Dr. John Maxwell Leadership Conference

Internationally renowned author, speaker and leadership expert John Maxwell was recently in Lexington for a conference that featured attendees from several sectors of the workforce (i.e. government, education, profit and non-profit). There was also a youth leadership track where high school students from around the state participated in sessions led by Dr. Tim Elmore. Dr. Elmore has recently written a book on how to lead Gen Y. What a wonderful surprise to see fellow GCDFs from EKCEP attend this dynamic conference!

Dr. Maxwell shared from his most recent leadership book Everyone Communicates, Few Connect: What The Most Effective People Do Differently. His presentation was an excellent reminder that success is really just being able to connect with people. Similar to networking, we need to be conscious of other people and how we can help them. We are either a plus or a minus, adding to or subtracting from relationships. Essentially, connecting is about character. Similar to GCDF trainings, Dr. Maxwell also touched upon the importance of not only what we say, but how we say it and non-verbal communication. The following were some of Dr. Maxwell's suggested tips for connecting. Be available and open for others. In getting to know someone new, ask them genuine questions. Be conscious of what you can do to help others. Create experiences that make time with others more enjoyable.

If you are not already a fan, consider reading a few of Dr. Maxwell's leadership books as part of your own personal and professional development plan.