Strap in, leadership enthusiasts! I’m about to take you on an eye-opening ride down the highway of self-leadership, sparked by an event as unconventional as it is instructive. Imagine this: a gleaming BMW cruising along, its passengers flinging chicken wings out the window as if it’s the most natural thing in the world. Yes, flying fried chicken wings.

This peculiar occurrence, while seemingly trivial, ignited a flash of insight in my mind. It was not just an act of roadside littering, but a symbol of leadership in action – or rather, a stark example of leadership missing in action. John C. Maxwell, the sage of leadership wisdom, often says, “Leadership is influence.” And in this unique scenario, the influence was quite literally flying out the window! (Note: We love BMWs and their passengers and know this is not representative of the majority of BMW owners).

Let’s dissect this a bit. Leadership isn’t just about the big moments, the boardroom strategies, or the rousing speeches. It’s found in our everyday choices and behaviors. Here, the BMW passengers’ choice to jettison their chicken wings into the great unknown was a prime example of missed self-leadership. It showed a disregard not only for the environment but also for the unspoken responsibilities of being a conscientious human being – let alone a leader.

Self-leadership is about grabbing the steering wheel of our behavior and driving it with purpose and integrity. It means making deliberate choices that align with our values and set a positive course for others to follow. Whether in the driver’s seat of a car, leading a team in a corporate boardroom, or managing a household, every action paints a picture of our leadership style. 

The airborne chicken wings, while a small and perhaps comical mishap, serve as a potent lesson. Our actions, however minor they may seem, create ripples in the pond of life. They define our character and influence as leaders. As Maxwell aptly points out, leadership transcends titles; it’s about positively impacting others. In this case, the thrown wings were a fluttering example of influence gone awry.

As the captain at the helm of Maximized Leaders, I’ve always championed the significance of everyday leadership moments. It’s not just about the big decisions we make but also about how we navigate the seemingly insignificant details of daily life. How we dispose of our waste, how we engage with our peers, and how we manage our personal time are all critical indicators of our leadership acumen.

This brings us to the intriguing concept of the leadership ripple effect. Much like a stone cast into a pond, our actions – good, bad, or chicken-wing-related – set off ripples that extend far beyond our immediate vicinity. The BMW’s chicken wing escapade, while likely unpremeditated, initiated a ripple – one that inadvertently modeled a lack of environmental and social responsibility. It’s a vivid reminder that our actions, especially as leaders, are constantly observed and can inspire or discourage others.

Your Leadership Challenge:

I invite you to embark on a self-leadership exploration this week. Reflect on your daily actions. Ask yourself, “Do these actions mirror the leader I aspire to be? What kind of ripples am I creating?” If you spot areas where your leadership could use a polish, don’t fret. Leadership is an evolving journey. Small, intentional adjustments in your daily conduct can profoundly influence your leadership path.

Let’s keep the chicken wings on our plates and out of our leadership narrative, and remember that every action, no matter its size, contributes to the grand tapestry of our leadership identity. Let’s lead by example and transform every moment into a chance to demonstrate true leadership.