Golden nuggets of wisdom found in 'Leadership Gold'

Bravo. Really well done.

John C. Maxwell's "Leadership Gold" is an introspective journey into leadership, addressing the necessity of a leader being whole and solid to bring strong leadership to his or her team.

Maxwell's years of leadership, personal insight and inspiration blend perfectly into 26 gold nuggets to focus, inspire and energize any leader - new or seasoned.

Here are just a few of the tips Maxwell shares:

1. If It's Lonely at the Top, You're Not Doing Something Right. What kind of leader would take the journey alone? A good leader brings people along and lifts them to a new level.

2. The Toughest Person to Lead Is Always Yourself. Most of us don't need to worry about the competition. It's not because of other people that we lose. If we don't win, it's because our actions and behaviors disqualify us.

3. When You Get Kicked in the Rear, You Know You're out in Front. "Criticism" will come. The key question is, do you take it as just that, or as an opportunity for growth? The better you know yourself and the more honest you are with yourself, the more growth you'll be able to see.

4. Don't Manage Your Time - Manage Your Life. Good leaders cannot be bad self managers. Time is our only true currency — don't let others spend it for you.

5. Keep Your Mind on the Main Thing. As a leader, it is better to know the most important things than to know everything. What kinds of things occupy your time? Are you focused on your strengths?

6. Your Biggest Mistake is Not Asking What Mistake You're Making. Others know your weaknesses, whether you want to admit it or not. When you admit your mistakes, it's not a surprise to others, it's a reassurance.

7. For Everything You Gain, You Give Up Something. What are you willing to give up in exchange for a new level of growth? What will you achieve when you get there?

8. People Who Start the Journey with You Seldom Finish with You. Not everyone will take the journey with you, nor should they. Don't feel guilty when key players leave, and don't wait for people you shouldn't. You can't want it for them more than they do.

Pick this one up. Grab some of these gold nuggets.

Learn about leading others, but more important, about leading yourself.