Leadership Minute: A Little Perspective

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John Wooden said, “It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.” As leaders we can be so focused on the “big picture” that we can fail to see that it’s the little things that make the difference. I caught this picture of Shakespeare, our little five pound morkie as he peered out the door. It reminded me of just how wonderful it is to see the world regardless of the view. Shakespeare’s view never really changes but his enthusiasm and energy is never diminished. On your journey don’t forget to pay attention to the little details for it is in them that the big things happen.

 

 

 

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Leadership Minute: Stick With It!

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Albert Einstein said, “It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.” This is a great summation of successful leaders. It really has nothing to do with exceptional skill or greater talent. The simplicity of success on any level is found in hanging around long enough to see it happen. It’s when you press through your problems, when you show up early and stay late; it’s found in perseverance and steadiness of purpose. No one is exempt from problems, but the one who eventually makes them go away is the one who stays with them the longest. Stay strong. Don’t give up. You will eventually overcome!

If you enjoy reading the “Leadership Minute” you will especially enjoy reading Doug’s books, Leaders Without Borders & Great Leaders Wanted! Visit Doug’s website to order your copies today!

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Leadership Minute: Make Up Your Mind

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Abraham Lincoln said, “Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.” Unfortunately, many people are sitting around waiting on the right circumstances to be in place before they decide to be happy. Typically their reasons focus around a set of external circumstances such as money, good health, or relationships. But Lincoln was right. You are as happy as you make up your mind to be and that more times than not will exclude external circumstances. Why? They will never be perfect. In leadership as in life you choose your happiness and joy not because everything is perfect but because you choose to be regardless of the circumstances. Today, why not choose happiness? It will make your day brighter!

 

 

 

If you enjoy reading the “Leadership Minute” you will especially enjoy reading Doug’s books, Leaders Without Borders & Great Leaders Wanted! Visit Doug’s website to order your copies today.

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Four Ways to Lead Through Conflict

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Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict. – William E. Channing

French novelist and playwright Alexandre Dumas once had a heated quarrel with a rising young politician. The argument became so intense that a duel was inevitable. Since both men were superb shots they decided to draw lots, the loser agreeing to shoot himself. Dumas lost.

Pistol in hand, he withdrew in silent dignity to another room, closing the door behind him. The rest of the company waited in gloomy suspense for the shot that would end his career. It rang out at last. His friends ran to the door, opened it, and found Dumas, smoking revolver in hand. “Gentlemen, a most regrettable thing has happened,” he announced, “I missed.”

While the way we deal with conflicts has improved, there is still no shortage of conflict. Workplace conflict can be a strong source of stress and tension and being able to lead through those times is essential.

As reported by Recruitment Coach (http://bit.ly/19V0bUc) the negative impacts of workplace conflict leads to increased staff turnover and absenteeism. Their Employee Development Systems survey found that 81% of HR professionals had seen employees resign as a result of conflict, and 77% have noticed increased absenteeism, resulting in increased business cost.

What do you think are the leading contributors to workplace conflict? According to the study the top five causes of workplace conflict were: warring egos and personality clashes, poor leadership, lack of honesty, stress, and clashing values. While conflict in the workplace may be inevitable, ignoring it is not an option. So what is a leader to do? Here are four suggestions for consideration.

Acknowledge it. Until management, including HR, acknowledges that there is a problem there is no correcting it. As a leader you don’t need to be the last in the room to recognize what everyone else knows and experiences. How many employees must leave, how much revenue must you lose, and how much abuse do you think your employees must endure before you act? When you identify the problem you can begin to work on solutions, but not until then. Poor leadership was cited for a reason. Don’t add to the problem through omission.

Welcome it. Yes, welcome it! Warring egos and personalities among your people, when properly channeled, can be one of the single greatest sources of inspiration you need. General George S. Patton was accurate when he said, “If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn’t thinking.” When perceived threats are removed and differences are celebrated rather than attacked it can be the turning point in creating the company culture that you’ve been missing. Don’t squelch diversity; welcome it.

Elevate it. Now that you have acknowledged and welcomed conflict you can elevate it to a higher level. Rather than allowing warring personalities to be labeled as enemies, bring them together as allies to channel their creative energies for something good. Invest in a training program like DISC to discover personality styles and how to create the chemistry your team needs to succeed. It’s when you respectfully have everyone on the same page, when values are clear, and communication is honest, that you can learn to see the value conflict can have. It might sound risky, but consider the consequences of inaction.

Celebrate it. Leading through conflict will not be easy. It will take honesty to face your conflict and courage to change it. But once you do you can position yourself to be the benefactor of conflict and not the victim. When your employees see each other as teammates rather than adversaries it can be celebrated.  Diversity of thoughts, ideas, and personalities is one of your greatest assets and it should never be destroyed by poor leadership or out-of-control egos. Your workplace should be a place of celebration!

What do you say?

© 2013 Doug Dickerson

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Leadership Minute: Steady Plodding

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Robert W. Service said, “It’s the steady, quiet, plodding ones who win in the lifelong race.” Leadership as in life is a race- or marathon. It’s filled with exhilarating highs as well as the lows. But those who endure to the end are those who are steady and plodding. Many leaders burn out because they fail to recognize this important principle. Steady determination is what will see you through to the finish line. Along the way don’t forget to run your own race (not someone else’s), enjoy the journey, and fulfill your purpose. Steady ahead!

 

 

 

If you enjoy reading the “Leadership Minute” you will especially enjoy reading Doug’s books, Leaders Without Borders & Great Leaders Wanted! Visit Doug’s website to order your copies today.

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Leadership Minute: Simplify

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Einstein said, “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.” This is such a powerful observation. It is especially helpful in leadership. The ability to simplify is essential to clear communication, clarity of purpose and mission, and critical to your overall success. Some people talk to be heard. But leaders recognize that it’s not about how much you say but in how well you are understood. Be precise. Be clear. Simplify.

 

 

 

If you enjoy reading the “Leadership Minute” you will especially enjoy reading Doug’s books, Leaders Without Borders & Great Leaders Wanted! Visit Doug’s website to order your copies today.

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Leadership Minute: Bring It On!

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Thomas Paine said, “I love the man that can smile in trouble, than can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection.” Adversity comes to everyone and when it does a method of dealing with it. As a leader you are not exempt. In fact, you may have more troubles. But I like Paine’s reflection and attitude. What can cause a person to smile in trouble? How can one gather strength in distress? I think the answer, in part, is found in the last part of the quote; through brave reflection. When you reflect on your blessings more than your troubles, and when you draw strength from faith and friends, you can endure the storms. Never underestimate the power of a positive faith and attitude.

 

 

 

If you enjoy reading the “Leadership Minute” you will especially enjoy reading Doug’s books, Leaders Without Borders & Great Leaders Wanted! Visit Doug’s website to order your copies today.

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Leadership Minute: The Power of Optimism

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Robert Louis Stevenson said, “You cannot run away from weakness; you must sometime fight it out or perish; and if that be so, why not now, and where you stand.” Optimism does not prevent difficulties or make you immune from them. Optimism, however, empowers you to face difficulties with a confidence that gives you an advantage to overcome them. Now is the time to rise up with courage and be the optimistic leader you were destined to become. Optimism alone will not put you over the top but it will keep you from being held down. Hold your head and heart high and embrace the possibilities of this day.

 

 

 

If you enjoy reading the “Leadership Minute” you will especially enjoy reading Doug’s books, Leaders Without Borders & Great Leaders Wanted! Visit Doug’s website to order your copies today.

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Leadership Minute: Older Voices

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Jimmy Buffet said, “Older and wiser voices can help you find the right path, if you are only willing to listen.” The secret to your success as a leader is your personal growth. One of the finest ways you can grow as a leader is to find a mentor that can show you the ropes, pass along his or her wisdom, and be your sounding board. We live in the wonders of the technological age where information is at our fingertips like never before. But older voices can give you the wisdom of their years and life lessons you can use now. Don’t be afraid to listen. Be humble. Learn all you can.

 

 

If you enjoy reading the “Leadership Minute” you will especially enjoy reading Doug’s books, Leaders Without Borders & Great Leaders Wanted! Visit Doug’s website to order your copies today.

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Lead by Faith: Seasons of Leading

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To everything there is a season. A time for every purpose under the heaven…” Ecclesiastes 3:1

How often do we mark time by seasons? The older I get it seems the cycles move a little quicker.  I have been reminded lately of certain seasons and what they represent. Here are a few seasons I’ve recently been contemplating:

  • My wife and I were in a local store the other day and decorations were already on the shelf for Halloween. The summer heat was no deterrent for the retailers as they usher in the most important season of their fiscal year.
  • It’s the first of August and on the sports calendar it’s symbolic that the long drought of  not watching football is finally close to being over. Before long the Halloween decorations will make sense, the aroma of my crock pot chili will permeate the air on Saturday’s and once again all will be well in the trivial world of sports.
  • My youngest daughter will start her first day of school…as a high school senior. I’m not exactly sure how that is possible. All I know is that I did not manage to find a way to make the clock stand still and the dainty little girl I remember walking through the doors of school just a few short years ago has grown like her sister into a beautiful young woman.

Yes, seasons have a way of awakening our conscience and causing us to reflect on what’s most important about our journey of faith. To be sure, some seasons are more relevant and significant than others but all remind us that time marches on whether we like it or not.

As you contemplate your walk of faith and leadership never forget that they are a blending of the two. It just makes more sense that way. We walk by faith and we lead by faith. It’s not a selfish faith in ourselves but a faith that reflects our confidence in who He is and that you’ve been called for a purpose.

Enjoy your seasons. Live and walk in them with a grateful appreciation for what He has empowered you to do and for those you get to share the journey with.

 

 

 

If you enjoy reading Doug’s leadership insights you will especially enjoy reading his books, Leaders Without Borders & Great Leaders Wanted! Visit Doug’s website to order your copies toady.

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