For most people, good leadership practices do not come natural. Even for those who are naturally gifted leaders, relying on talent alone is insufficient.

God designed our minds to work a certain way, there is a lot of psychology in leadership. It turns out, there are principles, rules of thumb & biological facts that can help you lead more effectively and successfully - and you wouldn't necessarily know these things just by thinking about it. That's why we recommend all younger leaders need to learn from older, more experienced leaders. One way you can do that is by reading.

Our friend Daniel Decker sent us this survey: What are the top 5 leadership books every young influencer should read? If you can, take a minute (literally 60 seconds) to answer this one question.

Here's our answer to this question, focusing mainly on leadership books that we've found helpful. At the top of the list is the Bible, of course, because Christian leadership is servant leadership, and the world does not understand this.

1) The Bible - The very wisdom of God. This is our manual above all others. While not specifically focused on leadership, He teaches many foundational principles having to do with wisdom, attitude, servant hood, mutual submission, love and on and on. These are the foundation for what we do and why we do it as leaders.

2) The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership - by Dr. John C. Maxwell. This is a classic. The principles share here give you valuable insight into the nature of leadership, the kinds of challenges you face & several good solutions. This book is a wealth of leadership knowledge that you can further apply the more you lead.

3) The Next Generation Leader - by Andy Stanley. This book is packed with solid leadership principles, especially focused on younger leaders. Every young influencer can learn from what Andy shares here.

4) Integrity - by Dr. Henry Cloud. This book is all about character & shares important principles of having fully integrated character. This book will open your eyes to leadership & character short falls you never knew existed. Every leader should read this book and apply what they learn.

5) Good to Great - by Jim Collins. This book gives a great analysis of good leaders vs great leaders. This book discusses the not-so-obvious key changes that can make or break your organization. It's a very insightful and eye opening read.

There are dozens of phenomenal leadership books. We haven't read them all. What do you think are the top 5 books every young influencer should read?

Had the chance to catch up recently with Mike Foster, a really good friend and founder of People of the Second Chance. Mike is also a principal and creative director at Plain Joe Studios, founder of Junky Car Club, and involved in a number of other initiatives.

We discuss POTSC, why listening is a gift and an art, asking good questions, and who would win between us in an interview face-off.

We all want to learn from our mistakes ... well, we think we do. I mean, who wants to keep making the same mistake over & over - that's crazy.

But we can't always see the mistakes we're making - we have blind spots. That's where feedback can be a big help. If you refuse to get feedback, you refuse to learn from your mistakes. And that's stupid.

Here's a simple method for getting feedback from your team:

START/STOP/CONTINUE

1) Send an email to each person, team member, client, etc.

2) In the email, ask them to share a few things each co-worker, client, etc should START, STOP, and CONTINUE doing.

3) Everyone returns the list to the team leader - (except feedback about the team leader, which goes to someone else).

4) Team leader looks at each list & pulls-out the major themes.

5) Team leader has a personal meeting with each individual/client & shares the major themes of the feedback.

This is a simple method that can be employed a few times a year, or for each project. You don't have to make it a big deal, or spend hours and hours. The faster & less formal it is, the more likely you are to pull the real issues.

So, if you're ignoring or not looking for feedback, stop it. I know you're really smart, but you can still learn from others - God actually designed it this way. No one person is complete in themselves, we all need each other -- each other's gifts, perspectives, encouragement and correction.

Here's what proverbs says about correction, instruction & rebuke:

Proverbs 9:8
Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you.

Proverbs 9:9
Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.

Proverbs 10:8
The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.

Proverbs 12:15
The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.

Proverbs 15:12
A mocker resents correction; he will not consult the wise.

Proverbs 15:31
He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise.

Proverbs 19:20
Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.

Proverbs 21:11
When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; when a wise man is instructed, he gets knowledge.

Proverbs 25:12
Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man's rebuke to a listening ear.

Proverbs 26:12
Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Proverbs 17:10
A rebuke impresses a man of discernment more than a hundred lashes a fool.

Proverbs 28:23
He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor than he who has a flattering tongue.