Over the years I’ve learned that there are a lot of bad reasons to lead:

• Position
• Perks
• Ego
• Attention

There is only one good reason to lead: to add value to people.

Leadership expert John Maxwell has made this his life’s mission. I’ve heard him say more times than I can count, “I want to add value to people.”

Below are lessons I’ve learned from John on adding value to people.

Four Essential Ways to Add Value to Others

1. Value People

The cardinal sin of leadership is to have a leader that doesn’t value the people they lead. I’ve heard John say, “If you don’t value people, you will devalue people.”

Every person we encounter is made in the image of God and has incredible worth.

…even the ones we disagree with.
…even the ones that may frustrate us.

They have great worth. Value them.

2. Make Yourself more Valuable

• Keep growing.
• Keep learning.
• Keep downloading truth in your life.

Why?

You can’t give people what you don’t have. Commit to being a lifelong learner. Don’t sacrifice your time with God each day.

3. Know and Relate to What Other People Value

Relationships are the foundation for ministry. We don’t lead Groups; we lead people. Walk slowly among the crowd. Find out what they value.

• Great leaders are good listeners.
• They learn what other people value.
• They intentionally connect with the people they lead.
• They care enough to listen.

4. Do the Things God Values

Jesus spent his life on this earth serving others. He demonstrated the life that we are meant to live. Don’t just talk about it; do what Jesus did.

I love this quote from Coach John Wooden:

Don’t tell me what you’re going to do–show me.”

I’m convinced that one of the best ways to find significance in your life is to add value to people!