Cherished Moments with John Maxwell
I deeply admire John Maxwell. He is not just a mentor but a friend. He uses this endearing phrase whenever I hear him speak, especially before sharing something profound. With a warm smile and a fatherly tone, he says, “My name is John, and I’m your friend…” then he delivers a nugget of deep wisdom, always dedicated to adding value to our lives.
The Transformative Power of Adding Value
John frequently emphasizes the importance of “adding value.” I recently listened to him at a Live 2 Lead event recording, and once again, he highlighted this concept. Every morning, he wakes up with the intention of adding value to people’s lives. For me, I needed to simplify this idea into something more tangible. So, adding value for me means making someone’s life happier, better, more enjoyable, filled with love, connected, brighter, and more satisfying.
A “Satisfying” Anecdote
Here’s a satisfying, simple story. My son Nathan, who is seven years old, is quick-witted and feisty and often catches my wife and me off guard with his hilarious comments. One morning, after praying with my wife before heading to work, I kissed her, and Nathan said with a smirk, “Dad, why does that sound so satisfying?” Both my wife and I burst into laughter! So now, every morning before work, I give Nathan a big kiss on the cheek, ensuring it has a loud, satisfying smack. Adding value can be as simple as that satisfying sound.
Enriching Lives as a School Principal
How can I add value as a leader, especially as a Christian school principal? This may vary daily, but there are consistent actions I take. The primary way to do this is to know every student’s name. With around 230 students, this might be easier for me than for other principals who lead larger schools. But greeting students by name with a smile, high-five, or hug at the start and end of the day adds immense value. It also reassures their parents and enriches my own experience by building relationships.
A Childhood Memory That Shaped Me
When I was about seven, I was in swimming lessons. After lessons, we had a few minutes to go down the water slide and soak in the hot tub. One day, an older boy, maybe 10 or 11 years old, stepped into the hot tub and said, “Hey buddy, how’s it going?” I was confused and didn’t know what to say. Why did he call me “buddy”? I wasn’t his friend, and that wasn’t my name. So, I left feeling undervalued. As an adult, I always respond with, “My name is Jon,” and I prioritize calling people by their names.
The Profound Impact of Knowing Names
Dale Carnegie often said, “A person’s name is, to that person, the sweetest sound in any language.” Students often ask how I remember so many names. The strategy, inspired by John Maxwell, is simple yet effective.
An Effective Strategy for Remembering Names
Focus and Repeat:
When meeting someone, focus on them and their name. If it’s unique, ask them to spell it. Then, repeat their name a few times in the conversation, like, “It’s nice to meet you, Dave.” This reinforces the name in your memory and shows engagement.
Association:
Then, I try to associate their name with a unique characteristic or their occupation. For example, if Dave is an accountant, I may imagine Dave the accountant at his desk with a big calculator.
Mental Imagery:
This one is similar to Association. I imagine the object associated with them on top of their head. I make it playful and silly because my brain can remember more playful and ridiculous things. For Dave, I may even imagine the calculator shaped like a giant D for Dave. So, when I see Dave again, I’ll remember the giant D-shaped calculator. I remember his name was Dave, and he was an accountant. It sounds silly, but trust me, it works.
Repetition:
Use the person’s name multiple times during the conversation and when you see them again. There is still something to be said for rote memorization. Repetition is key.
Review:
After meeting someone, review their name alone. I also use an iPhone Notes page to add new names and associations. This method truly works for me.
Conclusion: The Joy of Adding Value Every Day
Adding value every day is a measure of a successful day. Jobs will end, cars will break down, buildings will crumble, but the value we add to people will endure. In the wise words of the Minimalists, which I have mentioned before, “Love people, use things.” As a principal and unhurried leader, I strive to slow down, be present, truly see people, call them by name, and find ways to add value. Thanks to my friend, John Maxwell!
Call to Action
How do you add value to the people in your life? Share your strategies and experiences in the comments below. If you found this post helpful, please share it with others who might benefit. Let’s spread the message of adding value and unhurrying our leadership and lives!
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