"The seeds of greatness."

Greetings, Summit Leaders.


An ancient law of the harvest states, "we reap what we sow, more than we sow and later than we sow." Farmers understand this principle and live by it. Great leaders; understand the code and intentionally apply it in their lives.


Each of us can envision our lives as a plot of ground entrusted to us to produce something of value. Great leaders practice disciplines similar to that of the farmer. They assess the land, imagine how to use it to its maximum potential, develop and plan the steps required to transform the land into an abundant resource.


They cultivate the soil, plant the desired seeds with an expectation that harvest comes over time.


Farming requires faith to begin, persevere, and harvest the benefits.


Becoming a great leader requires a similar mindset. The seeds we plant determine the harvest we expect. If we work with clients, lead teams, serve people in the communities or nations, we can apply the harvest principle's law.


How do we begin? First, we envision the harvest we desire. Second, we plan the required actions to prepare our plot of land. In our case, it is a set of clients to serve, a team to lead, or family and community we want to impact.
Third, we determine the seeds for planting. Seeds of greatness come in four classes that affect people and relationships.


They are kindness, truth, love, and serving.


Here are some examples of how these seeds of greatness are recognized.
1. Kindness. The people we meet and serve are opportunities to extend our reach and plant seeds of empathy—an encouraging word spoken during a challenging season or a note of appreciation are examples of seeds of greatness.
2. Truth. Authenticity and trust in relationships involve caring for those you serve. I recall hearing sellers saying, "I love my clients." People know when you care about them and reciprocate the action.
3. Love. Selfless caring for the interests of others by placing their needs above your own. Love is the way of Excellence. "Excellence is the result of caring more than others think is wise; risking more than others think safe. Dreaming more than others think practical and expecting more than others think possible."
4. Serving. Placing myself in a position to create value in helping others reach their visions and goals.


I met a salesperson named Staley Bryant years ago who awakened me to the principle. Staley's clients loved him. I was astonished by the warm reception and respected position his clients gave him. He was very successful—over 30 years of reaching his sales goals and recognized as a consummate professional salesperson.
I emulated his approach and began seeing the results. Gradually my clients began responding to the seeds sown months earlier. I decided to adopt the attitude I saw in Staley and the mindset of the farmer.


Here is something I learned that I want to share with you.
1. The farmer and Staley exercise faith that their work will produce a harvest. They understood from life experiences and others who preceded them to plant and let the natural laws work for them. 


As long as the world exists, there will always be a time for planting and harvest time. 


They did not allow circumstances to discourage them. Staley encouraged me with his optimism, hospitality, and determination.
Someone once said, "Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest."
A Summit leader shared his favorite quote from his fifth-grade teacher; "Treat others the same way you want them to treat you." He says that this quote has proved itself to be a powerful enabler to his success.


Today, a Summit Leader shared how she is serving in a community project as a "Pen Pal" to Janice, a woman who is 102 years old and living in a nursing home. 
I asked her why she does this? "Janice has stories she likes to tell, and I want to be there to listen to them. I want to keep the relationship going." 


Janice and the Summit leader are planting seeds of greatness.


So, wherever we find ourselves, each of us has a place where we can begin planting seeds of greatness. The sooner we start, the sooner we can expect the harvest.  


The timeless principle and law will work on our behalf.
Someone has said, "We reap what we sow, more than we sow, later than we sow."


Victory!