Donald Miller is back with us this week to dive a little deeper into what makes a successful leader.

Last week, we looked at how what you bring is more important than the school you attend. Now we are unpacking the importance of character and communication in leadership.

Your character is the foundation you build your leadership and your reputation on. The first sentence in Donald’s book, Business Made Simple states, “No core competency can overcome poor character.” Your personal brand will open and close doors. This includes honesty and integrity, but also how you handle your value share. Or your ability to rise above being a victim and knowing how to deescalate drama.

As leaders, who we are opens the door. How we communicate and deliver keeps the door open to us. Many great ideas never made it off the ground because the person who presented them lacked the needed skills of communication. You have to go through people's hearts to get to their brains. Don’t try and tell people. Show them the value you or your idea brings. Tell them the truth. Be clear and be passionate. 

Make sure you check out businessmadesimple.com and get everything you can out of Donald's book and resources. It makes a great companion to the Cockerell Academy.

If you haven’t signed up for The Cockerell Academy yet, make sure to head over to cockerellacademy.com and sign up. Paired with Business Made Simple, you will be a force to be reckoned with in the business arena. 

This week, we are excited to have Donald Miller back on the show. He is sharing all about his newest book: Business Made Simple.

For any of you who may not know who Donald Miller is, he is an author and business owner. He is the CEO of Story Brand, a marketing company dedicated to helping you clarify your message so customers engage.

In this episode, Donald shares the vision behind his newest book, Business Made Simple, and why it (and the Cockerell Academy) are better than an MBA. We are looking into what are the common denominators of successful people. In most cases, it is not a degree.

Something Donald and I have in common is growing up without financial security. This aspect of our journey lit a fire in us; to make sure we don’t pass that down to our children.

Success costs something, and that is what we are unpacking today. College isn’t as necessary as it used to be. What you can do for a company – someone else's or your own – is more relevant than where you went to school. And that is what Business Made Simple, and The Cockerell Academy is all about – giving you the business know-how it takes years to learn at the beginning of your journey so you can go farther than you dreamed.

Another organization looking to exceed your dreams is Magical Vacation Planners. If you have travel needs and want to get in touch with Magical Vacation Planner, call them at (407) 442-2694.

I used to think Time Management was the most important thing, but I have changed my mind. While preparing the course Better Decisions for the Cockerell Academy, I realized that making better decisions is the most important thing we can improve on. Time management means nothing if you are making bad decisions.

Making decisions isn't always about what you decide to do. Sometimes, it is what you decide not to do. Most of the time, we make these decisions because of emotions or poor judgment. There can also be a lot of anger involved. It only takes one bad decision to ruin your life. Even your day planner won’t be able to help you get out of it.

In the Cockerell Academy, I talk about two kinds of decisions that you make every day. Reversible and Irreversible. I like to use the example of the difference between the choice to wash your car (reversible) and the choice to buy a new car (irreversible). You can delegate reversible decisions, but they can still cost you in the long run. Especially if not thought out.

Utilize the wisdom of others. When it comes to making the best decision possible, getting advice can be a game-changer. Ask others their opinions, seek out experts if it is something you are unsure of. Too often, I haven’t asked for help because of my insecurity, especially when it comes to areas I feel ignorant about. Giving in to that insecurity and refusing to seek help will hinder you. We think asking for help shows weakness, but it is one of the strongest things we can do. 

To make better decisions, try this. Start by writing down what you think are the hard things in your life. Especially the decisions you don't want to deal with. Identify the things you don’t want to have regrets about. Get accountability and find someone to go on the journey with you. Making that first decision can be the hardest, but it can also be the first snowball in an avalanche of success.

If you want help in the decision-making arena, you can go to www.cockerellacademy.com and check out our Morning Magic Planner for free. You can also join the Cockerell Academy and take the Better Decisions Course.

Leadership sets the culture. That is true if we are talking about a country or a company. Sometimes, people put too much stock in non-essentials when determining if someone is ready for leadership. Additionally, people can rely on the wrong things to enforce the culture they are cultivating.

In this episode, I'll answer a listener question along these lines.

This week’s question comes from India and an anonymous listener; it comes in two parts. What do you do when your responsibility outweighs your experience? And how can you develop tact, influence, and authority while being welcoming, caring, and nice?

I want to address the first portion of the question.  We, as leaders, need to recognize that time served is not the data or litmus test to determine if someone is ready for a position. Performance, attitude, and quality of work are far more relevant and better indicators of potential for success. It can be challenging to lead those who feel your age or experience is a hindrance, but there will always be a lot of jealously in the world. If you have the support of your leadership, be confident in that. Work to cultivate that support and focus on what matters. You have to perform, be professional and be clear about the support you do have.

As far as developing influence and leading while still being kind and caring, that is a great attitude to have; especially leading people. Dominating and intimidating people to get things done are an abuse of power. This type of leadership sets a culture. If you want to set a culture of firmness and fairness, you can do that without fostering a culture of fear. Firm ins being clear, not being mean or intimidating or embarrassing someone. Be clear, be firm, and be as nice as you want to be.

The best way to get others to do what needs doing is to treat them respectfully and make sure there is something in it for them. A leader's job is to make more leaders, not enemies. When you lead with empathy, you get results, and stuff gets done. Know your values. Ask yourself how you want your family treated in the workforce. Then go and treat people that way.

Make sure you are planning for the future, even your recreational future. Disney and Universal are having dates sold out, so connect with Magical Vacation Planner and find a date that works for you. Call them at (407) 442-2694.