As an entrepreneur, mother, and volunteer in a non-profit, I’ve realized that improving in three key areas is essential:

1. Leadership skills
2. Personal growth
3. Faith and its depth

Each of these areas has required intentional effort and stretching to new levels. Success, influence, and meaningful impact don’t happen by accident—they require us to grow as individuals.

As John Maxwell, author of The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, says:

"Leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less."

Maxwell is recognised as the world’s #1 expert on leadership, having authored nearly 100 books. I’ve had the privilege of being coached and mentored by him and his team, and one thing is clear: leadership isn’t reserved for CEOs or politicians.

Leadership touches every aspect of life. For Christian business owners, embracing leadership is not just about professional growth; it’s about using our influence to serve, inspire, and create change for God’s glory.

Why Leadership Matters in Every Area of Life

Leadership is about more than managing teams or running a company. It’s about influence, and influence is something we all need in every area of life.

Think about this:

• Do you want your clients to buy from you? That requires influence.
• Do you want your kids to listen and learn from you? That requires influence.
• Do you want to help friends make better decisions? That requires influence.
• Do you want to bring positive change to your community or the world? That requires influence.

Leadership isn’t optional if you want to make a difference. Whether you’re starting a business, raising children, or leading in your community, your ability to influence others determines the outcomes you’ll achieve.

The ‘Law of the Lid’: A Leadership Principle to Understand

John Maxwell teaches the Law of the Lid, which states:

"Your leadership ability determines your level of effectiveness."

In simple terms, your leadership skills act as a lid on your potential. If your leadership ability is a 5 out of 10, your effectiveness—and results—will never rise above that level.

This principle was a game-changer for me. I realised that to create lasting impact, I had to raise my lid. That meant improving how I related to people, made decisions, and led with confidence.

If you want to increase your influence and achieve more in your life, business, or relationships, focus on growing your leadership skills.

Leadership Lessons from Everyday Life

Some of my hardest lessons in leadership didn’t come from a boardroom—they came from being a parent.

Raising children required me to learn how to listen, navigate challenges, and influence their decisions. Similarly, leading overseas mission trips taught me how to guide groups of people from diverse backgrounds, often in high-pressure situations.

These experiences prepared me for business, where I had to learn how to influence and relate to customers, staff, and partners. Every challenge was an opportunity to grow.

If I wanted to make a difference, it was up to me to develop the skills needed to lead effectively.

Embrace Leadership for Personal and Professional Growth

Leadership isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you learn. And the best part is, the journey of growth never stops.

• Start with self-leadership. Before you can lead others, you need to maximize your own potential.
• Be intentional. Regularly invest in personal growth by reading, learning, and seeking feedback.

Leadership isn’t just for business—it’s for life. It impacts how you think, make decisions, and interact with others. If you avoid embracing leadership, it could hinder the results you’re working toward, whether in your family, business, or community.

Why Business Is the Perfect Training Ground for Leadership

Running a business is one of the best environments to practice leadership. It pushes you to think strategically, relate to others, and solve problems.

As a mentor and coach, I’ve seen many women shy away from the leadership element, often out of fear or uncertainty. But here’s the truth: confidence comes through action. The more you lead, the more you’ll grow—and the more you’ll thrive.

Practical Steps to Embrace Leadership

1. Create a Personal Growth Plan
   Set aside time each week to focus on developing your skills. Read books like The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell, or take online courses to expand your knowledge.

2. Seek Mentors or Coaches
   Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you. Learning from those with experience can accelerate your growth.

3. Reflect on Your Leadership Journey
   Regularly evaluate your strengths and areas for improvement. Leadership is a lifelong process of growth and refinement.

4. Practice Influence in Everyday Life
   Look for opportunities to lead in small ways, whether it’s guiding your family, helping a friend, or mentoring someone in your community.

5. Prayer and Biblical Principles
   The Bible has many examples of God helping people to lead. Leadership is a God-given opportunity to serve others. Ask Him for the Holy Spirit wisdom to lead with integrity, compassion, and excellence.

Are You Ready to Embrace Leadership?

Leadership is influence, and influence is critical to creating the impact you desire. Whether you’re leading in your family, business, or community, embracing the leadership element is key to achieving your God-given purpose.

Start today by committing to your growth. Read inspiring books like The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership (affiliate link) to gain practical insights. Consider working with a coach or mentor who can guide you on your journey.

Remember: confidence grows in the doing. As you step into leadership, you’ll discover new strengths, greater influence, and a deeper sense of purpose.

You’ve got this—and with God’s guidance, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.

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