Hello, ntwrkrs! I’m delighted to be a part of Leading Ladies, and it’s an absolute privilege to share my journey and insights with you through the pages of this book. My career in the Network Marketing industry spans a decade, during which I’ve had the honor of leading teams that have not only reached the number-one spot but also achieved the highest volume in the companies I’ve worked with.

My success in this field has been driven by two core passions: a relentless pursuit of knowledge alongside personal development and a deep commitment to mentoring women. I’m particularly drawn to those who feel surrounded by obstacles or challenges—those who believe that the path to success is laid with insurmountable hurdles. This chapter is dedicated to exploring the three fundamental pillars that every leader needs to cultivate growth within themselves and their team. 

I firmly believe that the key to consistent growth and success lies in understanding: understanding ourselves, understanding our team members, and the mastery of a communication style that uplifts and empowers others. In this chapter, we’ll be delving into three critical areas. First, we’ll explore personality types, next, we’ll dive into the importance of your ‘what,’ and finally, we’ll examine the valuable nature of thoughts and how they shape outcomes. By embracing these concepts, you’ll not only grow personally, but you’ll also become a stronger leader, and you’ll witness your team flourishing as well.

So, join me in the exploration of the intricacies of these three pillars, unraveling the ways they work on their own, and discovering how they work together to create an unstoppable force. And whatever you do, don’t just read and absorb the knowledge on these pages—make sure you apply it to your life!

In my circles, I’m known as the ‘knowledge person.’ My commitment to this identity is so strong that I let it guide every endeavor I undertake, and this book is no different! I’m so excited about what I’m about to impart to you and how it will affect your career. So, if you’re ready to transform your mindset to one of growth and empowerment, let’s discover how knowing truly does lead to growing!

Pillar 1: Know Their Personality

The first step on our journey is to understand the diverse personalities that make up your team. The world of personality frameworks is vast, and it’s key to explore and choose one that resonates with your team’s dynamics. This understanding is not just about putting labels on people; rather, it’s about appreciating the unique perspectives and approaches each person brings to the table.

Your team is a vibrant tapestry of personalities, each member bringing their own unique blend of traits and qualities. Recognizing and appreciating these differences is essential for nurturing effective communication and creating a peaceful work environment. Remember: when someone behaves in a certain way that you might perceive as negative, it’s often a reflection of their personality, not a personal attack on you!

So, let’s dive into four basic personality types that I’ve commonly encountered within my teams:

The Go-Getter: This person is a dynamo of action. They’re always ready to jump in and tackle goals, even if it means making a few mistakes along the way. Their energy is infectious, and they often serve as the driving force behind the team’s momentum.

The Nurturer: With a heart as big as the sky, the nurturer thrives on emotional connections and is driven by a desire to make a positive impact on others’ lives. They are the glue that holds the team together, providing support and encouragement when needed.

The Knowledge Seeker: Knowledge seekers are the ones who need to understand every detail, who crave the ‘why’ and ‘how’ before taking any steps forward. Like me, their analytical approach ensures that the team’s decisions are well-informed and thought-out.

The Planner: Methodical and strategic, planners need a clear roadmap. They won’t take the first step until they can see the entire path laid out before them. Their foresight and organization are invaluable in guiding the team’s efforts towards long-term goals.

By identifying these personality types within your team, you can leverage each individual’s strengths to build a stronger, more cohesive unit. Encourage each team member to take a personality test, and use the insights gained to tailor your leadership approach and communication style. This personalized approach not only boosts team morale but also enhances productivity and efficiency.

I’d be leaving out a critical part of this pillar if I didn’t mention the negative and stagnating effects of not knowing your or your team’s personality type. For years, I found myself comparing my own personality to others. I felt out of place among the charismatic stage presenters or the life-of-the-party types. It took coaching and a journey of self-reflection to finally embrace my nature as a knowledge seeker and recognize the value it brings to my team. I encourage you to appreciate your unique personality and help your team members do the same. Celebrating diversity in personalities enables a culture of inclusivity and mutual respect, where every team member feels valued and understood!

To ensure that personality type is a factor in the way you run your team, take the following action steps:

1. Read How to Know a Person by David Brooks. This book is a treasure trove of insights into building deeper connections, a crucial skill for team building. Brooks poses thought-provoking questions that can lead to meaningful conversations and personal growth. The book offers a fresh perspective on understanding the complexities of human behavior and the importance of empathy in leadership.

2. Explore personality tests. Dive into the world of personality assessments. Believe me, there are many to choose from! I did a quick Google search and found thirty-one, so find one that suits your team’s needs and implement it. Understanding the diverse strengths and communication styles within your team can lead to more effective collaboration and a stronger team dynamic. Consider using tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), the DiSC Assessment, or the Enneagram to gain deeper insights into your team’s personality profiles.

By embracing the unique personalities within your team and leveraging their strengths, you create an environment where everyone can thrive! This approach not only enhances team performance but also fosters a sense of belonging and purpose among team members. So, take the time to explore the rich tapestry of personalities in your team, and then watch as it transforms your leadership and your team’s success!

​​Pillar 2: Know Their ‘What’

This next concept is all about the personal aspirations and desires of your team members. Traditional approaches often emphasize discovering one’s ‘why,’ but I’ve found that diving into the ‘what’ can be more tangible and accessible for many people! Asking “What do you want?” cuts straight to the heart of their aspirations, yielding more concrete and personal responses.

The spectrum of answers can be as vast as a world tour or as focused as enhancing personal health or achieving financial stability. The magic lies in the follow-up questions: “Why do you want that?” and “What impact will achieving this have on your life?” These questions will help peel back the layers of motivation and reveal the true significance of their goals. 

Make sure you’re capturing their answer by writing it down. After all, reminding your team members of their ‘what’ will serve as a potent reminder and motivator, particularly when the going gets tough. And encourage them to do the same—except they should have it somewhere visible, so they can see it every day.

In my team, cultivating an awareness of each other’s ‘what’ is a top priority. This shared understanding creates a supportive atmosphere where everyone is aligned toward not only individual objectives but also collective achievements. 

Once, a woman on my team struggled with going live on Facebook. She was terrified of what people would say about her broadcasting skills and felt quite unconfident about the whole thing. But—she had a monumental ‘what.’ She was determined to bring herself and her family out of financial peril through Network Marketing and give them the life they deserved.

So, she confronted her fears and persevered through initial hurdles and criticism. She went live day after day after day, and guess what? It paid off! Her unwavering dedication to her ‘what’ fueled her journey to success. She had been apprehensive about going live, but she embraced the challenge, honed her skills over time, garnered a following, and ultimately ascended to the pinnacle of her game.

To truly flourish, it is imperative to not only recognize your own ‘what’ but also to grasp the ‘whats’ of your team members. Allow this understanding to inspire and drive you to surmount challenges and fulfill your aspirations!

To cultivate an environment where everyone’s ‘what’ is known and nurtured, try out the following action steps:

1. Read The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday. This enlightening book presents a novel perspective on tackling challenges and transforming them into stepping stones for success. It’s an invaluable resource for anyone eager to explore and achieve their ‘what.’

2. Clarify your ‘what’. Dedicate time to define your aspirations. Keep this vision prominently in your mind every day. Allow it to guide and inspire you to realize your life’s ambitions and craft the life you envision.

3. Engage with your team members. Initiate meaningful conversations with your team members about their ‘what.’ Understanding the significance of their goals can create a deeper sense of purpose and motivation within the team.

By embracing and championing each other’s objectives, you create a dynamic synergy that propels the entire team toward collective and individual success. Reflect on your ‘what,’ share it with your team, and let it illuminate the path on your journey to greatness!

Pillar 3: Know Their Thoughts

This final component is crucial in shaping the path to success. Thoughts are the origin of results—they are the ‘architects’ of our reality, if you will! While it’s tempting to attribute success solely to actions and behaviors, the roots of these actions lie in our thoughts. Thoughts give rise to feelings, feelings lead to actions, and actions result in outcomes.

Understanding the thoughts of your team members, especially during challenging times, is essential in guiding them toward more constructive attitudes. Thoughts like, “I’m a failure,” or “This will never work out for me,” will only lead to negative results! Shifting the negative mindset of those in your community can transform negative emotions and behaviors into positive results, promoting growth and success for both the team members and the organization.

Earlier in my career, a close friend of mine and a prominent leader in the profession faced an unexpected challenge when her top team member suddenly resigned. Initially, her mind was filled with anxiety and doubt about her ability to connect with the newly promoted team members. Would they like her? Would she be able to lead them effectively? She was paralyzed by these fears and felt like she might not survive the restructuring of her team.

However, she tapped into the power of positive thinking and refocused on her strengths as a leader. She looked back on all of her success as a leader and applied all of that previous confidence to her new relationships. This change in mindset not only helped her overcome her fears but also enabled her to effectively inspire and guide her new team members.

To help positively shape the thoughts of yourself and your team, take these action steps:

1. Read Choose Your Story, Change Your Life by Kendra Hall. This insightful book is a valuable resource for understanding how your internal narrative shapes your life. Hall provides practical strategies for recontouring your story to achieve positive outcomes, highlighting the transformative power of thought in creating our experiences.

2. Reflect on your thoughts. Make it a regular habit to reflect on your thoughts and their impact on your achievements. Consider whether a shift in mindset is necessary to achieve the desired results. Cultivating self-awareness and mindfulness is the key to identifying and changing unproductive thought patterns.

3. Empower your team. Create a supportive environment where your team feels comfortable when expressing their thoughts. Help them understand how their mindset affects their emotions, actions, and ultimately, their results. Encourage open communication and promote a culture of positive thinking, fostering a collective mindset oriented toward success.

By exploring and managing your thoughts and those of your team, you open the door to positive change and growth! Remember, knowledge is the precursor to growth, and by nurturing a positive mindset, you will lay the foundation for success. Embrace the power of thought as a catalyst for change and watch as it propels you and your team to new heights of achievement!

As we wrap up this chapter, let’s recap what we’ve learned together. We’ve explored the three fundamental pillars of growth and success when it comes to your team: understanding their personality, uncovering their ‘what,’ and guiding their thoughts. These pillars aren’t just theoretical concepts; rather, they’re practical tools that, when applied with dedication, can transform your team’s dynamics and lead you to both personal and professional fulfillment.

Knowing each team member’s pillar involves recognizing the unique traits and characteristics each team member contributes. It’s about acknowledging that diversity in personalities is a strength, not a challenge. By comprehending the individual personalities within your team, you can customize your leadership approach to resonate with each member, fostering a more inclusive and harmonious environment.

The second pillar, understanding the ‘what’ of each team member, dives deeper than surface-level interactions. It’s about connecting with your team members on a more profound level, understanding their aspirations, and aligning their goals with the team’s objectives. This alignment creates a sense of purpose and drives motivation, pushing the team towards collective success.

The third pillar, knowing their thoughts, is perhaps the most introspective. It’s about recognizing the power of mindset in shaping our reality. By promoting a positive thought process within your team, you can cultivate a culture of optimism and resilience, essential for overcoming the challenges that are inherent in any endeavor.

As you incorporate these principles into every aspect of your life, you’ll notice a shift in how you lead and interact with your team. The path to success, once clouded by uncertainties and obstacles, will become clearer and more attainable. The journey doesn’t end here—in fact, it’s an ongoing process of learning, growing, and evolving. I am grateful that you took the time to read this chapter, and I hope the insights and strategies shared here have sparked a desire within you to unlock your full potential! 

As we part ways on these pages, I leave you with these final words of gratitude and encouragement: Go out and make your mark on the world. Create the life you’ve always envisioned, a life full of love, success, and fulfillment. You deserve all the happiness and success that comes your way. Remember, ntwrkrs, the journey to greatness begins with a single step, and that step starts with you!