Before jumping in today’s lesson..
I wanted to close the loop from last week on why I find my buddy Stefan to be 1 of the most interesting people I know..
He was born in LA.
This makes him American.
Although, he is European by culture.
His parents moved to Paris for 10 years after being born, being that his dad is French.
He then spent the next 10 years in London as his mom’s English.
He speaks both languages natively.
He holds 4 passports and has lived in 3 countries for more than a decade a piece.
Yes, I know what you might be thinking..
This dude sounds like Matt Damon in the “Bourne Identity” Hollywood Blockbusters.
Exactly.
As a result, I found deep intrigue, connection and we made quick friends back in 2005.
Since then, he’s inspired me..
To travel the world.
To gain fluency in Brazilian Portuguese.
To attain citizenship from Portugal.
To gain more perspective than I would have otherwise.
And this perspective has helped me with my leadership ability.
Ok, I digress.
But his follow-up question around developing leadership was how to develop character.
Well, there are many ways to do this.
1 of the best ways is, to tell the truth at all times.
Simple yet powerful.
Although, not easy to do.
As a leader, your word has to be impeccable.
It must be flawless.
This can be 1 of the hardest parts.
Why?
Your primitive brain wants its selfish desires at any cost.
It tempts you if left unchecked.
You must combat that by working on growing yourself to a higher level.
A more evolved version of you.
This is why attending my 12-step program has been so powerful for me in helping me stay sober from alcohol and to become a better leader.
It helps me tell the truth and develop my character.
These are requirements for strong leadership.
In fact, most times people are very surprised to find out the main focus of the 12-step program isn’t toward a focus on talking about alcohol.
Instead, the focus is on telling the truth to develop character.
In fact, the motto is it is “a program of rigorous honesty”.
But more on that next week.
For now, remember that your ability to tell the truth shapes your character, and your character shapes your leadership.
