The Philosophy of a Third Grade Dropout that will Make You a Better Leader
The key to successful leadership is influence
“But among you, it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.” — Matt 20:26
“Why is your first book about your mum and not your dad?”
I pondered on that as I handed an autographed copy of the book to my friend sitting across the table from me. Then, I explained. My mum’s six lessons became my blueprint for navigating through my career and business.
The dean of my first leadership school was a high school dropout bus driver.
I received the best leadership lessons from watching how my dad led himself and the apprentices who learnt their trade from him. He valued punctuality, presentation and respect. His apprentices loved being around him because he pushed them to be better. When I was about seven or eight years old, he would sometimes take me on rides on his bus while he worked.
I saw how he did everything with his “boys” — from having lunch to cleaning the bus together. No one was the boss.
Reflecting on those experiences have helped me develop great insights that are shaping my leadership style. Then I remembered how my story resonated with Dr Rick Rigsby’s “Lessons from a Third Grade Dropout.” On getting home from that dinner, I flipped through my YouTube playlist to rewatch Dr Rigby’s California Maritime Academy commencement speech.
“Philosophy, the major determining factor in how your life works out.” — Jim Rohn
I encourage you to consider the six principles I picked to help you in shaping your leadership philosophy. While these concepts may sound like simple, common-sense ideas, they are not commonplace. The video has amassed millions of views for a reason.
One way to create an impact as a leader is to how to combine knowledge and wisdom, according to Dr Rigsby’s dad. Leadership is about influence and impact, not about title or position.
Here are the simple yet profound six leadership guiding principles I culled from the YouTube video that resonated with the insights I have developed from the experiences with my dad.
1) Be punctual
One day I watched dad drive off before I could rinse off the lather from one of the back tires because he had a pick up appointment to make. Writing this point now, is a wake-up call and poignant reminder of dad’s sternest lesson. He said, “showing up early for an appointment is proof of respect.”
“Son, you’d rather be an hour early than a minute late.” — Mr Rigsby.
2) Treat others with humility, kindness and dignity
Have the humility to learn from others around you, the courage to accept that you do not have all the answers and don’t have to take all the credit. Dr Rigby said, “Ego is the anesthesia that deadens the pain of stupidity.”
“Son, make sure your servant’s towel is bigger than your ego.” — Mr Rigsby
3) Learn to serve to know how to lead
One of the most successful coaches in USA college basketball history and a mentor to John C Maxwell, John Wooden was famous for sweeping the gym floor after his players. The formula for making an impact is to serve, attract and influence.
“You want to make an impact? Find your broom.” — Dr Rick Rigsby
4) Value people instead of judging
According to the leadership expert, John C Maxwell, giving value to people and expressing that to them is the common ground that builds relationships. In his book, Dr Rigsby asked, “What do people feel like after they have been in your presence? Do they walk away saying, “I saw another possibility in life?” Or do they depart undaunted, unaffected, and none the better?”
“Son, don’t judge people.” — Mr Rigsby
5) Strive for excellence
I have scars on my knees and hands from bending down to wash the undercarriage of dad’s cabs. So, I was almost furious when I found out the cabs that scared me were not his. And I asked him this — “Why do you take so much care of these cars when they are not your?”
My dad replied, “You must handle everything in your control with diligence and care as best as you can, yours or not. Because how you handle others’ is how you will handle yours.”
When asked why he left the house at 3:45 AM every day, Mr Rigsby replied, “Maybe, one day, my boys will catch me in the act of excellence.”
“Good enough is not good enough if it can be better. And better is not good enough if it can be best.” — Dr Rick Rigsby
6) Be resilient
I grew up seeing my dad lose one job after another. But, he kept believing that the next one would be his chance of owning a car. That did not happen until he was 55. According to Dr Rigsby, the person that gets up off the canvas and keeps growing that’s the person that will continue to grow their influence.
Deflated, despondent and despaired standing beside his wife’s coffin, Dr Rigsby said three words from his dad lifted his spirit.
“Son, just stand.” — Mr Rigsby
“Everything rises and falls on leadership.” — Jonh C Maxwell
How would you answer the one question Dr Rigsby’s third-grade dropout daddy asked him every day?
“Son, how are you living?”
To be a successful leader, I suggest you live every day developing your philosophy, learning how to be a better leader and practising leadership consistently.
Book recommendations
Here are two book recommendations on leadership:
a) Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together, and Others Don’t — by Simon Sinek
Leadershift: The 11 Essential Changes Every Leader Must Embrace — by John C Maxwell
Here are three quotes to inspire you to increase your influence and become a better leader.
“We increase the influence with people when we intentionally add value to them on a consistent basis.” — John C Maxwell
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” — John Quincy Adams
“Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” — Jack Welch
