Leadership is influence - Nothing more, nothing less!  At least that is John Maxwell's position and thesis for the book "Developing the Leader within you".  I first read this book 15 years ago and have recently re-read it in an effort to strengthen my leadership and to continue to grow as a leader.  I believe that the information in this book can be valuable to everyone who wants to grow as a leader.  This article is a brief synthesis of some of the main ideas from the book that will hopefully inspire and encourage your leadership in the years to come.

Maxwell's definition of leadership: INFLUENCE

There are few experiences in life that are felt as holistically as grief. While everyone grieves differently, anyone who has suffered a profound loss knows grief's impact.

For most, grief is often felt physically and can house itself in many places in our body. It is not uncommon to get sick following a loss or to have ongoing sleep or dietary issues. Grief can bring a heaviness which makes exercise difficult to continue. Returning to work following a loss can provide helpful structure, but it also has its challenges. Grief tends to leave us in a fog where it is difficult to focus, stay organized, and manage time and deadlines - all occupational risks. Because it is hard to concentrate, it is easy to lose one's intellectual spark during grief. The things that used to bring pleasure and interest, no longer do. Many find strength in their spiritual life following a loss, while others may spin into existential questioning. Deep loss can force us to reassess the assumptions we have about God or how the world works. Unfortunately grief often is felt socially as well. Social support is the number one protective factor following a loss, yet grief can also be extremely isolating. Some friends may not be comfortable with our grief and shy away, causing secondary losses as well. And certainly grief is felt emotionally, perhaps in the form of fear, guilt, anger, loneliness, and anxiety in addition to sadness.