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In a recent Maxwell Leadership podcast, they told a story about an up-and-coming speaker who asked John Maxwell what he was thinking about prior to going on stage.

Was it his presentation?

Was it his appearance?

Was he concerned about what the audience may think of him?

John’s answer astonished his young friend. When asked what was on his mind as he was getting ready to speak on stage, he said, “The people.”

There is a staggering amount of profundity in that simple response.

What are you thinking about as you lead? Is it your position, how you are perceived, what people might think of you? Are you focused on delivery?

Or are you focused on “the people?”

Great leaders are teachers who connect. And teachers who connect can have profound influence on the world.

Consider a humble Sunday School teacher from the 1800s named Edward Kimball. He had no aspirations for greatness and nobility. He simply focused on “the people.” In this case, one of those people was a shoe clerk named Dwight L. Moody. D.L. Moody went on to become a famous evangelist whose line of influence reached a pastor of a small church, which led to college campus crusades, which led to nationwide campaigns, which led to…Billy Graham. An era of history was defined by one humble teacher who focused on “the people.”

Do you want to leave a legacy?

Then do as John Maxwell and Edward Kimball have done…focus on “the people.”

As you reflect during this season of the year, take some time to adjust focus. Are you focused on the people you serve?

Take some time to listen to this podcast. Its message is profound.

As the CEO of Strength Leader Development, Deb Ingino is a highly sought-after international executive mentor, coach, trainer, and speaker. Deb is well versed in global business operations and helps business leaders and their teams to discover and leverage their strengths, so they can create highly collaborative teams that deliver great results. With a refreshingly direct style, and using the Maxwell Method, Deb helps leaders and teams to deliver profitable results. Connect with Deb to learn more about her mentorship and coaching programs to equip you with advanced strategies to elevate your results.