For years I’ve heard John Maxwell say, “Leaders always go first.” The more I grow, the more I realize how true that statement is. Do you want to see who the leaders are in your organization? Look to see who is always going first. Leaders don’t wait to see what everyone else is going to do, they choose to step out and lead, regardless of how they feel. If you desire to lead, start accepting the fact that you’re always going to be going first!

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Recently I had the opportunity to speak at a breakout session at the Pittsburgh Service Summit at Carlow University. I spoke on the subject of personal growth. I’m working on an e-book about 14 decisions I have made in the last 10 years that have made the biggest difference in my life. One of the decisions that have made an incredible impact on my life is the decision to have a plan for personal growth.

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“Every artist was first an amateur.”–Ralph Waldo Emerson

By now, hopefully you’ve recognized that you have a gift and you’re taking steps to discovering your gifts. Today I want to talk to you about developing your gift. No matter how much natural talent you have or how gifted you are, it won’t get you anywhere if you don’t grow and develop. Talent alone, is never enough.

John Maxwell said, “If you’re gifted at something, you’ll automatically be in the top 50% of people in the area of your giftedness. If you do anything intentionally to develop your gift, you’ll land in the top 10%. If you’ll determine to always grow and develop your gift, you’ll end up in the top 1%.” I believe that. Here are some things you can do intentionally to develop your gift:

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