Be a Leader | Motivational Talks With Steve Harvey

Summary

The speaker emphasizes the importance of leadership and personal development. They argue that being a follower can lead to undesirable consequences, such as layoffs, whereas leaders make decisions and face fewer risks. The narrative includes a personal story of a former inmate who was inspired to change his life by the speaker's radio talks, eventually becoming a chef at the Hilton. The speaker didn't aspire to be a world leader but wanted to be relevant and make a difference in people's lives, as symbolized by the dash on one's tombstone representing the life lived.

Takeaways

• 👶 **Choice of Role**: You have the choice to be either a leader or a follower, and this choice impacts your life significantly.
• 💼 **Leadership as Skill**: Leadership is not innate but a developed set of skills that one can cultivate.
• 🚫 **Fear of Consequences**: The fear of the consequences of leading often prevents people from taking on leadership roles.
• 🔍 **Responsibility of Followership**: Being a follower comes with its own dire consequences, such as job insecurity and lack of control over one's life.
• 💡 **Leadership Insight**: Leaders are often the last to face the negative impacts of organizational changes, whereas followers are the first.
• 🌟 **Personal Leadership**: You don't have to be a world leader to lead; leading your own life is a form of leadership.
• 📢 **Inspirational Impact**: Sometimes, you can inspire and change lives without intending to, just by being a role model.
• 🎓 **Self-Improvement**: Even in challenging circumstances, like being in prison, one can improve oneself and change their future.
• 😢 **Emotional Connection**: Genuine connections and impact on others can lead to emotional and heartfelt moments.
• ⏳ **Relevance Over Time**: The desire to be a relevant person whose life makes a difference, as symbolized by the dash on one's tombstone.

Q & A

What is the main idea the speaker is trying to convey about leadership?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of taking on a leadership role and developing leadership skills, as it offers more control over one's life compared to being a follower.

What does the speaker suggest is the fear that prevents people from becoming leaders?

The fear of the consequences of leading, such as taking responsibility for decisions and outcomes, is what stops the average person from becoming a leader.

Why does the speaker believe being a follower can be more detrimental than being a leader?

The speaker argues that followers have to deal with the decisions made by leaders, such as layoffs, which can have severe personal consequences, whereas leaders have more control over their fate.

What is the significance of the story about the man who became a chef at the Hilton?

The story illustrates the impact the speaker's words had on someone's life, inspiring them to change their life while in prison and become a successful chef.

What is the speaker's view on the role of a leader in a company facing financial difficulties?

The speaker believes that leaders are less likely to be affected by cutbacks compared to followers, as leaders make the decisions and the consequences often start at the bottom.

What does the speaker mean when he says 'leader of your own life'?

The speaker suggests that one doesn't necessarily have to be a world leader to be a leader; one can lead by taking charge of their own life and making decisions for themselves.

How does the speaker describe his aspirations regarding leadership?

The speaker did not aspire to be a world-renowned leader like Martin Luther King or Gandhi, but he did aspire to be a relevant and inspirational person.

What is the significance of the 'dash' on a tombstone according to the speaker?

The 'dash' represents the life lived between birth and death, and the speaker suggests that it is the most important part of a person's legacy.

Why does the speaker feel a connection to the man who approached him after a speech?

The speaker feels a connection because his words had a profound impact on the man's life, leading to a meaningful change and personal growth.

What does the speaker mean when he says he wants to be a 'relevant person'?

The speaker wants to have a meaningful impact on others' lives, such that his presence and contributions are remembered and valued.

What is the speaker's perspective on the importance of personal development and self-improvement?

The speaker believes in the importance of personal development, as evidenced by his encouragement for the inmate to better himself while in prison.