THE LAW OF THE LID

When I first heard the name of John Maxwell, I wasn't that interested in him. It was until Coach Rovel made it a requirement in February of 2009 that it will be the required reading that I began to have interest in his books. I only had one partner then. It was Coach Katie. After a few days I received a txt blast from Coach Raph about rating him. We rated him with the following: Vision, Strategy and Planning, People Skills and Results.

I also tried the same, when my tribe was growing. I let them rate me with the same elements. It was when I have around 7 people in my organization. The rating looks like this:

Vision 8

Strategy and Planning 8

People Skills 8

Results 6

Yes, it was obvious that the results was lacking and a dismal rating. This was around September of 2009. I've come to realize I really needed results to effectively lead my growing tribe. Thus, I strive for results.

After another year, I think it was mid of 2010. I had a significant breakthrough. This was the average ratings I got from my tribe.

Vision 9

Strategy and Planning 9

People Skills 9

Results 8

This was when I had an average of 1 new core team per month. Business was good. What then is the Law of the Lid?

The Law of the Lid means that if your leadership is at the level of 9, your effectiveness will only be 8. When it's 5, your effectiveness will only be 4.

The ratings were given by my tribe mates, thus, showing my level of credibility and influence to them. That means they listen to me as their true leader. Of course, it doesn't mean I have that rating before, I will have the same rating today. I have to strive to maintain that or even exceed the current ratings to continue to be a better leader.  Since then, to be able to practice the Law of the Lid, I always go back to these four elements: vision, strategy and planning, people skills, results. What does these 4 means?

Vision - I consider this as having a personal vision and upholding the vision of the group I'm into. This also reminds me to always convey the vision to my tribe. I also use vision to influence prospects. People would want to follow and be with people who have great sense of direction and passion. Yes, I consider leadership skills equal to sales skills.

Strategy and Planning - When you fail to plan, you plan to fail. This is critical in leadership. This is also critical in creating results. My guide for this is the Law of Navigation. I remind myself that I am accountable to where me and my people want to go and where we want to be in the future.

People Skills - Just like what Rich Dad said in Cashflow Quadrant that technical skills are easy to acquire. It's the people skills that is hard to learn and acquire. You can learn more on this on the Law of Connection.

Results - The World Listens to Results. This is the best tool for influence in my experience and also the hardest to acquire. This takes patience and process, diligence and commitment, sticking with the fundamentals and no short cuts.

As what I have mentioned earlier, I equate leadership with sales. We are selling people their dreams. We are selling people that they have potential to achieve financial freedom. When it comes to selling, I go back to the time where people have to fight for their lives to achieve peace. Just imagine if you were Washington, Churchill, Andres Bonifacio, Jose Rizal, Ghandi, etc. They didn't start with hundreds of thousands of people following them. They started selling themselves as a leader that can guide people to achieve a better tomorrow. When people buy their ideas, those people have to pay by risking their lives to fight. Thus, our heroes and those great men are great sales people. In our case, people don't have to risk their lives, they just have to buy one galvanic spa and a business builder and most especially of course their commitment for success.

I always take into account these 4 things when my business is not doing good. Did I execute with a clear vision and alignment to it? Did I plan for preparation and execution? How is my people skills with how I relate with my tribe and customers? How are my results - volume, inviting, guest show ups, reservations, expansion, new executives, etc.?

If you would notice the path I took was to create results that would be a good track record and lead people well. The next challenge is to let people create their own good track record.

If you are starting out, don't be overwhelmed. Just get better everyday. If you improve 1% everyday, you will improve 365% after a year! If you are doing well, good for you! Keep up the good work. You are a great inspiration to everyone.

I hope I have shared something significant today. Let this be a reminder of why we do our businesses. Our country needs more leaders. Our country needs more committed people to success. Let's lead this country forward.

Good day everyone!