“If you find yourself having to remind everyone all of the time that you're the sergeant major and you're in charge, you're probably not”. 

Sound familiar? That’s the Sergeant Major of the Army for you – Daniel A. Dailey.

Let’s make one thing clear though. Dailey’s statement applies to everyone “in charge”. 
  

Having the titles, “manager, executive, or boss” doesn’t automatically define you as a leader. 

And unfortunately, most people don’t realize this. 

Think about it. 

Even if you aren’t in an “authoritative” role, who do you look up to in your life? Who has great influence over what you do in both your work and personal decisions? More importantly, why? 

Have you thought that perhaps these people could be manipulating you for their own self-interests? Not to say that’s entirely wrong, but are YOU winning too? Being involved in something actually meaningful? 

These are just some of the tough questions not enough people ask themselves on a consistent basis. 

Why? 

Because it’s not just about whether you’re a good leader. 

It’s about whether the people YOU follow are great leaders too. 

It’s time you open your eyes to BOTH sides – not just one. 

That’s why, in today’s episode of The Sage & The Outlaw, we talk about defining leadership – how it’s so important to constantly evaluate the people you commit to, BUT also how difficult it is to lead in the first place.

To lead our conversation, we’ve got someone with experience and results –  Jordan Limos (veteran, former Non-Commissioned Officer, and military contractor with 8 years of experience in intel, sharing some insight with his time in warzones like Afghanistan). Jordan's someone who isn’t afraid to cut the bullcrap and dig in deep.  To confront the non-qualified “leaders” and grow into becoming a real leader.

You’ll learn that leadership is not just about ambition or charisma, but about what you do. 

Every. Single. Day. 

That providing direction requires way more skill than people think. 

That you gotta be strong-willed and choose to serve those you can trust. Stand by what you believe. 

Above all, you’ll learn that leadership is NOT natural, and anyone can grow into it. 

But don’t get the wrong idea.

“Can” does NOT mean “will”

We’ve all heard it before – “My manager is terrible. I can do that job better.”

Then they realize that it’s not that easy. 

That you gotta learn to lead yourself, make decisions quickly, be willing to get into the trenches, and more. 

Anyone CAN do that, but WILL you?

Then go ahead and hook up those earphones and press play. 

It’s time to unleash the leader within you. 

Resources:

• 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
• Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don't by Simon Sinek
• Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don't by Jim Collins
• How to Get Rich: One of the World's Greatest Entrepreneurs Shares His Secrets by Felix Dennis