Success is not to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome. – Booker T. Washington

In case you missed it, wildlife experts in Michigan successfully trapped a black bear and removed a large lid that had been stuck around its neck for two years.

State bear specialist, Cody Norton, said, “It’s pretty incredible that the bear survived and was able to feed itself. The neck was scarred and missing hair, but the bear was in much better condition than we expected it to be.”

Norton said it’s not precisely known how the lid got stuck on the bear’s neck, but added, “We were pleasantly surprised it was still able to make a living like a pretty typical bear.” 

Thankfully, the bear survived despite having a lid around its neck for two years. Now, it can return to a normal way of life that a typical bear would enjoy.

While the bear did not purposefully set out to be burdened by a large lid around its neck, it does metaphorically serve as a reminder of what happens when we live our lives burdened by things that hold us back.

From a leadership perspective, it reminds me of John Maxwell’s Law of the Lid, which states, “Leadership ability is the lid that determines a person’s level of effectiveness.” Maxwell explains this way: “The higher the individual’s ability to lead, the higher the lid on his potential. To give you an example, if your leadership rates an 8, then your effectiveness can never be greater than a 7. If your leadership is only a 4, then your effectiveness will be no greater than a 3. Your leadership ability- for better or for worse-always determines your  effectiveness and the potential impact of your organization.” 

Over time, with a commitment to growth and development, you can lift that lid as well as your potential. Your level of effectiveness is merely a starting point, not a final destination. 

While wildlife officials were about to spot the bear, rescue it, and remove the lid, you too must identify the lids in your life that hold you back. 

So let me ask you, what are the lids hindering your leadership? What are the disciplines you need to work on in order to raise your level of effectiveness?

Perhaps a few questions can help you find the answers you need to become a more effective leader. To start, why not explore the answers to the following questions?

Are you relying too heavily on your title?

You can have a title, but that doesn’t make you a leader. Specifically, in what ways do you value your title more than your growth as a leader? So long as you think it’s about your title, you will always have a lid on your leadership.

Are you holding yourself accountable?

Those who lift the lid on their effectiveness as leaders are those who hold themselves accountable. Accountable leaders are growing leaders. When you have someone whom you know and trust who can hold you accountable, they can help you see blind spots or other areas where you can improve. 

Are you serving with humility?

Arrogance coupled with a sense of entitlement is a hindrance that can hinder your leadership effectiveness. The underlying principle you have to remember in leadership is that it’s not about you. When you set out to serve others and add value to them, it will come back on you many times over.

Are you guarding your attitude?

Your attitude and disposition as a leader will make you or break you. No one wants to be around arrogant or haughty leaders. However, be aware that your attitude will serve as the thermostat for the rest of your team. Is your attitude worth emulating? 

Do you see the value in those you lead?

You can’t bring value to those around you if you see no value in them? And if that is your approach toward them, not only is it detrimental to them, but it clamps the lid on your effectiveness as a leader. 

Are you on a personal growth plan?

Your personal growth as a leader doesn’t happen by accident. It’s intentional. Unless a growth plan is a part of your daily routine as a leader, then whatever level of effectiveness you are at today is where you will be next year. And the year after. Commit yourself to a growth plan and raise the lid on your effectiveness.

 

©2025 Doug Dickerson