Your Unique Leadership Skills

Posted on July 13, 2022 by admin

Have you ever stopped to think about your unique leadership skills? This is episode 19 and in today’s podcast, I’m helping you discover three ways you can utilize what makes you unique so you can lead others better.

In This Episode

In this episode, we talk about your unique leadership skills. Leadership can be a long and lonely journey if we let it. However, it can also be a thrilling adventure that transforms everything it touches. In the mundane experiences of life, we can lose sight of this. We can also lose sight of this in the chaos. So how do you balance the two? How do you prepare yourself to experience everything life has to offer as a leader?

By knowing what makes you unique.

By understanding your unique leadership skills, you’ll be able to see not just who your people need, but why you’re ready for the task at hand.

So let’s dive into how Moses used his experience in the desert to become exactly the leader the Israelites needed as they left Egypt.

Your Unique Leadership Skills

We’ve all been through experiences, educational endeavors, jobs, relationships, and circumstances that have shaped who we are. Sometimes we forget that those experiences give us a unique way to lead those around us. In this video, we’re going to look at Moses and see how his desert experience equipped him for the journey of leading the Israelites out of Egypt and through the desert.

1.) Moses lived in the desert.

Because of this, he how to find food, water, and shelter. He knew how to survive and help others do the same.

2.) Moses was 80.

Walked slowly and with a cane. A 25-year-old wouldn’t have walked slow enough to lead 2 million people. It was Moses’ advanced age and physical limitations that made him perfect for the job.

3.) Moses was humbled in isolation and cultivated a heart deep in the quality of wisdom he possessed.

He had time alone to think, contemplate, reflect, and integrate his experiences. We also see this ability modeled in others like David and Jesus. Integrating experiences into character and wisdom is a foundational leadership activity.

About Justin

Dr. Justin Hiebert works with mission-critical leaders to accomplish the unimaginable. Justin knows that no leader needs more things to do, so he works with his clients to get the right things done. His clients rise above burnout, captivate their teams, and transform their communities. By engaging their hearts and minds, his clients unlock their full potential to be, do, and have it all. This affords them the ability to leave a legacy of influence and impact on the world. He is a husband, father, teacher, learner, and champion of joy. He resides in Bakersfield with his wife, four kids, two cats, and one dog. In his free time, he loves exercising, riding motorcycles, and doing anything outdoors.

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3 Daily Reflection Questions

Posted on June 29, 2022June 28, 2022 by admin

Podcast cover art for podcast episode 17. White text on read background that says 3 daily questions for success

Let’s talk about 3 daily reflection questions for sustained (and repeatable) success!

Welcome to the podcast everyone, I’m your host, Justin Hiebert and I’m excited to have you along for episode 17! Our mission at #NextSteps Coaching is to help leaders resist and overcome burnout so they can leave a legacy of influence and impact on the world.

In this episode, we talk about the three daily reflection questions you need to ask yourself.

3 Daily Reflection Questions

Throughout coaching, we build in intentional times for reflection, growth, and refocusing. Where we put our attention sets our intention. If we want to have success in all areas, we need to get the details right. Success does not come from big breakthroughs but from implementing small, sustainable, and repeatable habits done consistently. Today, I want to talk about the three daily reflection questions you need to be asking yourself.

1.) What did I learn today? I also talk about the importance of The Medici Effect

2.) What am I grateful for? Expressing gratitude has been proven to have long-term physiological benefits.

3.) Where did I fail? When you fail, you create opportunities for improvement and growth.

In This Episode

In this episode, we talk about the three daily reflection questions for sustained and repeatable success. We will examine how (and why) these steps work, and the importance of integrating them into your daily habits.

About Justin

Dr. Justin Hiebert works with mission-critical leaders to accomplish the unimaginable. Justin realizes that no leader needs more things to do, so he works with his clients to get the right things done. His clients rise above burnout, captivate their teams, and transform their communities. By engaging their hearts and minds, his clients unlock their full potential to be, do, and have it all. This affords them the ability to leave a legacy of influence and impact on the world. He is a husband, father, teacher, learner, and champion of joy. He resides in Bakersfield with his wife, four kids, two cats, and one dog. In his free time, he loves exercising, riding motorcycles, and doing anything outdoors.

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Does it scare me?

Posted on January 18, 2022 by admin

When weighing a new opportunity for my own growth, I always ask myself one question: Does it scare me?

If the answer is yes, I act.

Expecting Growth

Recently, I received an unexpected phone call from an old friend. They wanted to run something by me and check my interest in a new project. After listening to him, I checked my calendar. I had just had a client cancel and because of that, the time he needed me for, I was suddenly free.

Instantly, I jumped at the opportunity.

Why?

Because I was afraid of what might happen if I said yes.

As a person who thrives on routine, habits, and discipline, I love knowing what is coming next. I plan my calendar religiously, oftentimes setting appointments weeks into the future. Obviously, I coach my clients to do the same.

There is power in routine. Freeing up our minds from the chaos of the day-to-day is a powerful way to get more done in less time.

At the same time, I challenge myself with new opportunities by asking one powerful question.

Does it scare me?

If the answer is yes, I force myself to try it.

If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try. – Seth Godin

Life, growth, progress, abundance, goal achievement, happiness, fulfillment, all of it happen when we step outside our comfort zone.

Comfort zones bring death. They slowly destroy and erode our souls, our brains, and our bodies. By courageously stepping out into the unknown, we live a life worthy of the greatness coursing through our veins.

That next client.

The dream vacation.

Your future spouse.

A long-established business.

Fame.

Notoriety.

Fortune.

All of it happens in the space outside of your comfort zone.

So go for it.

Ask yourself: Does it scare me?

If it does, go for it. You’ll be surprised what you learn about yourself, what you achieve, and the joy you find in the unknown.

Amateurs have goals, professionals have process.

Posted on January 4, 2022 by admin

Blog Post Cover Art two people mapping out a journey with a computer and paper, one person sipping coffee. Overlay text Amateurs have goals, professionals have process.

Recently, I was reminded about the importance of developing the process of growth and achievement.

As I was scrolling through social media, I came across the following quote:

Amateurs have goals, professionals have a process.

In the myth of new year new you, it’s popular for people to set goals. Rarely do they ever achieve those goals. Now, some are now actively warning you not to do it.

The failure to attain these goals, really to gain any motivation or traction for change, can be found in that nuance.

I’ve written before about how to write clear and compelling goals.

What makes all the difference in the world, is the process to make it stick.

Setting Goals

Here’s a quick recap on how to set good goals: S.M.A.R.T.E.R.

Specific – Is it clear?

Measurable – Can it be defined?

Achievable – Is it possible?

Relevant – Do I really want it?

Timely – When does it need to be done by?

Energy – What’s the feeling I gain by achieving the desired result?

Reward – How can I remind myself it all matters?

Notice the difference between these two “goals”

I will lose weight.

I will lose 25 pounds by March 15. This will give me extra energy and confidence for the cruise my wife and I are taking to celebrate our anniversary over spring break. When I lose those twenty-five pounds, I will reward myself with a new swimsuit for the trip.

Amateurs have goals, professionals have process.

Develop the process.

Amateurs have goals, professionals have process.

To help develop the process in any goal you want to set, here are three quick questions you can ask yourself:

1.) Who do I need to become?

Goals, growth, and progress all require change. You cannot strive to attain something and remain the same. Identify who you need (and want) to become. Create the process and choices that will help you achieve the desired growth.

2.) What should I K.I.S.S.?

In this context, K.I.S.S. is an acronym for Keep, Improve, Start, Stop.

What is working well that I should keep doing? This is about amplifying the good.

What could be working better? This is about refinement.

What do I need to start? Action is key and sometimes we don’t get it right the first time. This is about continuous motion and improvement.

What should I stop? Not everything goes as anticipated. Sometimes, we just need to let it go.

3.) How will I avoid distraction?

We’re not perfect. I’m sure you’ve logged on to social media before to make a meaningful and business-related post only to be sucked in by mindless scrolling. It happens to everyone. Learning our personal triggers (being tired, hungry, bored, etc…) and building around those moments minimizes distractions and keeps us focused.

2022 is young and fresh. It is a year full of possibilities and I hope and pray the best for you. On your journey remember one thing:

Amateurs have goals, professionals have process.

Develop the process.

Slay Your Giants While You’re Young

Posted on September 2, 2021 by admin

That’s why it’s so important to slay your giants while you’re young.

Her words hit me like a ton of bricks.

Not only is she incredibly beautiful and funny, she’s also really, really smart.

I’m lucky she’s my wife.

We were talking about the importance of marked leadership growth and reflecting on the life of King David in the Bible.

Setting the Stage

I was walking her through a talk I was getting ready to give, and we were reflecting on what David’s life might have been like as he neared the end of his life.

A Forgotten boy to a ruler.

From shepherd to king.

Giant-slayer to sage.

Desert dweller to palace ruler.

As he neared the end of his life, he had to spend time reflecting on all that had transpired. A surprising amount is written about David in the Bible. We see his faith and folly as he is featured across the pages of Scripture.

Someone described as “a man after God’s own heart” has killed giants, led a country, been to war, stolen another man’s wife, committed murder, written songs, and experienced rebellion and treason from his own family.

Throughout it all, he remained committed to God and in trying to understand how to lead well.

And as my wife and I were discussing this, we were talking about the many ways in which his experiences of God may have changed, but the need behind them hadn’t.

That was true throughout the Israelite story.

It’s true for us as well.

Having Experiences

We all have a quest and desire to connect with God.

Unfortunately, we also want to keep having that same experience.

When the Israelites that saw God in the pillar of fire still wanted to see him like that. The problem is that as circumstances change, so do the experiences.

That’s why it’s important to slay your giants while you’re young.

David experienced God when he slew the giant Goliath. But he was never supposed to become a perpetual giant killer. Once he accomplished that mission, it was time for a new one.

Slay Your Giants While You’re Young

As leaders, we are all called to progress.

Grow.

Adapt.

Change.

Overcome.

In new ways, every day.

Far too many of us, however, take pride in slaying the same giants over and over.

Battling with addiction instead of getting help.

Hiding behind our fears and weaknesses instead of soliciting a mentor to overcome.

Engaging in the same pointless battles again and again.

I’m reminded of a story I heard once. An elderly leader was being interviewed about his life and influence. Having just passed 80 years old, he had a lot of wisdom to share with the crowd.

The interviewer asked him, “What’s one battle you regret not winning?”

Immediately, the 80-year old replied, “Porn.”

At 80, he was still trying to slay the same giant as his teenage self.

Instead of being able to be a person of wisdom to his community, he was stuck in a cycle of shame.

Don’t fall victim.

Slay your giants while you’re young.