Great Leaders Change the Game
Posted by Orrin Woodward on May 29, 2013
The best leaders change the rules of the game; consequently, changing the game itself. So many think it takes money to make money, but that isn’t the case. In reality, what it takes are ideas disciplined by knowledge, experience, and leadership. My high school wrestling coaches taught me a fundamental principle of life – never wrestle another person’s game. In other words, if I wrestled someone who was good at the single-leg takedown, I would quickly tie him up and beat him with a bear-hug. The key, then, is to find your strengths and make the competitors wrestle your game.
For instance, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos changed the rules of book-selling by going to an internet-only model, eschewing stores, massive overhead, etc. This radically changed the rules of the game, giving Bezos a major competitive advantage over his competitors. Despite not having the same level of upfront capital, profits, or experience, Amazon changed the nature of the book business, satisifying millions of customers and making Bezos wealthy. Interestingly, it was just an idea – a metaphysical concept – that Bezos had the courage of his convictions to pursue that changed everything in the book field.
Since everyone reading this has a brain capable of ideas, the question is: do you have the courage to use it to outthink, outwork, and out-lead the competition? If you do, then you will be a champion of champions. In essence, there are two roads before you. One is a path of leadership and building the path to your dreams. The second is a path of non-leadership and surrendering your dreams for the bread crumbs of life.
LIFE Leadership teaches people how to take the first road. Leadership isn’t easy and I will never say it is, but then again struggling everyday from the effects of non-leadership is much more difficult longterm. The leadership road has been one of the greatest experiences of my life, revealing me to me, and teaching me where I need to grow and change. I have never regretted the journey nor will you if you have the courage to finish what you start. 🙂
Sincerely,
26 Responses to “Great Leaders Change the Game”
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MARIO VEGA said
THANKS TO YOU ORRIN, AND THE LEADERSHIP YOU MODEL FOR US,WE ARE LEARNING TO WRESTLE IN LIFE. LIBERATORS
Dan Gilligan said
Orrin,
This is by far one of my favorite posts that I have seen you make. I enjoy your content every day but this just strikes a cord.
“It’s always to early to quit”,
Dan
Carrianne Hall said
Great Blog Orrin! It’s easy to work hard, it’s a whole other matter when it comes to working smart! When really it all comes down to decision. Thanks Orrin & Laurie for leading the way! Xo God Bless
Clint Fix said
Thanks for sharing Orrin! I’m proud to be part of an organization that is changing the rules!
Nicole said
So encouraging!! I’m thankful for your wisdom and the way your thoughts train my thoughts!! <3 The Meat!!!
Elizabeth Sieracki said
We might be on the road less traveled but it is a fulfilling path as we work to find more leaders that are in it for the right reason.
Thank you Orrin for your direction.
Tina Abernathy said
Orrin,
Thanks for everything you and Laurie do! Thinking….acting…keeping score…and being grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the LIFE organization that is changing lives through leadership in our lifetime!!!
CHARGE!
Kristine Militello said
Wouldn’t want to live any other way!
John Lewis said
Great article, Orrin. Thanks for all that you have done and continue to do to change the rules.
Moshe Deutsch said
Wow Orrin thx so much for the post and for everything u do for us
Kevin Hamm said
I think our play hasn’t even begun to score. When people understand how LIFE has actually changed the rules, there will be dramatic scoring. Great article and video, Orrin
J & P Harteis said
You definitely model what you teach, Orrin, & we appreciate the path & lighting the way for all of us! Great post!
Anthony Nieto said
Wow!! Such a short blog but powerful choice of words. Thanks Orrin
Nicole Porter said
Your wrestling story is a great analogy!! Thank you always for your insight! We look forward to seeing you in Dallas next week!
Nicole Porter
Randy Robson said
Great article!
CJ Calvert said
Orrin, I thank YOU for having the courage to change the game, starting with Team approach, a fair and transparent compensation program, creating a culture of service over ego, branching out with the PC to launch a business with products priced to market, 1:1 ratio on dollars to pv with subscriptions and cds, and above all, a leadership team that is actively leading in the field. Thank you for using the LIFE Leadership single-leg takedown against an entire industry!
scott russell said
Thanks for leading the way BY EXAMPLE!! for us brother Orrin!!
Larry VanBuskirk said
A true game changer who is willing to recognize the talents and ideas of others and orchestrate them into a unified team! A whole team of people willing to take the less used path. Thanks, Orrin!
Chad Waters said
Hi Orrin!
Life has taught the only road of Leadership as there is no other option and one that will never end and we will continually grow until we are called home.
Life/leadership is an amazing journey and one we must work on daily. Thanks for leading by example for us to follow.
Don Schultz, Team VIP Phalanx said
Thank you Orrin for the great challenge. I was especially challenged by the following statement:
“Since everyone reading this has a brain capable of ideas, the question is: do you have the courage to use it to outthink, outwork, and out-lead the competition? If you do, then you will be a champion of champions. In essence, there are two roads before you. One is a path of leadership and building the path to your dreams. The second is a path of non-leadership and surrendering your dreams for the bread crumbs of life.”
I/We will not settle for “the bread crumbs of life”!
Looking forward to seeing you here in Wichita on June 7.
Scott Staley said
Great article Orrin. Thanks for leading the way down a path less travelled. Looking forward to Major – see you soon!
Lene Jytte Hansen said
WOW – GREAT points!!! As I see it – there is only one option – The Leadership Road! Thank’s Orrin. Your articles – and books gives me courage to continue “the struggle”. I’m VERY GRATEFUL.
Lene
Denmark
Jason Dames said
Hey Orrin I loved the Interview you had a couple days ago on the radio program!! I love how you are so good with people that even when they make digs at you.. you laugh and and stay to the point.. I guess thats why your one of the top Leadership Professionals 🙂 Thanks again for all of the insight!!!
Orrin Woodward said
Jason, Jan Mickelson was a great (and intelligent) guy and I thoroughly enjoyed the interview. It’s easy to laugh at yourself when you take what you do seriously but not yourself too seriously. 🙂 thanks, Orrin
Greg Johnson said
Orrin,
The Journey IS the fun! It is the Story! It is what everyone dreams about…having a journey. With us we get to take others with us and get to enjoy memories along the way.
Kristen Seidl said
Awesome post Orrin! Couldn’t imagine my life without this leadership model. Thank you for changing the game so all of us can win. God Bless