coaching – Page 7 – Doug Dickerson on Leadership

Leadership Minute: What Does It All Mean?

There is a profound difference between information and meaning. – Warren G. Bennis

We live in a world of abundant information and instant communication. It’s at our fingertips 24/7 when we need it. Your ability to create, collate, and dispense information does not make you a great communicator. Leaders need to learn this. The measure of your success is not in how much information you can present but whether it has meaning or value to those receiving it. So the next time you are preparing to deliver information you should be less concerned with quantity and more concerned with the quality. Put yourself in the shoes of the recipients. How does it help? What does it mean? What does it change? What does it improve? Why me? Why now? When you focus on giving meaning and purpose you will not waste your time or theirs with things that are meaningless. Make sense?

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‘Us’ vs. ‘Them’ and the 5 Questions You Need to Answer

Posted June 22, 2014
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You can observe a lot by just watching. – Yogi Berra

The story is told of a golfer who had been playing so bad that he went to see a psychiatrist who told him to relax by playing a round of golf without the ball. “Do everything you normally would do, but use an imaginary ball,” advised the psychiatrist.

The round went well and as he approached the 18^th hole, he met another golfer playing the same way. They decided to play the last hole together and bet $10 on the outcome. The first golfer swung at his imaginary ball and announced that it had gone 280 yards right down the middle of the fairway. The second golfer matched his drive. The first man took out his 5-iron and after swinging at his imaginary ball, exclaimed, “Look at that shot! It went right over the pin and the reverse spin brought it right back into the hole. I win!” “No you don’t,” said the second golfer, “you hit my ball.”

Your perceptions go a long way in determining what and how you think. But can you always trust those perceptions? Sadly, and much too often, in many organizations there is the proverbial “us vs. them” mentality that exists. And too often we are more concerned about being heard than understood. So here are five questions that I believe are fitting for leaders to ask and answer. They can set you on a course of better communication and understanding that will make you a more effective leader and create a better work environment.

What do I see?

What you see taking place in your organization is a perspective unique to you as the leader. Of course you will have a better understanding and answer the more you are out among your people. What do you see taking place? Do you see your people with all the tools they need to be their best? Do you see collaboration and camaraderie? What are the strengths of the organization and what are the weaknesses? Who are your heavy-lifters and who are your slackers?

What do I know?

Next is the formation of your perceptions based upon what you see. It may or may not be an accurate assessment based in part on the amount of time you spend with your people. If this is not something you do on a regular basis it may not be very accurate. But based upon what you do see – what do you know? Are you where you need to be? Are you getting the most from your people where they are? What do you know now that you wish you had known six months ago? What do you need to change?

What do my people see?

The first two questions are about your perceptions. Your perceptions are needed and important but the puzzle is still incomplete. Now, put yourself in the shoes of your people. Look at things from where they sit and work – now what do you see? This is about their perceptions. How do they see your leadership? Do they see you as an obstacle to progress or a facilitator of it? Do they see a fine-tuned operation or one that is mired down somewhere? If you want to be a more effective leader then you need to see what they see.

What do my people know (that I should)?

Throughout your organization are talented and highly skilled sales people, PA’s, marketing professionals, accountants, executives, volunteers, and the list goes on. What they know is a treasure trove of valuable information. But that information is of no worth to you if you do not tap into it. Your people are the most valuable asset you have as a leader. Get to know them and what they know. You can make better decisions that affect your organization when you listen to the people on the ground who have the most at stake by your decision. Listen to them and give value to their input.

How can we come together?

It’s time to put an end to the “Us vs. Them” mentality and the walls and isolation it creates. You best build and grow your organization when you build and grow it together. What you have to do is figure out the best and most practical way for you and your people to come together, get to know one another, build relationships, share information, and work together for a brighter future. Good leaders will do this. It’s time to ask, answer, and listen. Are you game?

1. What additional steps would you suggest to overcome the “Us vs. Them” mentality?

2. What other things should leaders look for from the perspective of their people?

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Leadership Minute: Are People Moving Toward You?

Posted June 12, 2014
by admin

People always move toward someone who increases them and away from anyone who decreases them. – John Maxwell

Are people attracted to you? I’m not talking about attraction based upon physical appearances, but rather something much deeper and of lasting value. Leaders who add value to others tend to draw people their way. They are the ones with a kind word who are willing to do whatever they can to help out. Negative people are not in short supply and their motives are self-revealing. But when you embrace the mindset of servant leadership then it’s really not academic at all. It’s a reflection of the heart. In short, people will move toward you when you move toward them with words and actions that give increase to their life. Don’t be stingy; give freely and give often.

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Leadership Minute: Try Something New

Posted June 10, 2014
by admin

Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new. – Brian Tracy

When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone to try something new? Was it awkward? That’s a normal feeling but one that you should get more acquainted with. When leaders learn to step out of predictable environments and dare to try new things such as reading books with differing views than your own or make new friends, it can open up whole new worlds to you. Your growth as a leader comes when you stop settling what is and dare to experience new possibilities. Be willing to be stretched in all areas of your life. Why settle for the ordinary when you can live the extraordinary? Go ahead, try something new. Step out. Take the risk. Your growth as a leader will only be as exciting as you make it.

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Three Risks Every Leader Should Take

Posted June 7, 2014
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He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life. – Muhammad Ali

A story is told of a lady the Midwest, Miss Jones, who had the distinction of being the oldest resident in her town. But when she died, the editor of the local newspaper had a terrible time coming up with anything to say about her.

Miss Jones had never done anything wrong. She had never spent a night in jail or had ever been drunk. On the other hand she had never done anything significant. In despair, the editor assigned the job of writing up a small article for both the paper and the tombstone to the first reporter he saw. For both the paper and the tombstone the reporter wrote: “Here lie the bones of Nancy Jones, for her life held no terrors. She lived an old maid. She died an old maid. No hits, no runs, no errors.”

While Miss Jones may have held the distinction of being the oldest resident in her town, she was otherwise a bland person. As a leader, if you are going to stand out among the crowd, realize your dreams, and fulfill your destiny then you will have to take some risks.

Many people have a love-hate relationship as it pertains to risk. They are content to admire risk-takers from a distance but are not willing to go there themselves. But if you want to make your mark as a leader then you will have to step out of your comfort zone and walk unfamiliar paths. What are some of the risks you will have to take? There are plenty, but here are three for your consideration.

The risk of being alone

Leadership for most is a lonely proposition. It’s not that you don’t have friends or that you are not among people, but the depth of your responsibilities runs deeper than what is seen on the surface. This at times will cause you to have to stand alone when making difficult decisions, when forging new paths, and pursuing your dream. Not everyone can go there with you, nor should they.

The risk of being alone will be measured against the comfort of the crowd, the accolades of admirers, and the security of your company. Are you willing to risk all of that at the price of being alone and realizing your dreams?

The risk of being misunderstood

For many leaders this is an all-too-common reality. Leaders who are risk-takers are often misunderstood. They are perceived as a little eccentric, unconventional in their approach, and they don’t always play by the rules. Not that they are reckless or unlawful but they like to challenge tradition and thrive on thinking outside the box. They are hard to figure out because they see the same world do but through a different lens. But if you are willing to be misunderstood there is a whole new world before you that is waiting to be unveiled and new heights of personal growth to attain.

If you are fine with being misread, mislabeled, and misunderstood then taking some risks is for you. Don’t let the fear of what others think keep you from fulfilling your destiny. When you are willing to ignore other people’s perceptions then you are free to become the person God created you to become.

The risk of not being like everyone else

Every leader’s journey is different. An environment in which one leader thrives might be disastrous for another. What motivates you in terms of dreams, life purpose, and goals may hold no appeal to even your closest of friends. But that is the beauty of the risk. Your aim is not about conforming to everyone around you but rather discovering what is true about yourself and chasing after it.

Ultimately, your ambitions and dreams will require action. As a leader you can live in fear and with regrets over what might have been or you can take your chances on being lonely and misunderstood. But at the end of the day you can hold onto a deep satisfaction that you are not like everyone else.

What do you say?

I welcome your feedback:

1. What are some risks that you are taking into consideration regarding a future goal or objective?

2. What challenges do you face in deciding what to do?

3. What risk(s) have you take that you wish you had done sooner?

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Leadership Minute: Fresh Eyes

Posted June 6, 2014
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Few are those who see with their own eyes and feel with their own hearts. – Albert Einstein

Every now and then, leaders need fresh eyes in order to gain a little perspective. How you look at things over an extended period of time could possibly cause you to become complacent. It’s not that what you are looking at is wrong. Quite possibly it’s how you are looking at it. Perhaps it’s your goals, a personnel issue, or your business model that needs a fresh look. Whatever it is, why not ask for a fresh set of eyes from a wise counselor or friend to step in and help you out. Having an objective outsider take a look could be very helpful. A fresh set of eyes can be just the very thing you need to see things more clearly.

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Leadership Minute: The Power of Self -Confidence

Posted June 5, 2014
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Giving people self-confidence is by far the most important thing that I can do. Because then they will act. – Jack Welch

One of the most meaningful and lasting things you can do as a leader is to instill confidence in your people. When your people come to the place where they believe that they can do anything they set their minds to then their potential is unlimited. All some people need in order to go from their “I think I can” attitude to their “I know I can” reality is found in the power of your words and how well you communicate them. Self-confidence is given not only by your words but by backing them up with your actions. Turn your people loose with their self-confidence and see where they can go, what they can achieve, and what they can become. The gift of self-confidence is a powerful tool. Use it wisely, and use it generously.

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Leadership Minute: Critical Choices

Posted June 3, 2014
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In leadership you will have your share of critics. Trying to appeal to or appease them is a waste of your time and energy. It’s not that what they think doesn’t matter, but what you think matters most. If we are honest we can all learn something from our critics. But in the end it’s about staying true to yourself, your values, your beliefs, and not being distracted. Entertaining your critics will only lead to increased frustration and exhaustion. It will only disappoint you in the long run. At issue here is your desire to speak out or defend yourself. I get it. So here is some advice for your consideration; most critics are usually criticizing you because you are doing what they said couldn’t be done. Don’t worry about keeping score or settling it. Let your actions and attitude speak for you. Nothing will annoy your critics as much and you can take the high road. It won’t always be easy but in the long run you will be glad you did.

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Leadership Minute: Do What You Can

Posted May 30, 2014
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Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. – Theodore Roosevelt

One of the great joys of leadership is giving. It’s about adding value to those around you and making your world a better place. It’s true; one person can’t do it all. But, one person can make a difference if he or she gets involved. Look beyond your own circumstances and consider what you can do. Through your words and actions you can be the answer to someone else’s prayer. Do you know of a colleague who has struggled this month? Why not write her a note of encouragement? Your local food bank could use some donations. Why not organize a food drive? There will always be needs and opportunities and leaders with a servant’s heart will always come through. You can’t change the world but you can change your world one random act of kindness at a time.

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Leadership Minute: Are You Contagious?

Posted May 27, 2014
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Hang around successful leaders long enough and you will find one common thread among them—confidence! Confidence is the difference maker that separates the average leader from the great leader. What is your confidence level? Are you instilling confidence in others? Your ability to inspire confidence in others is one of the privileges of your leadership. But you can’t instill what you don’t possess. Becoming a contagious leader does not happen by accident. You have to work at it. How? Confidence is built in part by maintaining a personal growth plan that would include a regular reading program and having a good mentor/coach. Before you can impart into others you have to invest in yourself. You will become a contagious leader when you are a confident leader. The world needs confident leaders. Are you contagious?

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