There are many ways you can serve in a leadership position – whether you’re a business owner, a manager in a large company, on the board of a non-profit organization, a classroom teacher, a parent, or any other position where you need to get things done through others.

I’ve had my share of leadership roles over the years, and each had its own set of challenges. I’ve studied the topic of leadership extensively, and I’ve learned a lot from Denny Coates, one of my business partners at Performance Support Systems. In fact, today marks the 20-year anniversary of my first introduction to Denny. We met for breakfast on August 30, 1990, and ended up spending three hours in deep discussions about topics such as effective leadership and how the brain learns. We’ve continued having these creative exchanges ever since!

I recently sat down with Denny to capture his thoughts about what’s really involved in developing effective leadership skills.

In this first segment of this 8-part interview series, Denny shares the four key actions a leader must do to get people to perform at their best. As you watch, ask yourself if you use all four when you need to influence others to accomplish an important goal.

“I will pay more for the ability to deal with people than any other ability under the sun.” - John D. Rockefeller, American business leader

“A mediocre person tells. A good person explains. A superior person demonstrates. A great person inspires others to see for themselves.” - Harvey Mackay, American author

“The world will belong to passionate, driven leaders—people who not only have an enormous amount of energy but who can energize those whom they lead.” - Jack Welch, American business leader

I’ve always loved great quotations, whether the words were spoken by a famous author, scientist, celebrity, sports figure or historical person. I find that the quotes I like best make me think…about myself and how I want to live my life. They serve as advisor, coach and encourager – a powerful combination.

I’m lucky because my business partner Denny Coates has been collecting quotes for many years, so I have a practically unlimited supply of daily inspiration.

Recently, we decided to put together some of our favorites, accompanied by our own insights and encouragements. The result is Strong for Leadership, an 88-page ebook covering 40 areas of personal strength needed when working through others to accomplish important goals. Whether you are a manager, business owner, teacher, salesperson or parent, you have the opportunity to influence others every day.

You’ll find 400 quotes covering vital topics like perseverance, focus, self-discipline, integrity, patience and courage. The encouragements, insights and quotes about leadership that you’ll find in this treasure will inspire you in your own self-development journey.

I invite you to get this FREE ebook now (just enter your name and email in the box on the right) and start benefitting from the wisdom of the ages. Just enter your email address in the box on this page and you’ll have instant access to Strong for Leadership.

These are just a few of my favorites…

“Good judgment, common sense, and reason all fly out the window when emotions kick down your door.” - John Wooden, American college basketball coach (1910-2010)

“Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it; boldness has genius, power and magic in it.” - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, German poet (1749-1832)

“Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work.” - Stephen King, American novelist (1947- )

“The world will belong to passionate, driven leaders—people who not only have an enormous amount of energy but who can energize those whom they lead.” - Jack Welch, American business leader (1935- )