How much something costs and its worth can be at both ends of the spectrum.

Cost is associated with price, and that price can be an outlay or expenditure of money, time, or sacrifice.

Worth on the other hand is more associated with the value, the importance of something.

Just because you pay more (cost) for something doesn't mean it's worth more. And just because I don't pay (cost) as much for something doesn't lessen its worth.

For example, there is not enough money (cost) in the world that could be paid for the person (worth) in this photo. In fact because of its worth, the cost is priceless! Ask his Poppa (me)!

The photo itself is digital and depending on where it's processed it wouldn't cost much at all. However, depending on who you talk to, this picture is worth far more than money can buy.

What's the difference between cost and worth? The true worth of something is in direct proportion to how much value a person associates with the cost. In our own minds we juggle the sometimes hard cold facts of costs with our subjective value of worth. The more value we place on something the more it's worth, and therefore, the more willing we are to pay with our time, money, and some times even our lives.

The challenge for leading others, working with others, motivating others comes down to the interplay between the two forces of cost and worth. Each one of us will make a distinction in following another (loving, being friends with, working alongside, parenting, or just helping another) when we believe the worth derived from doing so outweighs the cost.

Leaders have a way of assisting others to discover and believe the true worth of something far outweighs the cost. If they don't, those that follow won't be bought no matter the cost.

rb