Ultimate Leadership Newsletter

Next Ultimate Leadership
workshop
November 9 - 14, 2008 - This workshop will have a special couples group - click here for more information!

For details on these one-of-a-kind workshops, visit our
    Web site

When I consult with leaders and organizations, I often observe that there are some teams with members who actively participate "in spite of" the leader, and others whose members participate "because of" the leader. It's not difficult to imagine which organization does better over time. People want a leader they can feel good about following, and they will be more motivated and perform better when they are working with a leader who inspires their respect and loyalty. In this issue, we will look at the essential keys of being a good leader, the kind that people actually want to follow!
Investing in your people
Most people who are in a job, ministry or volunteer group are aware that they have a task to perform, some sort of requirements or job to do. That is what careers and organizations are all about. However, those same folks need to know that their leader has an investment in them that goes beyond outcomes and job performance. When a leader actually cares about the lives, feelings and interests of people, something energetic and creative gets generated inside them, and they will tend to give more of themselves to the task. Why? Because God designed us primarily and foremost as relational beings: "God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him" (I John 4:16). We were created to connect. If work helps us connect and feel valued, we do better. At the same time, whatever does not involve connection will tend to fail over time. As a leader, make sure that your relationship with your team goes beyond "How is the job?" to "How are you?" This is the sort of personal investment that gets to the heart of a team.
Walking the talk
Those who work with a leader expect to see that leader live what he teaches. You want to follow a person who believes enough in the product, service and values of the organization to adapt his behavior around it. This isn't about being perfect or ideal. It is more that you are willing to bend your knee to what you stand for, and that gets the attention of people. I'll never forget the time I saw the head of a large organization say to one of the employees in a conference meeting, "I wanted to tell you that I really screwed up when I was critical of you the other day, and I am sorry. Please forgive me." The organization was transformed for the better from that day forward.
Creating Vision
This, probably more than any other characteristic, can set a leader apart as one who draws people to him. You can be a really good worker, expert, administrator, teacher or surgeon. That is, you can be very competent in some field of endeavor. But inspiring vision in others is something only a leader can do. Creating vision involves getting people excited and motivated about what the organization is doing, from manufacturing widgets to street evangelism. It means reaching deep within your own character and knowing why the project means something to you, and then taking initiatives and risk with your people to show them your own passion and heart for it. It is more than teaching and modeling. You have to invite people, talk to them, draw them out, and get them close to the fire in your own belly about this endeavor. People will show up for a job, but they'll sacrifice for a leader who inspires vision. We are all looking for meaning and purpose on this planet, and a good leader helps show the way.
Be a person who leads with connection, integrity and vision; when you look behind you, you'll see people following you! God bless you.

	Words of Encouragement

This is real love-not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.
( I John 4:10-12 NLT )

	Ultimate Leadership Workshop

A one-week
intensive workshop for leaders
with Dr. Henry Cloud
and Dr. John Townsend

Upcoming Ultimate Leadership workshop
in San Juan Capistrano, California -
November 9-14, 2008 - (includes special couples group!)
Call soon to register!
Here's what people are saying about Ultimate Leadership ...
When I first attended Ultimate Leadership, I was perhaps the most outwardly skeptical person in the place. I sat as far away from the front of the room as possible.
It didn't take more than a day for my heart to get fully engaged. The Ultimate Leadership workshop was without doubt the most profound experience I've had after meeting the Lord. The group sessions seemed to fallow the spiritual soil and the didactics planted the seed.
I would say the real growth began after leaving the workshop. I am amazed at what the Lord is doing in my life as a result of The Ultimate. I look forward to coming out and participating as an alumnus someday soon.
Ron Cousineau, Adult Development Pastor
Grace Baptist Church
Massachusetts
For more reviews...

	Dr. Henry Cloud's latest book - The One-Life Solution

 
Visit our new and improved Store          
         on the Cloud-Townsend Web site!
www.cloudtownsend.com
Have you seen Dr. Henry Cloud's most recent book The One-Life Solution? You can read more about it on our website - this book is a must-read not only for leaders, but for anyone wanting to find a healthy balance between work and personal life!
In The One-Life Solution, bestselling author Dr. Henry Cloud examines the workplace. Through engaging real-world examples, Dr. Cloud shows us how to construct and enforce better boundaries against the technological devices, bullying bosses, and distracting coworkers who invade our time and space.

	Solutions Leaders Wanted!

Are you interested in becoming a Solutions leader?
sign up here...

	Ultimate Living Tour

The Ultimate Living Tour is coming to a city near you! Don't miss this opportunity to hear from Dr. John Townsend or Dr. Henry Cloud-live and in person!
When life works well it's not an accident. There are proven principles to making life happen successfully.
Living the Ultimate Life means success in four specific areas:
Freedom from hurts and pain that hold you back
Improving the quality of your significant relationships
Defining and reaching your goals and dreams
Connecting with God and deepening your spiritual life
In other words, the Ultimate life is full of good things and you are thriving in all these areas.
Now, in one event, you will learn secrets that will transform your life. You will discover how you can make Ultimate Living a reality!
Is the Ultimate Living Tour coming to your town? Click here...

	Let Dr. Cloud or Dr. Townsend address your group!

Interested in bringing Dr. Cloud or
Dr. Townsend to your organization?
Please call (800) 676-HOPE (4673)
for information about creating an exciting event for your church or group!
The doctors' event schedule...

email: ultimatenewsletter@cloudtownsend.com
phone: 888-792-4769
web: http://www.cloudtownsend.com