You’ve dreamed of this moment: strapping into the cockpit to fly for the first time. Before today, you’ve practiced in the simulator and rehearsed in your earth-bound chair. Checklist sequences. Communication standards. Emergency procedures. You wonder if you’re truly ready. Your instructor slaps your shoulder before taking his place behind you. “Time to go from pedestrian to pilot.” A smile breaks through your nerves. Your mentor won’t let you crash. In your flight suit pocket, you’ve stashed a decorated dollar to hand him later. Nothing good in life happens for free. You’re going to make this opportunity count. Ready for takeoff…

The “dollar ride” is a tradition I participated in during my days in the Air Force. It may trace back to the early barnstorming days of flight, where adrenaline junkies would brave the skies above county fairs as passengers. They might pay a buck for their bucket list experience.

Today, the newbie pilot recognizes their instructor’s vital role with this traditional token. (Given the risks, those guys and gals deserve much more than a dollar!)

As I launch this blog, it’s a dollar ride of sorts. I’ve lived and breathed leadership experiences and principles for decades. I teach on the topic. I love investing in others as an executive coach. I read ancient wisdom, inspiring biographies, and modern perspectives about leaders. Now it’s time to write.

Let me begin by acknowledging the many leaders and mentors who’ve shaped me over the years. They’ve modeled servant leadership, offered feedback, provided genuine encouragement, and inspired me to never stop growing as a leader. God knows how many times I’ve fallen short.

When I transitioned out of military service several years ago, I reflected on the long list of key influencers in my life. Then I wrote each one a personal note of thanks. (In retrospect, I probably should have included a dollar, too…)

During that significant transition, a gentleman I’d just met generously offered to mentor me. Why would he do that? His love for God and others certainly were big factors. But it’s his vision that stands out. He has generational vision: to invest in leaders who will reproduce other leaders. This is at the core of what Christians call the Great Commission: “Go and make disciples.”¹ And, because this multiplying principle is just as applicable in any leadership context, it’s the foundation of my investment in you—a leader eager to grow and blaze a legacy!

(The mentor referenced above, Dr. Tom Yeakley, blogs at developingkingdomleaders.com.)

Now you know why I’m strapping into my “blogging cockpit.”

What’s your motivation to take your leadership to another level? Are you willing to risk something new? Open to mentoring and coaching?

Take heart in a time-tested proverb: “Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still.”²

If you’re reading this, that attitude of openness describes you. No one (myself included) has all the answers for you. But you have great potential to fly higher as you’re teachable and intentional with your development.

Like I have, you may find it helpful connect with (and thank) mentors. A leadership coach can offer structure and support. Looping in family, friends and peers may shape your desired flight path.

Your moment is now. Time to strap in.

Are you ready for takeoff?

¹Proverbs 9:9 (NIV)

²Matthew 28:19 (NIV)