Iron sharpens iron. We all know that this statement is true.
Iron does not sharpen rotten wood, it overwhelms the weakness of the decaying wood and further breaks it down.
Tired, broken, and worn down people do not sharpen strong ones.
Mediocre men do not sharpen other mediocre ones. Mediocre women do not become exceptional by taking the advice of unexceptional women. I could go on but I’m convinced there’s enough of a pattern to not.
This is why building a team of high performers is such a pain. Sharpening anything follows a formula. Y-O-U must be strong and Y-O-U must not be alone. Building strength in you requires the strength of another. Building strength in your team requires real strength from you.
A strong CORE centered individual sharpens another strong CORE centered individual. Leaders, look at yourself first. Are you “iron?” Are you capable of sharpening another? Are you being sharpened by another? Are you embracing the ACUTE pain of sharpening?
Remember, “As a man sharpens iron, so ONE man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17
You and I are meant to be sharpened. You are meant to sharpen another ONE. You are meant to be sharpened by another ONE.
Are Y-O-U?
BUILT TO LEAD 
Love this post Chet.
I agree.
Igniting Souls imagery too.
We can’t ignite others if we’re not on fire.
Blessings my buddy.
Gosh, it’s amazing how I feel like I’m hearing this for the first time yet I know you’ve said it several times before.
Do me a favor and say this like 1,000 more times so that I might get it through my thick head that this journey, MY JOURNEY, is and will always be REAL HARD WORK.