It’s no surprise that the things change and plans get reworked. That’s just how life goes. At times, the terrain ahead of us seems to be hidden by a thick fog, forcing us to move ahead slowly and with caution. It’s a crazy world and who knows what might be lurking around the corner or just beyond where our vision ends.

When the path ahead becomes unclear, most people cower and hide. They don’t want to move ahead because it’s too much of a risk. The fear of the unknown cripples them and they can’t bear to journey on.

Lucky for you, you’re not in that group. Instead, you’re a First Class Leader who is leading the charge into the unknown.

Right?

Preparing for the Storm

It’s often said that you are what you eat. It’s true; what you consume is often displayed in the characteristics of your body. If you eat double cheeseburgers every day, you might not be as lean as someone who only eats salads and drinks water.

You reap what you sow, too. Whatever you ingest mentally is what comes out through your actions. If you fill your head with relevant information before the big test, chances are that you’ll know most of the answers. If not, you probably won’t do well.

In order to manage the storm, you need to prepare. There is no better way to prepare than through reading. Humans have a tendency to put into action what they read and when the problems arise, you’ll implement some great thinking if you’ve read about how to manage things.

I’m not going to regurgitate the great teachings of philosophers and expert problem-solvers. Instead, here are a few books I recommend:

- The Leader Who Had No Title by Robin Sharma
- Tribes by Seth Godin
- The Magic of Thinking Big by Dr. David Schwartz
- 21 Indespensible Qualities of a Leader by John Maxwell

These books have taught me some life-changing information and I think you can learn from them, too. Take the first step: prepare.

Making It Through

Do you know how to spot a First Class Leader? Look to see who is making progress when everyone else is slowing down.

In the business world, the key to success is not to gain a title. Instead, the key is to be adaptive to change no matter your title. If you can manage to adapt well to an ever-changing environment, you’re golden.

First Class Leaders don’t run away from the challenge or the problem or the change; they take it on and show what distinguishes them from everyone else.

In order to make it through, you need to be positive and committed to doing your best work no matter what is going on around you. Yes, there may be critics who want to stand in your way. It’s even possible that you might be lacking experience. But, when it comes down to the 11th hour, true First Class Leaders embrace business changes and adapt appropriately, showing their true colors and potential.

I will tell you that ingraining this philosophy of forging through the fog is not easy. In fact, it’s a struggle to remember you’re a First Class Leader and not someone who can just hide from change but it’s worth it. Don’t resist the changes being made in your life. Take them on and show that you can adapt, learn, and implement like a First Class Leader.

I can guarantee you this: you will experience more benefits, perks, and career opportunities than someone who plays it safe. All of that can come just by stepping up to the plate. Are you ready to step into the woods and forge ahead?

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Eric Alpin is the Associate Editor of Folk Media and works for a telecommunications company in Baltimore, Md. He is a social media enthusiast, blogger, writer, and student with a passion for leadership and self-development strategies and techniques. Find out more about Eric on Twitter.

*Photo by lornzo

When I first picked up Tribes by Seth Godin in my local library, I wasn’t immediately overwhelmed or impressed. In fact, I was wondering what all the fuss was over such a small book. The notion that great books needed to be thick and long-winded passed through my mind. After skimming its pages, I decided to check out the book and give it a chance. I’m glad I did.

The Heart and Soul

The message and concept of Tribes is simple: a person needs to be part of a group and wants to bond with other people who share similar goals and passions. However, Tribes is not a how-to manual for creating great groups. Instead, Godin lays out the benefits of leading a group of people, communicating with people who share similar interests, and growing together with like-minded individuals. Through stories and analogies, Godin inspires readers to lead, unite, and change their world.

Godin highlights many points throughout the book but there is a common thread: we need you. The world needs you. The world needs the abilities and passion you can bring. And, believe it or not, the world is ready for you. Godin states, “What I’m saying is that one person – okay, what I really mean is you – has everything. Everything you need to build something far bigger than yourself. The people around you realize this and they are ready to follow if you’re ready to lead.”

Tribes is a call to action to lead with vision, purpose, and faith.

The Disclaimer

Although it would be great to sit here and tell you that every person should own a copy of Tribes (I’m sure Seth Godin would appreciate that pitch), it’s not true. In fact, I don’t think most people should purchase the book. Tribes is a revolutionary book. It is a book that contains powerful information and directives to move ordinary people into extraordinary roles. I believe that if each person owned a copy of the book, most would put it down before page ten. Why? The message is too personal and involves too much risk.

If you are passionate about change and about leading a group of people, Tribes is for you. You don’t need to be a “leader,” to have charisma, or to have money to read Tribes; you just need passion, faith, and a desire for the betterment of the world around you. The book will not contain a specific formula for success; it will inspire you to find your own formula.

I highly recommend Tribes and feel that it is a book that can revolutionize the way we live. It is a quick and interesting read. As the old saying goes, don’t judge a book by its cover. Tribes can change your life. To give you a sneak peak of some of the great content in Tribes, I have included some of my favorite quotes below.

A Few Quotes from Tribes

“The real power of tribes has nothing to do with the Internet and everything to do with people. You don’t need a keyboard to lead…you only need the desire to make something happen.” – pg. 6

“When you identify the discomfort, you’ve found the place where a leader is needed.” – pg. 55

“Leadership is a choice. It’s the choice to not do nothing.” – pg. 59

“Every organization needs at least one thermostat. There are leaders who can create change in response to the outside world, and do it consistently over time.” – pg. 102

“Change almost never fails because it’s too early. It almost always fails because it’s too late.” – pg. 119

Additional Information

Seth Godin’s Blog
Tribes on Amazon

If you purchase the book, I suggest you keep a pen and highlighter handy when reading to take any notes or mark any thoughtful passages.

Have you read Tribes? If so, what are your thoughts? What was your big takeaway?

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Eric Alpin is the Associate Editor of Folk Media and works for a telecommunications company in Baltimore, Md. He is a social media enthusiast, blogger, writer, and student with a passion for leadership and self-development strategies and techniques. Find out more about Eric on Twitter.

*Photo by Jule Berlin