Earning the Chance to Influence Your Quorum | An Interview with Gary Laney

Gary C. Laney is CEO of Success Masters, #1 bestselling author,
former high-tech software executive, former co-Founder and CEO of
Trustegrity, a startup investor, and a serial entrepreneur for 20
businesses. Gary has been recognized as a top presenter, motivating
tens of thousands of entrepreneurs, professionals, and salespeople.
Prior to his entrepreneurial run, Gary spent 25 years as an
executive in corporate high-tech and commercial publishing,
including for a public company where he was VP of Sales and one of
four members that made up the office of the president. He is known
for his ability to turn around sales organizations, struggling
businesses, and create dramatic revenue growth. Gary has a triple
major MBA from Northwestern Kellogg in finance, marketing, and
policy. He served a mission in Seville, Spain, and is the author of
The Power of Strategic Influence! 10 Success Factors of Highly
Influential Leaders. Highlights 01:45 Kurt introduces Gary and his
professional background 03:10 Early on in his career, Gary has
received mentorship from some very influential people, such as
Steven Covey and President Monson. 06:00 The impact of Steven Covey
07:00 Principles that Gary learned from Steven Covey and President
Monson 09:10 Begin with the end in mind. Sticking to tasks and
finishing them. 11:00 Gary talks about his book, The Power of
Strategic Influence. It’s about helping people solve problems and
maximizing your potential as a person. 15:00 In callings in the
Church we need to start by thinking of what we want the end result
to be. The principle of beginning with the end in mind. 19:45
Influence takes work to really earn it. The title of influence
cannot be self proclaimed. The same goes for the title of leader or
bishop. It’s bestowed on you by the people. 21:30 If you want to
have influence then give first. 23:40 How do we find balance in
giving? Gary shares a story from his mission. They focused first on
making people’s day better instead of only focusing on a lesson or
people joining the church. 27:00 Servant leadership. A true leader
is someone that is barely noticed. There is a lot of ego in
leadership and we want to be noticed. We have to be ok with not
being recognized for our work. 29:30 Gary shares an experience from
his mission in Spain. Not pushing someone into baptism but holding
space for them until they were truly ready. 34:00 Gary’s six
spheres Sphere 1 - Perspective - Counting the costs up front,
committing, and not looking back Sphere 2 - Accountability - People
trust you Sphere 3 - Relationships - People trust and want to
follow you Sphere 4 - Become a leader - You accept the role Sphere
5 - Opportunity to influence people Sphere 6 - Give back - Not just
physical things but consoling, listening, and loving others 37:15
The two successful factors of accountability are 1. Accepting
personal responsibility. 2. To become responsible and self reliant.
41:30 How to help with apathy and stimulate accountability in an
elders quorum 46:30 Gary talks about the new book he is working on.
51:50 What Gary has learned from being a leader Links The Power of
Strategic Influence! 10 Success Factors of Highly Influential
Leaders GaryCLaney.com Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on
YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading
Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints
podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help
Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen
to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past
guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John
Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey,
Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg,
Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish,
Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John
Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges,