Key Lessons: Model Man by Larry Stockstill

Solid role models are important in business, leadership and life in general. Everyone could benefit from having solid role models, real men and women who lead by example. The book Model Man lays out some straightforward principles as a blueprint for readers. It is also a challenge for people to live a life of purpose so that future generations can be positively impacted by our example. The text centers around three fundamentals:

Character – Having integrity, the courage to do the right thing even when no one is looking is foundational to great leadership. Do what you say you will do, even if it is tough. Tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Consistency – The steady pace of an orderly life is superior to a flash of short term success. Discipline is key to pacing yourself for the race of life and if you do not have self control over daily disciplines then your life will get out of balance. Knowing your life purpose is central to knowing what is really important in life. Purpose is what ties it all together.

Connections – Healthy relationships are essential to long term success and ultimately your legacy. This section focuses on three main relationships: your spouse, your children and your proteges. A strong marriage is the foundational base to having success in raising your children. Children need your time, attention, and affection. Your legacy is what you hand down to future generations. Investing your life into your children and proteges as a mentor is how your vision and values will continue on after you are gone.

Highlighted Lesson: Time Management

Time management is vitally important to winning in business. The section of the book regarding “Consistency” is very helpful in establishing healthy time management habits. As a business leader you want your character to be fixed and immovable regardless of the situation around you. For your employees to fully prosper in their roles they need to know that you are going to be consistent. Consistency is about pacing yourself. The two extremes are sitting on the couch waiting for something to happen (aka laziness) and pushing so hard that you burn out before the proper time. You need to build margin into your life for proper pacing, especially margin in your schedule. You must exercise great self control in order to have consistency. Not every opportunity that knocks is something you should pursue. Some will drain you of time, energy and resources, taking you off the path you should be focused on. In the well-known book “Tyranny of the Urgent” author Charles Hummel urges us to not let the trivial but urgent matters of life squeeze out the most important responsibilities. Your schedule should be balanced and attainable. Regularly working more than 50 hours a week is not balanced and will take a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual toll on you. If you plan properly and then stick to the plan, then you will get the most important things done each day. Take time every day to plan the day. Likewise the beginning of each new month and year are great times to plan for the month and year ahead. Make sure your spouse and family are in your schedule and not just getting the leftovers. You also need to make sure your own health and exercise are part of your routine so you can be at your best for the long haul. Consistency is about pace and pace is all about self control. If you are disciplined about your time management and pace then it is much easier to have a steady, consistent life.

This was an excellent book and I would highly recommend you read it in its’ entirety. You can read more about it and purchase your own copy of it here.