Leadership Development. Professional Development

Leadership In The Era of The Partisan Divide

Posted September 23, 2020
by admin

Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly, and applying the wrong remedies. – Groucho Marx

An elderly gentleman was sitting on a park bench, basking in the sun when another elderly man sat down next to him. They looked at each other for a moment but did not speak. Both men sat there, staring straight ahead.

After a while, one of them heaved a big, heartfelt sigh.

The other jumped up immediately and said, “If you’re going to talk politics, I’m leaving.”

Leadership in the best of times can be difficult. John Maxwell eloquently put it this way, “Sometimes, leadershi[p sucks.” Can you relate?

Being a leader during an election cycle such as we are in now has the potential to create a toxic environment in your workplace. Chances are, you have already experienced it on some level. And while people can be very passionate about their views, how you tread these waters as a leader can be tricky. Side with group A and you alienate those in group B. Side with group B and you alienate those in group A – and back and forth it goes.

Here’s the reality – everyone has a set of political beliefs that they subscribe to and regardless of those beliefs, everyone’s views ought to be respected. No one’s morals should be called into question regardless of who they support or oppose and no one should be punished because of it.

As a leader, how you position yourself among your people during this time is important. Some leaders within their organizations opt to stay out of it. Others jump right in. But in the context of the effects on your culture and relationships, what’s a good approach? Here are a few tips.

Foster a culture of acceptance

How you model acceptance is important. Our diversity is our greatest asset. We are better for it. There ought to be room for differing views without fear of repercussion. Click To Tweet As for your workplace culture, acceptance fosters relationships that lift and unites, never tearing down. It’s not unreasonable to expect that people with differing political views can work together for the good of the organization.

Promote meaningful dialogue

So long as we are shouting over one another, the partisan divide will always exist. Meaningful dialogue with an emphasis on asking questions and listening will go a long way in building bridges rather than tearing them down. Your workplace culture ought not to be a place where your people dread going during this election season. It ought to be a place for meaningful conversations. Click To Tweet

Always protect your culture

While it may be wishful thinking that all conversations are meaningful between your people and everyone is accepting of the views of their colleagues – all it takes is one, two, or more to upend your culture and wreak havoc in your workplace. These people can be toxic to your culture and the consequences can be detrimental. Above all else, you must protect your culture.

Final Thoughts

While it’s important that we accept the views of others and that we aim for meaningful conversations, we must also bear in mind that not everyone cares to participate in these exchanges in your workplace. Believe it or not, there are those who are just as passionate about their politics as you, just not as vocal. They just choose not to constantly talk about it or post their opinions all over social media. That has to be respected as well.

Leading in the era of the partisan divides doesn’t have to be destructive, but it will take strong leadership to pull it off.

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Maintaining Culture Remotely

Posted August 29, 2020October 15, 2020
by admin

We now accept the fact that learning is a lifelong process of keeping abreast of change. – Peter Drucker

When COVID-19 hit, who could have imagined the changes that would come with it? Our way of life on so many levels looks very different today as compared to seven months ago. How are you adjusting?

One of the changes many have experienced is working remotely. This happened to many seemingly overnight as health officials and others scrambled to ensure safe working environments and how to best combat the virus. And just like that, your new office is now your kitchen table or home office. Gone are the familiar trappings and routines of your workspace. Gone are the people interactions you routinely participated in.

In a Stanford News report, we see 42% of the U.S labor force now working from home full-time. Almost twice as many employees are working from home as at work. With numbers like this, it’s as important as ever to be intentional about maintaining a strong workplace culture even among remote workers.

While we acknowledge this new reality, we also must intentionally focus on ways to maintain a vibrant culture and uphold the values of our respective companies even while doing it remotely. With this in mind, here are some questions that we believe are essential as we talk about culture.

Does it really matter?

Our company culture is the driver behind employee behavior. And, it is the behavior of our employees that ultimately determines the success of the organization. Maintaining a strong, positive organizational culture becomes even more important and as employees transition to working remotely. Click To Tweet This transition can be stressful both mentally and emotionally.

We want employees to feel empowered and trusted as they begin working remotely, many for the first time. We need to encourage a sense of camaraderie and ensure that employees do not feel isolated. And, we want to keep in alignment with our company values, even as we work from our own little corners of the world.

Who should be responsible?

There are many factors that play into maintaining company culture while working remotely. Responsibility for these factors falls on each of us. Employees need a point of contract to receive information and to address concerns. Human Resources should serve as the contact that gives employees confidence that they have not been forgotten. Team leaders are ultimately responsible for building and maintaining culture. Leaders must work together to create a cohesive culture company wide. And, employees shoulder some of the responsibility for helping others feel included even though they are no longer working face-to-face.

How do we do it?

In a remote work environment, communication is more important than ever. Leaders must check in with remote workers frequently. It is a good idea to start a weekly rundown, where leaders share updates and employees have the opportunity to share feedback from their experiences. We want to ensure that we are building human connections within the team, even if it is virtually. We want to provide as much consistency for remote employees as possible by honoring traditions in new and innovative ways. We also want to provide them with processes, structures, and tools that are designed to help them succeed in the virtual work environment. Keep recognizing employees and don’t be afraid to try new things.

How do we measure it?

Employee engagement and culture was easier to measure before the pandemic hit and the majority of your workforce was on-site. Daily interactions and camaraderie was on full display for all to see. Issues and concerns that existed could more readily be dealt with and resolved in real time. But with more and more employees working remotely this is a new challenge. Leaders must be more engaged and sensitive to the needs of those they lead. Leaders no longer can afford a passive approach and be satisfied with the way things are so long as the work is being done. Click To TweetLeaders must be proactive and engaged with their people whether down the hall or across town.

Final Thoughts

We strongly believe that your workplace culture can thrive in spite of the challenges of remote working. It’s something that everyone in the organization must take ownership of and be responsible for. We believe it matters and when everyone takes personal ownership of it you organization can thrive.

Elizabeth Stincelli is president of Stincelli Advisors. Read more at https://www.stincelliadvisors.com/

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When Critics Come Calling (Part 1)

Posted August 6, 2020
by admin

Criticism is something we can avoid easily by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing – Aristotle

In a Peanuts cartoon Linus is curled up in a chair, reading a book, while Lucy stands behind him with a funny look on her face. Lucy then says, “It’s very strange. It happens just by looking at you.”

“What happens?” Linus asks.

Lucy calmly answers, “I can feel a criticism coming on.”

Criticism. It’s the constant companion of leaders. Hang around long enough and you will come to know this truth about leadership. Click To Tweet

“No leader lives a day without criticism,” said J. Oswald Sanders, “and humility will never be more on trial than when criticism comes.”

What about you? What’s been your experience? How have you dealt with criticism?

Let’s look at three common reactions when critics come calling.

We take it personally

Most leaders I know have a deep sense of pride in their work and otherwise like to think of themselves as good leaders. When critics come calling, it’s a normal reaction to take it personally and get defensive.

Another consideration is the source of the critic. While it can be easy to brush it off as petty behavior from a disgruntled colleague, it especially hurts when it comes from someone we once considered close.

While this is a common reaction, it may not always be the most healthy reaction. More about that later.

We retaliate

A sure sign that we have taken the critics too seriously is that we retaliate. We justify ourselves by pointing out the faults of the accuser. How many times have you, or someone you know gone down this road? How did that work out?

The trap here, if you go down this road, is now you have entered into an unhealthy game of comparison. In order to justify your hurt ego, you now have to engage on the level of the critic in an unhealthy way. Now, by your act of retaliation, you have escalated the situation whereby making amends becomes more difficult because you allowed your bruised feelings to get in the way.

While this may make you feel good in the short-term, you have now put up barriers and slowed any chance of reconciliation.

We put up walls

Among these three common reactions, this is perhaps the most destructive to your leadership. And this reaction has nothing to do with your critics. This response is all on you.

To be sure, no one likes it when critics come calling – especially when the critic has less experience or is nothing more than arm-chair quarterback with no skin in the game. I mean, who the heck do they think they are, right?

But when you choose to put up walls – those defensive measures- it is the one action that hurts you more in the long run. When you cut people off you put yourself in danger of hearing only from the people who will tell you what you want to hear - not what you need to hear. Click To Tweet

So what is a leader to do? What should your posture be when your critics come calling? What can you learn from your critics? These questions and more will be answered in When Critics Come Calling (Part 2).

Final Thoughts

As the saying goes, haters are going to hate. But for you in leadership, there’s no room for that. And while dealing with it comes with the territory, you can rise above it, learn from it, and be a better leader because of it.

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When Leadership Gets Squirrely

Posted May 11, 2020May 11, 2020
by admin

Some people are like clouds. When they go away, it’s a brighter day. – Anonymous

I have to start this with a disclaimer. I am not a hateful person. I was raised better. So here goes my confession – I hate squirrels. I hate them with a passion. I have on occasions questioned God as to the reason for their miserable existence. But, I digress.

You see, one of my great joys is birding. I have somewhat of a bird sanctuary in my backyard at home. I love the beauty and majesty of the many birds that visit the feeders every day. They are beautiful creatures and it brings me a great deal of satisfaction to feed them and to create space for them in my yard.

But, I hate squirrels.

I hate having to chase them away from the feeders. I hate having the “experts” in the specialty stores recommend me to buy their guaranteed product that will keep them away. They don’t. Squirrels are a nuisance of the highest order.

Hang around in leadership long enough and you will run into squirrely characters. Over the years, I’ve come across plenty. Who are these squirely characters you have to contend with in leadership? In what ways are they like the menacing squirrel? Here are a few examples.

They are self-serving

At times in your organization, you will run across people who are self-serving. They make decisions based entirely on what’s good for them. Typically, these people have hidden agendas that over time become not so hidden. Then one day you have that aha moment and you realize that everything that they have been doing has only had one benefactor-themselves. Like the squirrel, they take what they want and leave the rest with no thought to the consequences.

They stick together and sow discord

Negative people tend to attract negative people in the same way positive people attract positive people. It’s one of the reasons why attitude is so important. Left unchecked, this pact of negative influencers can grow like cancer and pull everyone down. This is not to say every organization has this pact within it, but most have at least one. And so long as there is one sympathetic ear then there’s the potential for disruptions in the morale of your organization.

They are indecisive – until they aren’t

Have you ever seen a squirrel try and cross the road? They zig-zag back and forth in either direction until they finally dart across the road before they meet their demise. Sometimes in your organization, you will run across those squirrely and indecisive leaders who can’t seem to make up their mind. Their ability to lead is hindered by the obvious fact that they don’t know where they are going or why. This, of course, only frustrates the dynamic of the organization due to a lack of leadership skills which makes everyone else want to pull their hair out.

They destroy to get what they want

Over the years, I’ve had more than one bird feeder destroyed by squirrels. It’s just what they do to get to the seed. In every good, efficient, and profitable organization there are a group of dedicated and committed people who have the buy-in and determination to bring their vision to life and succeed. And then there are those squirrely people who are only in it for themselves and what’s good for them. And unfortunately, they will cause more harm than good until they are dealt with.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes when I see a group of squirrels in my yard, I call for my dog, Shakespeare. It’s a fun little activity as he anxiously waits for me to open the door while channeling his inner Mufassa with all of the energy his seven-pound Morkie body can muster. Then it happens – he charges through the door to defend his yard. The chase is on! It ends almost as quickly as it begins – the squirrels win again!

But in real life, it’s not as easy, and it’s certainly not amusing. Too much is at stake. As a leader, you will be surrounded by people who bring you joy and delight like the birds. They are pleasant to be around and are good team players.

And then you have a few squirrels.

Next week, I will devote this space to how we deal with those squirrely people and help you see your path forward.

Until next week, keep feeding the birds. It’s worth it.

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Why Sacrifice Matters to Your Leadership

Posted April 21, 2020
by admin

The most important decision about your goals is not what you’re willing to do to achieve them, but what you’re willing to give up”. – Dave Ramsey

It took less than ten seconds for Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt to cover the one hundred meter distance on the Olympic track and win the gold medal in London. Those few seconds cemented his status as the “fastest man alive” and placed him on the winner’s podium once again.

But the race wasn’t won in those seconds- it was won by hours and hours of practice, workouts, weightlifting, special diet, and coaching. The race was not won in the performance but in the preparation. It is our desire for something greater that causes us to sacrifice some things, even for some good things, for the sake of things that are better.

Many who’ve achieved great successes in their respective fields be it as a musician, artist, doctor, nurse, writer, etc. have done so not as “overnight sensations” but as those with their nose to the grind. We see the byproduct of that hard work and discipline- the fame, notoriety, etc., we don’t see the blood, sweat, and tears that were shed for years to get to that point.

The same holds true for you as a leader. Your capacity as a leader is something that is developed over years, not days. Click To TweetThis happens in part simply because there are just things about leadership that you can’t learn in a book. It’s real-world experiences that makes the difference.

On your leadership journey, there are sacrifices to be made – trade-offs if you will, that unless you are willing to make, will only limit your capacity as a leader. But if you are willing to make them, your future as a leader is bright. What do those sacrifices look like? Here are a few to consider.

The sacrifice of your ego for authenticity

If your desire is to become a leader worthy of following, you are going to have to sacrifice your ego for authenticity. People can care less about your ego or how great you think you are. People do care about authenticity – being real. So long as you think the world revolves around you then your capacity for leadership is limited to how far your over-inflated ego can take you. Click To Tweet

Leadership Tip – Drop the ego and pretense. The sooner you learn it’s not about you the better off you’ll be.

The sacrifice of your pride for humility

The vernacular of a prideful leader is saturated with a lot of “I”, and “me” talk. It’s quite telling. If you have a genuine desire to be a leader, you must sacrifice your pride for humility. You need to learn the vocabulary of “we”, “let us”, and “how can I help you?”. Until you learn that the secret to being a good leader is found in the role of servant leadership you’ll go only as far as your pride will take you.

Leadership Tip – Expressions of servant leadership are found when you concede being in the spotlight by putting others in it.

The sacrifice of your rights for your responsibilities

We live in a day and time characterized by people demanding their rights. After all, you don’t see people marching and demanding their responsibilities. For you to grow and develop into the leader you’d like to one day become then you must set aside your rights and take up your responsibilities. Click To Tweet Until you understand this, you’ll only go as far as your power grabs will take you. As the saying goes, to whom much is given, much is required.

Leadership Tip – Be willing to embrace your responsibilities as a leader. When you do, you will genuinely be a leader worth following.

Final Thoughts

All of us owe a debt of gratitude and thanks to all who have made and continue to make sacrifices on the front lines of the Coronavirus front. Our first responders, nurses, and doctors are doing God’s work no doubt. Just know that your sacrifices are noted and genuinely appreciated. We all thank you!

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Are You Leading By Example?

Posted April 8, 2020
by admin

I don’t know any other way to lead but by example. – Don Shula

When General George C. Marshall took command of the Infantry School at Fort Benning, Ga., he found the post in a generally run-down condition. Rather than issue orders for specific improvements, he simply got out his own paintbrushes, lawn equipment, etc., and went to work on his personal quarters.

The other officers and men, first on his block, and then throughout the post, did the same thing, and Ft. Benning was brightened up.

Leadership by example is a timeless principle. Actions like this speak volumes and words are not necessary.

While our current circumstances we find ourselves in today obviously do not mirror those found in the story, we need leadership by example as we’ve never needed it before.

To be sure, leading in a time of a worldwide pandemic is not something any of us have experience in. It’s all-new territory.

But the foundational principles of leadership are applicable to any situation and is why it’s incumbent upon leaders the world over to step up and be the leader others are looking for.

What exactly does leadership in a global pandemic look like? When the people you lead look to you, what hope and assurances are you offering to them?

Recently, I was reading back through Leadershift by John Maxwell. In the book he makes this noteworthy observation: “What is happening around you determines whether you hold fast or move forward.” This is especially true today.

Whether or not you move forward depends on how you act today. It’s why your leadership is so important to you and the people you lead.

I believe in times like this that there are a few foundational leadership principles that you need to be standing on. Here are just a few worth noting.

Lead with focus and perspective

In uncertain times, we need leaders with a steady hand and proper perspective. We don’t need endless knee-jerk reactions to everything we see and hear. This only breeds more fear and stress. In uncertain times we need leaders who know how to weather the storm which allows others to gain much-needed confidence. Calm focus and perspective is a sign of stable leadership. Be an example of it.

Lead with the right attitude

Attitudes are contagious and the attitude of the leader tends to be the attitude throughout the organization. If you want to keep morale strong and hope alive, be a leader with a strong attitude. Click To TweetThe impact of your strong attitude will prepare you for the long haul. No one knows how long this pandemic will last but a strong attitude is essential to beat it. Be the leader who brings hope to your people. Begin with the right attitude.

Lead with empathy and compassion

Before this pandemic is over, most of us will be touched directly or indirectly by COVID-19. You will know people who have it – be it a family member, friend, colleague, and unfortunately, maybe even someone reading this. Your empathy and compassion as a leader are needed now more than ever. As a leader others are looking to, now is the time to step up and care for those in your care. Your leadership will be defined by the empathy you show and the compassion you mobilize. Click To TweetLet’s be all about bringing hope and healing to those around us.

Lead with the end in mind

When this pandemic is over, many people will be walking back into their places of business and familiar surroundings. But it will not be the same. Just as many have had to learn how to adjust to new ways of doing things while working remotely, new adjustments will be made upon the return. A wise leader doesn’t just think about the here and now, but also knows how to think long for the good of his people. Click To Tweet

Final Thoughts

In these uncertain times, people need the assurance of proven leadership. The people in your sphere of influence need you. Be the leader they can look to who is steady under pressure. Be an influencer of hope. Above all else, keep the faith. We will get through this together.

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Moving From Buy-In to Engagement: Why Buy-In May Not Be Enough

Posted March 11, 2020
by admin

None of us is as smart as all of us. – Ken Blanchard

In his book, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, John Maxwell devotes a chapter to Law 14 – The Law of Buy-In. In it he states, “People don’t at first follow worthy causes. They follow worthy leaders who promote worthwhile causes. People buy into the leader first, then the leader’s vision.” This statement is profoundly true, simple, and complicated all at the same time.

Many leaders and many more organizations work diligently on buy-in. We aren’t knocking it, we understand that without it, you’re dead in the water. But making the transition from buy-in to engagement can be difficult.

Here’s what we know. The latest 2019 Employee Engagement Report from TINYpulse found that employee loyalty is decreasing. 43% of workers would be willing to leave their companies for a 10% salary increase. A staggering 44% of employees don’t feel they have sufficient opportunities for professional growth in their current position. Less than one-third of people believe they have a strong culture.

We can’t say enough about the importance of buy-in. It means so much for so many reasons. But without active engagement, everything else is in jeopardy. With this in mind, we have identified four essentials that we believe are necessary for engagement.

Purpose

The hardest task for you as a leader is to get the buy-in. Selling the ‘why’ to a prospective team member or client puts your vision to the test every time. And, the truth be told, before they buy into the vision, they buy into you as a leader. Oftentimes the crisis of buy-in is not about the organization or product, it’s the leadership.

Everyone is searching for meaning and purpose. People thrive when they feel their work is meaningful. This meaning is not found in the work itself, it is found in connecting their work to a purpose larger than themselves. Your ‘why’, as a leader, provides purpose and direction that gives those who follow you something to believe in. It appeals to others on an emotional level and makes work feel less like work and more like a purpose. People will be more engaged when they buy into your leadership and are excited about the work they are doing. Click To Tweet

Communication

Once buy-in has been achieved, now the real work begins. How do you harness the momentum that buy-in gives you and turn it into action steps that advance you? We believe communication is essential and that it should take place on a regular basis.

American psychologist, Rollo May, believed that “Communication leads to community, that is, to understanding, intimacy, and mutual valuing.” This sense of community fosters an environment where others feel safe to collaborate, cooperate, and compromise. Effective leaders use conversations to build connections, convey information, share stories and thoughts, and to encourage questions. Click To Tweet These connections form trusting relationships that earn a commitment from others. The safety and inclusion of the relationships built on open communication enhance engagement.

Coaching

We believe that engagement is the life-blood of your organization. With that in mind, it must not only be communicated regularly, but it must also be given priority. With this in mind, ownership must be taken at all levels and coaching is critical to how it’s done.

Successful leaders play the role of coach and supporter with an emphasis on helping others succeed. They invest their time and resources into building others up. We are drawn to those who want the best for us and will use their strengths to help us achieve our goals. Your employees are more likely to become fully engaged when they know that you will always be there to offer support and catch them if they fall.

Accountability

Engagement is not hard to measure, but we believe you must keep your finger on the pulse of your organization at all times. The time to find out about issues that impact your people and their performance is not at the end of the year; by then it’s too late. Click To Tweet

Accountability boils down to taking ownership of one’s own thoughts, words, actions, and reactions. One of the greatest keys to accountability is the level of control people feel they possess over their work. When employees are in control of the “what, when, and how” of a decision or action, their ownership and accountability skyrockets. As a result of taking ownership of their work, people will become more engaged.

At the end of the day, worthy leaders are the ones who effectively lay out their vision and get others to buy into that vision. Successful leaders are able to encourage others to move beyond buy-in to becoming fully engaged in their work. Engaged employees have a sense of purpose and know that they are making a difference. They feel safe and included because of open and ongoing communication. They feel supported by a leader who serves as a coach. And, they feel a sense of ownership and accountability for their work.

Final Thoughts

Lay a strong foundational culture for your employees by deliberately sharing a meaningful purpose, building relationships through open communication, serving as a supportive coach, and giving them control and accountability for their work. This foundation will move you from buy-in to engagement. And, active engagement is the key to success.

To learn more about Liz Stincelli visit her website at https://www.stincelliadvisors.com/

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Why Encouragement Matters in Leadership

Posted March 1, 2020
by admin

If you are a leader, you should never forget that everyone needs encouragement. – John Maxwell

As a young boy, he worked in a factory but had an intense desire to be a singer. When he turned ten years old, he took his first voice lesson which procured a less than encouraging remark from his teacher, “You can’t sing. You haven’t any voice at all. Your voice sounds like a wind in the shutters.”

His mother, however, believed that he could learn to sing. She was very poor, but she hugged and said, “My boy, I’m going to make every sacrifice to pay for your voice lessons.”

Her encouragement and sacrifice for her son proved to be invaluable. He became known as one of the world’s greatest singers. His name is Enrico Caruso.

I’m always inspired by stories like this. To think that the turning point for a world-renowned singer was the encouragement from one person who believed in him when others passed him over.

Think about your own story. Who was it that inspired and challenged you to be your best and pushed you to go further than you thought possible?

I’m thankful for teachers who helped me reclaim the confidence I need to succeed in school due to my struggle with dyslexia. Without their understanding and their encouragement to me to push through and overcome my learning challenges, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Encouragement is the secret sauce for all successful leaders. And all leaders who want to add value to those around them but are not quite sure where to start - well, this is it. Click To Tweet There are many benefits to encouraging those around you, but here are three that stand out.

Encouragement pays immediate dividends

In any given moment, a word of encouragement is the boost a friend or colleague needs. Without your knowledge, encouragement can be a game-changer for someone who may have felt like giving up and throwing in the towel.

Never underestimate the power of encouragement at the moment in which it was given. It may not seem like all that much to you at the time, but it could make all the difference in the world to the one who just received it.

Encouragement creates margins

Have you ever had those times when you just felt stuck? You were in that funk and it was like your head was in a cloud. I know I have. Many times. When I look back, I can see where it was a word of encouragement snapped me out of it. It caused me to look at my circumstances from a different perspective and try another way.

Encouragement is not meant to be an isolated emotional boost of support. Encouragement stirs you to look at your circumstances differently and find new paths to better solutions. Click To TweetYour word of encouragement may be all it takes for someone else to find new margins they need.

Encouragement creates a boomerang effect

There’s an old saying, “What goes around, come around,” and that is especially true with encouragement. Every leader worth his or her salt is an encouragement to those around them. It’s in a leader’s DNA.

While it’s never about what you get in return, every word of encouragement you give as a leader has a boomerang effect and comes back around in positive ways in your own life. Be generous with encouragement. People around you need it now more than ever. Click To Tweet

Final Thoughts

By our words and actions, we are either building or destroying. As a leader, let me admonish you to see the best in others, believe the best in others, and speak words of encouragement to those around you. When you do, everyone benefits.

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Celebrating Black History Month

Posted February 3, 2020February 3, 2020
by admin

Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed. – Booker T. Washington

In celebration of Black History Month, here are twenty inspirational quotes to think about. In the spirit of the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who said, “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear,” let’s recommit ourselves to being messengers of love in a world that so desperately needs it.

“ The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.” – Kobe Bryant

“The battles that count aren’t the ones for gold medals. The struggles within yourself- the invisible, inevitable battles inside us all- that’s where it’s at.” – Jesse Owens

“Just don’t give up what you’re trying to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.” – Ella Fitzgerald

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” – President Barack Obama

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer.” – Harriet Tubman

“Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers, who can cut through argument, debate and doubt, to offer a solution everybody can understand.” – Colin Powell

“I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.” – Muhammad Ali

“Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.” – Mae Jemison

“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” – Frederick Douglass

“Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.” – Langston Hughes

“Where there is no vision, there is no hope.” – George Washington Carver

“Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise. I rise. I rise.” – Maya Angelou

“When I dare to be powerful -to use my strength in service to my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.” – Audre Lorde

“Surround yourself only with people who are going to take you higher.” – Oprah

“The progress of the world will call for the best that all of us have to give.” – Mary McLeod Bethune

“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.” – Michael Jordan

“One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.” – Arthur Ashe

“Dreams are lovely but they are just dreams. Fleeting, ephemeral, pretty. But dreams do not come true just because you dream them. It’s hard work that makes things happen. It’s hard work that creates change.” – Shondra Rhimes

“Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us.” – Wilma Rudolph

“Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them!” – Madam CJ Walker

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How Adversity Shapes You As A Leader

Posted January 26, 2020January 26, 2020
by admin

One who gains strength by overcoming obstacles possesses the only strength which can overcome adversity. – Albert Schweitzer

In 1799, Conrad Reed discovered a seventeen-pound rock while fishing in Little Meadow Creek. Not knowing what it was made of, his family used it as a doorstop for three years. In 1802, his father, John Reed, took it to a jeweler who identified it as a lump of gold worth about $3,600. That lump of gold, which was used as a doorstop for three years in North Carolina, is one of the biggest gold nuggets ever found east of the Rockies. Until its composition was determined, its value was unknown.

Hang around in leadership and sooner, rather than later, you will come to learn about adversity. As in life, it comes with the territory.

Your composition as a leader will be tested and what lies underneath will reveal the type of leader you are. Adversity over time will mold you into the leader you become. Click To Tweet

Albert Einstein said, “Adversity introduces a man to himself.” The same is true in leadership. Readily, some would say they could do without the introduction to oneself through adversity. But, nonetheless, adversity has a way of rearing its ugly head. So, now what?

I would like for you to focus on the following three questions as you going through times of adversity as a leader. It’s as you think through these responses you can begin to navigate your way through the adversity that comes to all of us.

Is my adversity defeating or refining me?

Leaders are not immune to adversity. We all face it. But we don’t all respond to it the same way. Your response to and attitude toward adversity will strengthen you or defeat you based upon your reaction to it. Click To Tweet

If the adversity you face is defeating you – by this I mean, disrupting your rhythm as a leader, your judgment and decision making, the way in which you treat others and your temperament, then you need to take a step back and evaluate your response to it. Recognize your reactions and make adjustments accordingly. Be willing to acknowledge it and ask for help. But don’t let it defeat you.

Is my adversity serving me or hurting me?

For some leaders, adversity is like gas on a fire. For others, it’s a death nail. One thing is for sure, going through times of adversity will test your mettle. Adversity will control you or you will control it.

About a month before Edison released the phonograph his lab was destroyed by fire. He lost everything. To add insult to injury, his building was underinsured. By most any account, it was a disaster. How would he recover and what would his response be? After the fire, it’s reported that Edison said, “Thank goodness all of our mistakes were burned up. Now we can start fresh again.” His response shows us that adversity can serve us well if our attitude is right.

Is my adversity promoting me or holding me back?

In a perfect world as leaders, we wouldn’t face adversity. But that’s just not our reality. In the end, it’s our response to adversity that will promote us or hold us back. Our promotions will come as we choose the right attitudes, keep our hearts right, and not lose sight of the big picture. Click To Tweet

Final Thoughts

“Every adversity, every failure, every heartache,” said Napoleon Hill, “carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.” And this is the truth I hope you will discover as a leader. In what was once only considered a rock worthy of only being a doorstop, turned out to be the largest lump of gold east of the Rockies.

Your composition as a leader will be tested. Your adversity is like the refining process. The next time it comes your way embrace it. Soon your true worth will be seen for what it is.

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Tag: Leadership Development. Professional Development

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