One of my highlights for the past 11 years has been attending the Global Leadership Summit. Above is the group of friends that I was privileged to attend this year’s Summit with in Frisco, Texas – one of the 268 satellite locations.
When my friend Joe Baker sent me his “13 Courageous Questions from the 2013 Global Leadership Summit” saying he thought “the ‘Question Guy’ would enjoy these” – not only did I love them – I immediately e-mailed Joe back and asked if he would share them in a “Guest Post!”
I recently attended the 2013 Global Leadership Summitin Chicago. This was a phenomenal two-day experience where world-class leaders across all walks of life taught, challenged and encouraged the thousands of us who attended.
Here are some penetrating questions their teaching provoked for me. Ask them of yourself – if you dare:
Leading Myself
Is fear holding me back from doing something I am called to do? (Bill Hybels, Senior Pastor of Willow Creek Church and host of the Summit)
How can I move from the Scissors Jump to the Fosbury Flop – i.e. from making the present approach more efficient to creating a totally new future? (Vijay Govindarajan, Reverse Innovation)
My Attitude
When things get difficult, do I let negativity take me on a downward spiral? (Dr. Henry Cloud, Boundaries for Leaders)
When I am convinced I must move forward with my great idea but run into a “NO,” do I reframe it as ‘Next Opportunity’ and press on? (Mark Burnett, Executive Producer of Survivor, The Voice, Shark Tank, The Bible)
When under pressure and opposition, am I willing to stand firm in hope and faith? (Andy Stanley, North Point Church, Deep and Wide)
My View Towards Others
Would people say that I view them with dignity and appreciation? (Colin Powell, retired General and US Secretary of State)
Do I see people for who they are becoming? (Bob Goff, Love Does)
Am I humble enough to help others rise above me? (Chris Brown, North Coast Church)
Who are the budding next-generation leaders that I am intentionally and personally developing? (Oscar Muriu, Nairobi Chapel, Kenya)
If you had the courage to ask yourself these questions, good for you. Now for something really brave … Answer the one that hit you between the eyes and take the step that follows.
Joe Baker is a partner with PeopleResults, a consultancy that guides organizations and individuals to “start the wave” of change. They have advised major clients including PepsiCo, McKesson, Microsoft, and many others on how to realize results through people. Previously an executive at Accenture, Joe is an executive coach and consultant specializing in leadership and team effectiveness, career development, and employee engagement, and he writes frequently on these topics. Contact him at jbaker@people-results.comor on Twitter at @JoeBakerJr.
Which of your friends would thank you if you forwarded this post to them?
I love these questions Joe — really helpful to prompt reflection and assessment! Thanks for sharing.
I was very interested in the question by Dr. Brene Brown. So much so I ordered her book today titled “Daring Greatly.” Thanks all!
Jamie you will enjoy Brene’s book!