By exposing them to information that develops them as persons, we help them reach into their deep reservoirs of ability and bring more of it to surface. Consequently, they have more spontaneous skills and abilities to bring to table, whether that “table” is at work, at home, at church, or school.

To motivate human beings is not to force-feed them. They are at all times free to reject or ignore that to which they are exposed. But they don't; they come back for more.

We cannot motivate others; that’s something can have to do by themselves. However, we can set motivational climate and they’ll respond, not because they have to, but because they want to.

Now, wouldn’t you rather have a well-oiled, highly motivated individual functioning at his (or her) maximum potential on your team?

Remember: When you maximize your potential, everyone wins. When you don't, we all lose.

Now, if you are a manager, supervisor, or employer, take a good, long look at what you're doing at work.

I encourage to evaluate your performance periodically by answering these questions:

* How am I leading?

* Am I leading effectively?

* Do my employees consider me an effective leader?

The answers to these questions are open doors to where you are and what you have to do to improve your leadership talents. (You may want to take it a step further by having subordinate rate you periodically using these and/or supplementary questions.

However, you can assess your leadership qualities simply by looking at success of projects you handle and at teamwork you have created. Therein lies your answer to your effective leadership.

Remember: When you maximize your potential, everyone wins. When you don't, we all lose.