The Five Keys To Becoming The Super Leaders Within You

Sean Maguire is the Sr. Vice President, Business Development for the television show “The Outdoor Shopper”.  Sean is on the executive leadership team and is responsible for the sales & marketing strategy and developing and leading the sales team.  Sean is a native of New York and has resided in Austin since 2001.  He has successfully built and sold two multi-million dollar technology companies and held various senior level positions from upstarts to Fortune 100 companies.

During the 25+ years of my career I have had the opportunity to learn under the guidance of many leaders.  As a sales & marketing executive, I have naturally gravitated toward “motivational leaders”. People like the late Zig Ziglar, whose books and tapes I began reading and listening to when I was in my early 20’s.  Years later, as a member of the same church as Zig; each Sunday morning I attended his “Encourager’s Class” – which helped me to apply my faith into everyday life, and particularly into my leadership style.

In recent years, I've had the opportunity to work closely with New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez, who last year delivered an inspiring message at the Republic National Convention and was considered a top candidate for Vice President.  

And most recently, I have worked closely with Kevin Harrington, a billionaire investor who you may have seen on ABC’s “Shark Tank”.  Kevin is a highly successful businessman and one of the strongest leaders I’ve met.  He has spent his career helping inventors and entrepreneurs to bring their dreams to life.

As I pondered all of the leaders I have encountered throughout the years, there is a common thread, irrespective of their styles, that I believe has made these leaders great and that you can apply to your own leadership style.

1.   Be a servant leader. Zig used to say “You will get all you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want.”  I have found this to be true in all areas of life.  

2.   Strive for complete integrity. A single lie destroys a whole reputation for integrity.  Live your leadership life “in the truth”, and while it may be difficult at times to do the right thing, you will never lose self respect or the respect of others.

3.   Pursue your primary passion. I learned a long time ago that financial success should be a byproduct of pursuing your passion.  Don’t chase money.  Pursue your passion!

4.   Respect everyone. Respect others, no matter their race, color, creed, social or political standing, etc.  And don’t judge others.  You never know someone’s personal story and the challenges they have encountered in their life. 

5.   Touch people with Genuine Sincerity. Make it a point to look for opportunities to make a personal difference in someone’s life.  Mother Teresa said ““We cannot do great things on this Earth, only small things with great love.”

Leadership is a never ending pursuit and one that should enrich your life, as you seek to enrich the lives of those you lead.  I wish you well in your journey.   

Today's post is the eighth of the SOS Leadership Men Who Lead Blog Series. The purpose of this blog series is to share the stories and insights of men who are answering the call to leadership in their lives. Come back each Friday to read more!