Top Takeaways From The 2016 World Leader’s Conference: Episode 3

On March 2-3 I attended the World Leader’s Conference in West Palm Beach, FL. I was fortunate to hear and spend time with a terrific group of leaders and leadership gurus. From Tony Robbins to Ken Blanchard, Erwin McManus to John Maxwell, every minute was packed with powerful takeaways.

Ken Blanchard urged each of us to talk about and share what we learned, not let it gather dust once back in our busy lives. This is the third in a three-part series where I share with you some of the nuggets I gleaned from this experience.

Relationships give us energy to rise above our own human capacity. – Henry Cloud

How can a Navy Seal, who’s body has shut down, who has reached the absolute limit of his physical and mental endurance, rise out of the water and swim that last 20 yards just because his partner on the shore yells, “Go! You can do this!” Dr. Cloud, an acclaimed leadership expert, psychologist, and best-selling author shared research and stories about the Power of the Other, how those outside of us can give us energy and inspiration to rise above our own limitations. Leadership is an intensely interpersonal experience, Dr. Cloud explained, and the ability of leaders to negotiate this sacred space without losing focus is critical factor in success.

Key Takeaway: If you lead from a safe emotional distance, it’s time to get personal with your employees. Develop skills to engage with them at their level and inspire them to rise above their own limitations.

I invite you to transcend suffering by taking time to breathe, appreciate something around you, and enjoy your life. – Tony Robbins

Tony was supposed to by with us on stage, but ended up joining via Skype from his home because he was injured in a snowboarding accident and tore some ligaments in his shoulder. Nevertheless, he managed to inspire the audience with his optimism, belief in the human spirit, and message of hope. I’m sure the pain killers didn’t hurt either! Aside from his inspiring message, what stuck out for me about Tony was that he never said “you should” or “you need to.” He only invited us to consider and embrace his message, as evidenced in the quote above. I’m a big believer in the power of language to convey deeper intentions. Tony’s language was consistent with his message of free choice and equal human dignity.

Key Takeaway: Pay attention to how you say what you say because the process of how you communicate reveals your real intentions. Here’s an article on three words that will change your life if you never use them again.  Here’s an article on the power of language to reveal your true intentions.

I don’t want to be a household name. I want to be a big name in my household. – Jon Gordon

Jon is a very successful leadership expert and author. He’s also a dad and a husband. Jon’s message is one of priorities. He shared a poignant story of how success disrupted his priorities and he had to make a new commitment to serve his family as much as he served everyone else. What a great message to discuss with my daughter, Lauren, who came with me to this conference! Gordon is an advocate of vulnerability, of getting real with yourself and others. This openness, he says, paves the way for authenticity and trust. He’s demonstrated that it works in the most obvious contexts like family, and even the most unlikely contexts, like NFL teams.

Key Takeaway: Get honest with yourself and the most important people in your life about what really matters. Adjust your priorities if necessary.

I trade in the currency of hope. – John O’Leary

As a young boy with third-degree burns over 95% of his body and less than 5% chance of surviving, John O’Leary had a choice. An unexpected person came into his life and struggled with him through his recovery. This short YouTube video is guaranteed to inspire you to be a leader who cares deeply without pity, helps without rescuing, and sees people through without blaming or attacking them. This is the definition of compassionate accountability. John shared three important questions that if asked in the wrong mindset and lead to a victim stance: 1) Why me? 2) Who cares? 3) What more can I do? With the right attitude, these questions are incredibly empowering: 1) For what purpose have I been put here today? 2) What can I do to show I care? 3) What more can I do today to make a difference in somebody’s life?

Key Takeaway: Leadership starts with meeting people where they are at, then struggling together towards what seems impossible today. If a boy with no hands can learn to write, you can do something amazing today as well.

Want to jumpstart your leadership journey? Sign up today for our Denver or Chicago Immersion experiences where I will personally facilitate a deep-dive into leadership communication for a small group of change-agents who want to transform their leadership from the inside out.

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