I went camping a lot as a child and a few times as an adult. One of my favorite parts of camping was the fire. This is because I really enjoy spending time sitting around the fire, talking, creating memories, and enjoying the outdoors. Another reason was because I enjoyed preparing, starting, and maintaining the fire. I’m not much of an outdoors man but I know it takes a lot of strategy to effectively build a fire. It requires placing the wood, brush, and paper in a way where it can easily light and stay lit until those small sparks turn into a raging fire. Of course a little (or lot) of lighter fluid always helps the process.
The illustration of starting a spark with the desire to create a fire should be something a leader thinks about when it comes to their leadership. A leader should be sparking and creating a flame in certain areas that will propel them forward. Below are 3 essential areas a leader should spark and make a habit of focusing on:
1. Spark your creativity- Being a creative leader allows you to better solve problems, develop good ideas, and to bring change into what you’re leading. To spark your creativity I recommend:
- Imagine- Start to dream and imagine a better future. Take time to spark or re-spark the dreams you have. George Bernard Said, “You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine, and at last, you create what you will.” When you begin to imagine a bigger and better future your creativity will be sparked.
- Think- Taking time to think allows you to create new or better ideas and it allows you to find the best solution to a problem or situation.
- Write- Writing ideas and thoughts on paper can allow you to capture and clarify them. Taking time to free write can spark your creativity juices.
- Associate- Take time to be around other creative people, being around them can spark your own creativity.
2. Spark your thinking- The practice of thinking is often uncommon in today’s society. If you want to separate yourself and leadership from the average then take time to think. Jack Welch said, “Ninety-nine point nine percent of all employees are in the pile because they don’t think.” Sparking and making thinking a habit is essential for success and a positive future. To become a better thinker I recommend reading my past post: How to Engage in Thinking.
3. Spark your growth- When I first started reading and listing to John Maxwell his passion for personal development sparked my personal growth. This spark flamed into some things I now value and that I am intentional in doing. Sparking your personal growth allows you to be moving toward your potential. The best leaders know the importance of lifetime growth. Frank Clark wisely said, “Most of us must learn a great deal every day in order to keep ahead of what we forget.” This means you should have a Personal Growth Plan.
Questions: How do you spark these areas in your life and leadership? What are some other essential areas a leader should spark?
