through the same type and intensity of situations and circumstances you will or that these leaders did. Yet, they made it to where they are today. We will all have our challenges, specially curated to overcome. These, when fruitfully mastered will reveal our character; which will often determine our success and significance.
4. Values and beliefs more than circumstances and situations stamp who you will become.
However bad the circumstances hurt and beat them up, they stood to their true self, values, beliefs, and core being. Lack thereof will rend you as a feather tossed to-n-fro in the wind. You can never be stable.
5. Authenticity is inbred.
Without security within yourself in your strengths and ability, the chances you will make it out there will be diminished. It is a jungle where most of those you will find around you will be those bent on shooting you down. So without an internal fortitude, you are bound to be snuffed out like a candle twig. Dependence on other people’s approval is limited, especially for a leader.
6. Diligence is indispensable.
Persistent effort is a necessity for success. It is long, weary, and boring most of the time but it is an ingredient that no proper success cake can do without.
7. There is no straight path to success.
At least not as we see in the movies or storybooks. The success ladder doesn’t only depend on how long the ladder is, or how beautiful, or how many people are working at it, but it also should concern you on which wall is it leaning toward.
"Sometimes what you fear could be your very call and purpose in life."
- Angie Murenga, Executive Leadership Coach.
8. Marriages and relationships can boost or limit your potential to succeed.
Your partner’s support is vital to go after your purpose and/or calling fully. A resistance to this will bring you much hardship and even difficult trials. After all, “how can two walk together if they do not agree”.
9. Having a mentor and/or accountability partner is a wild card for a leader.
Not only does it keep you in check and balance but also provides you with a refill station where you can rejuvenate your energy, zeal, and passion from time to time.
10. Friends are gems.
Not only are they great company toward your purpose fulfillment but they can be the catalyst that keeps you greased along your journey. You see, true friends are your first fans. Your first volunteer team even if they are not actively involved.
11. We cannot do it alone.
In the famous quote by John Gunther, “I have so much to do! And there’s so little time!”, leadership and success cannot be achieved alone. We need a team of like-minded individuals around us to do their parts so that the overall vision is reached as all the cogs in the success machine are moving. Just like Beyond Success Equip Kenya has its leaders, it needs the careful effort of each overseer, team leader, and facilitator to reach the great John C. Maxwell vision.
12. A change of thinking is paramount.
Becoming a leader and a successful one at that will not depend on what successes you had in the past of on what you did to get where you are. You have to think beyond where you are. You have to begin with the end in mind. Where you want to be and the work your way backward from there. It is like engaging foresight into the future and employing future hindsight to develop insight on how to get there. It not only streamlines your path and focus but also deepens your already present values or overhauls them altogether.
"I am not going to be another writer of the book of lamentations. Think globally and act locally."
Dr. Ezekiel Mutua
13. Discipline is a holy grail for true success.
Thanks to Prof. PLO, I learned that self-discipline acts like a radar or gyroscope that guides the leader through the challenges of purpose and calling. Everything else in the ship of destiny might go berserk including friends, mentors, family, and circumstances but the one thing that is within your control and one which will help steer you off losing focus is your self-discipline. Like Ryan Holiday puts it in his book ‘Discipline is Destiny’ “In the end , what endures, what we truly marvel at, in not the ambition but the self-mastery. The self -awareness. The Temperance.”
14. Finally, you do not need a title to become a leader.
Most leaders have become leaders via moral uprightness, authenticity, integrity, and self-discipline rather than titles like MP, CEO, General, Commander, President, among others. Titles are the icing of the cake but the real cake is the self-identity, the true worth of the leader as the likes of Mahatma Gandhi, Nightingale, Prof. PLO Lumumba, among others.
Waiting on titles to act as a leader proves the shallowness of one’s leadership skills.
"Dignity is the mother's milk to true leadership."
Professor PLO Lumumba
Summary
These are some of the lessons that screamed out for my attention during the 4th Annual 3T Conference at Safari Park Hotel on 13th November, 2024.
They may be different for you. That isn’t as important as intentionally reviewing the day and rearranging your life to mimic the life you see yourself living when you’ve achieved your significance. I live for significance and this is part of it. I hope you find something of value here for your transformation.
Keep growing, Keep changing. We are yet to witness our best selves.
@ileadgrowth.com
@BeyondSuccessEquipKe
Here is a link to surmised speeches by Dr. Ezekiel Mutua & Prof. PLO Lumumba
