There’s a phrase that states: if you had the only Hot Dog stand in town, the hot dogs don’t have to be all that good.
Success thrives because of at least 2 things: proximity and value. The McDonald’s corporation spends millions on researching the most viable spot to increase their bottom line. If it means closing up a store to move two doors down, or across the street then they’ll do so. While we’re discussing fast-food restaurants, have you ever seen an inactive Chick-fil-A in your area? Dynamic franchises have much to teach about their roles in the community and what they offer.
Both these examples above shed light on the power of influence and leadership. Whatever is being offered to the community, people should be willing (not for the right price, but for the right value) to line up for.
Just curious, do you ever feel like the leadership or influence around you is similar to the hot dog stand? It lacks a little in quality and diversity, but you don’t have any other possibilities. Perhaps you felt like you were being held captive to their menu, or agenda – and it was not very appetizing. You’ve definitely seen or found plenty of examples like these in our basic institutions around you, which are far from ideal.
Remember, in your business, or nonprofit, even your own household you don’t have to be in charge, to take charge. All of us have influence with someone else. Somewhere in the community your opportunity starts with proximity and value.
Success appears to be possible if we would just spend enough time with research and insight, right? Seems to work most of the time for McDonald’s – they’re everywhere. That’s proximity And hey what about Chick-fil-A? Not the healthiest foods for sure, but people show up (and wait in long lines) because of service. Their whole culture is built around “my pleasure”. That’s their value.
Again, it’s all about proximity and value. While it may be nice to want to discount the poor Hot Dog stand, the fact remains that wherever they’re at is proximity, and because there’s no other in town, it’s still value.
To easily define leadership, we say it’s nothing more than influence. It’s not charisma or being the smartest person in the room. It solely comes down to one word… influence.
Now let’s suppose you were the only influence stand in town? Do you just have to be – not that good? Maybe it’s in how you present your product. Or your faith. Your integrity, or beliefs. It’s all influence. How does it carry in terms of reaching next generation? Are others re-posting your comments or communication? Are they lining up to hear you addressing issues or uncertainties in the community? Are others watching or critiquing your lead?
Is what you’re proposing today in the marketplace, is it the very best? And about you’re teaching today…. is it the very best quality? Ask yourself: how well are you leading your family or your team, and your next generation leaders – and if it’s the best thing (or just the only thing) in town today? How near to others are you when it comes to difficulties, or offering solutions? You’ve heard the speech that lacks quality and doesn’t meet you where you are, as an example just don’t “re-post” the same behaviors.
Positional leadership only states that (by position) you’re in charge, and you can easily hold people captive under your charge and give them no options. But keep in mind, eventually they (your audience, your workers, your future leaders) may go away to somewhere else and never come back.
Leadership, your leadership – should serve something altogether captivating on the menu of life. It should be creating appetite. Creating a hunger. So today expand your menu of influence with some real options, and you may soon find yourself…. franchising.
