leadership development – Page 13 – Doug Dickerson on Leadership

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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How To Finish The Year Strong

Posted December 19, 2019
by admin

Life’s battles don’t always go
To the stronger or faster man,
But soon or late the man who wins
Is the one who thinks he can.
– From, The Man Who Thinks He Can, by Walter D. Wintle

The Greeks had a race in their Olympic games that was unique. The winner was not the runner who finished first. It was the runner who finished with his torch still lit.

As we move down the stretch toward the end of 2019 now might be a good time to think about how you are finishing the year. As it was with the Greeks, it’s the one who finishes the race with his torch still lit that wins.

At this juncture in the year, you may be tired and weary. You may be more than ready to turn the page and welcome a clean slate that awaits you in 2020. With the finish line of another year in sight, let’s consider the traits of leaders who finish strong. It’s a simple list and is certainly not an exhaustive one. You may want to add to it. These are my top three.

Leaders who finish strong have clarity of purpose
One of the traits of leaders who finish strong is those who live their life intentionally with purpose. Each day is seen as a gift and an opportunity to add value to those around them and make a difference in their world.

Living and leading with a purpose makes each day meaningful and unique. It’s an opportunity to use your God-given gifts and abilities for a good cause. When you live your life with a purpose it motivates you in a different way. No longer is it about you, it’s about others. A selfless leader is a strong leader who will also finish strong. Click To Tweet

Leaders who finish strong have a resilient attitude
I’ve yet to meet a leader who doesn’t face his or her fair share of problems and adversity. It comes with the territory. Maybe more so. But the leader who finishes strong is not the one who was exempt from adversity but the one who endured it.

Leaders who finish strong have discovered the secret that it’s not about what happens to them that matters but what happens in them that sets them apart. Leaders who finish strong have a resilient attitude that never gives up. They understand that they are responsible for it and work at having a good one every day. Click To Tweet

Leaders who finish strong have tapped into their work-life balance
“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” so says the old proverb. Leaders who finish strong are those who understand the importance of a sound work-life balance. These leaders know and understand the value of hard work and give it their all day in and day out. They roll up their sleeves and are willing to go the extra mile to get the job done.

But finishing strong requires balance. And if as a leader you are burning the candle at both ends with no balance in your life as it pertains to rest and recreation soon you will be of little value to anyone.

Leaders who finish strong are able to do so because they have found the balance they need. Make sure that you give your mind and body the rest it needs and deserves. Click To TweetRemember, it was not about finishing the race first for the Greeks that mattered, it was finishing with your torch still lit. If you cross the finish line of 2019 burned out and spent how will you begin 2020?

As the year draws to a close, think about how you can finish strong. What action steps do you need to take? It’s not too late. Finish strong and be ready to tackle a new year with a renewed sense of passion and purpose.

© 2019 Doug Dickerson

Read more at https://www.dougdickerson.net/

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Don’t Throw Your People Under The Bus

Posted September 8, 2019September 8, 2019
by admin

See the light in others, and treat them as if that is all you see. – Wayne Dyer

I read a story about a farm boy who accidentally overturned his wagon-load of corn in the road. The farmer who lived nearby came to investigate. “Hey, Willis,” he called out, “forget your troubles for a spell and come on in and have dinner with us. Then I’ll help you get the wagon up.”

“That’s mighty nice of you,” Willis answered, “but I don’t think Pa would like me to.”

“Aw, come on, son!” the farmer insisted.

“Well, okay,” the boy finally agreed. “But Pa won’t like it.”

After a hearty dinner, Willis thanked his host. “I feel a lot better now, but I just know Pa is going to be really upset.”

“Don’t be foolish!” exclaimed the neighbor. “By the way, where is he?”

“Under the wagon,” replied the boy.

Being under the wagon is not a fun place to find yourself. Sadly, that’s exactly where too many have found themselves as it relates to their boss.

A study reported on in HR Drive says that three out of four people have had a toxic boss. According to a Monster survey they cite, more than one-quarter have described their bosses as “power-hungry” who are looking out only for themselves.

With survey results like this, is it any wonder that many employees feel being thrown under the bus is just part of the culture?

As a leader, how you treat your people speaks volumes about your leadership. While it’s a given that your people don’t want to be thrown under the bus as a result of poor leadership skills, let’s not assume that you understand this.

Here are a few essentials you need to remember going forward.

Your people are the greatest appreciable asset you have

As a leader, your people are the greatest appreciable assets you have. How you treat them, equip them, empower them, invest in them, and serve them reflects on the integrity of your leadership like nothing else will. If you think that I am overstating this, then answer this question – where would you be without them?

Your people want your loyalty and respect

Loyalty is a two-way street. You can’t rightfully expect your people to extend loyalty to you if it’s not been given by you.If all your people do is doctor the wounds from the tire prints left by the bus you’ve thrown them under then don’t expect their loyalty in return. Click To Tweet The respect that you show is the respect you deserve.

Your people don’t care how much you know

You’ve heard the old adage, “people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care”. And that much is true. But beyond how much you know, they want to know that you are authentic and real. They want to know that you are not only there for them in the good times, but that you will be right there in the trenches with them in the bad times. Your people don’t care as much about the facts and figures in your head, they want to know what’s in your heart. Click To Tweet

Your people are invested in what they help create

More than anything else, your people want to know that they are a part of something greater than themselves. They want to be on a team with like-minded people and know that they are valued. This leadership mindset begins with relationships and is sustained by trust.

In short, your people don’t want to be thrown under the bus by an insecure, ego-driven leader. They want to be on the bus – in the driver’s seat, delivering excellence every day. Don’t be an obstacle to the progress that could be yours. Your people are more valuable as contributors on the bus, not when they are being dragged beneath it.

Additional Resources:

Check out these articles from my archives:

7 Things You Do As A Leader That Your People Can’t Stand

How To Defeat A Culture Of Apathy

Get Off Your High Horse

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It’s All About Your Perspective

Posted September 1, 2019
by admin

One person’s craziness is another person’s reality. – Tim Burton

After a particularly long and bumpy flight, the crew was tired. This was even made more apparent by the rough landing. This particular airline had a policy that the pilot must stand by the door as people exit to thank them for flying with the airline. The pilot was dreading this because of the landing but he stood faithfully by. Surprisingly enough, the people filed off and none said a word. Then came the last passenger, an elderly lady walking with a cane. As she got up to the captain, she said, “Can I ask a question?” “Sure,” answered the captain. “Did we land or were we shot down?”

I’ve been on a few flights when I felt the same way. And in leadership, there have been many times when I felt like maybe I had been shot down.

Our perspective in leadership is shaped by many factors. Often our perspective is driven by our own experiences or biases. It can be driven by the opinions of others. But one thing is certain, we all have perspectives that influence us.

As a leader, the accuracy of your perspective is important. You want to be accurately informed and make decisions that reflect sound judgment. But sometimes our perspective turns out to be wrong. Here’s how.

Your perspective can be wrong when our attitude is wrong

Nothing alters our perspective like our attitude, especially if it’s a bad one. Your perspective is what you see and your attitude determines how you see or interpret it. If your attitude is one that is predisposed to being negative then that’s the lens through which you see things.

This can have unintended consequences for you as a leader. If your attitude bends toward being a bad one or is predominantly skeptical, then do the people around you truly get a fair shake from you? If your attitude bends toward being a bad one or is predominantly skeptical, then do the people around you truly get a fair shake from you? Click To Tweet

Having a good attitude is important to you as a leader. But it takes discipline to work on it and keep it positive. You may have a dozen reasons a day to justify a bad attitude. I get it. But the effects of your attitude determine your perspective. So don’t let a bad attitude reflect in a bad way on your leadership.

Leadership Takeaway: Your people are looking to you for leadership and the right perspective to guide them. Watch your attitude.

Your perspective can be wrong when your assumptions are wrong

How many times have you made a wrong assumption about a person? How many times have you made a wrong assumption about a goal or project within your organization? I know I have. And thank goodness I was wrong!

The mark of sure and steady leadership is found in not rushing to judgment and in not making wrong assumptions. It’s giving other people the same benefit of the doubt you’d want to be given yourself. Click To Tweet

The thin line between your perspective and instincts can be a hard one to differentiate at times. On both counts, you want to get it right. One is innate and learned over time (instincts), while the other is fluid and should never be rushed.

Leadership Takeaway: Your people are looking to you for leadership and for someone to believe in them – not someone to write them off because of a wrong assumption you’ve made about them.

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Help Wanted: Good Followers

Posted August 11, 2019
by admin

You have the blood of a great warrior. To lead, you must also learn to follow. – E.Y. Laster, Of Captivity & Kings

I once read the story of a young woman who wanted to go to college, but her heart sank when she read the question on the application that asked, “Are you a leader?” Being both honest and conscientious, she wrote, “No,” and returned the application, expecting the worst. To her surprise, she received this letter from the college: “Dear Applicant: A study of the application forms reveals that this year our college will have 1,452 new leaders. We are accepting you because we feel it is imperative that they have at least one follower.”

That story serves as a good reminder that while the calling and desire for leadership are as great as ever, there is also a need for good followers.

A misconception that I have observed over the years is that the two – leaders and followers have mutually exclusive roles. Either you are a leader or you are a follower. I don’t believe this to be true.

We tend to assign titles of a follower or a leader along hierarchical lines. The higher you are in the organizational structure the more one might look upon you as a leader. If you are lower on the ladder you may be labeled as a follower.

Here’s the truth of the matter: The person labeled or looked upon as the follower may be more of a leader than the one with the title. It’s a common misconception. In some situations, the follower can wield more influence as a follower than the leader with the title or higher position. At the end of the day, the one with the influence is the leader.

Organizations are successful because of the collaborative efforts of good leaders and good followers who set aside their egos, pecking orders, and turf wars to create what they couldn’t do by themselves.Organizations are successful because of the collaborative efforts of good leaders and good followers who set aside their egos, pecking orders, and turf wars to create what they couldn’t do by themselves. Click To Tweet

So what are some characteristics of good followers? Here are five worth considering.

A good follower puts the mission first

A good follower is all about advancing the mission of the organization. His focus is on how to achieve common goals and move the team forward. Their work ethic is unparalleled. Never take them for granted.

Good followers make good leaders because they are selfless. They understand that it’s not about them.

A good follower is highly loyal

Loyalty runs through the veins of good followers. They tend to be some of the most reliable and faithful people in your organization. It’s their work ethic and front-line presence that makes all the difference.

Good followers make good leaders because they know that without a culture built upon loyalty nothing else matters.

A good follower is service-minded

Good followers are valuable because they are also the ones who will go above and beyond the call of duty to serve their organization and people. These good followers are assets to your organization because they don’t wait around to be told something needs to be done – they do it.

Good followers make good leaders because they lead by example.

A good follower is an ideal team player

Ultimately, good followers are consummate team players. They are not driven by selfish ambitions. They fully embrace their role and desire to see others succeed. They don’t worry about who gets the credit. They know that every win moves the team forward.

Good followers make good leaders because they understand the power of teamwork.

Leaders and followers need each other. They need to embrace their interdependence because it’s how organizations work best. Leaders and followers need each other. They need to embrace their interdependence because it’s how organizations work best. Click To Tweet

If you are a follower in your organization you need to wholeheartedly embrace that role. You also need to own the dynamic leadership qualities you have that contribute to its success. We need good followers now more than ever.

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On Becoming a Natural Leader

Posted July 29, 2019
by admin

I yam what I yam and dats all that I yam – Popeye the Sailor Man

An insightful story is told of baseball Hall of Famer Ted Williams. In his prime as a player in the 1940’s-50’s, he was known as a “natural hitter.” He was once was asked about this natural ability and replied, “There is no such thing as a natural-born hitter. I became a good hitter because I paid the price of constant practice, constant practice.”

Williams’ answer reveals the open secret as to what it means to become the best version of you. Practice. And just when you think you’ve got a handle on it – there’s more practice. It’s as simple and as complicated as that.

In leadership, especially among younger leaders, there’s a tendency or temptation to want to rush the process. They want to be at a place in leadership in two or three years that has taken 30 years for others. And while the motivation and desire are commendable, there are no shortcuts on the road to maturity.

Becoming a “natural” is about your daily disciplines. It’s all about paying attention to the small things along the way-things that if practiced regularly will make you a natural leader.

By no means is this an exhaustive list, but it’s a good starting point. This is not about resolving the debate of whether people are natural-born leaders or if they developed. There are some things that do come naturally for some people, and there are obviously some things that have to be developed. But what I am laying out here are some essentials. Let’s see how they resonate with you.

A natural leader has a servant’s heart

The highest form of leadership is not in what others do for you but in what you do for others. It’s not about you. Click To Tweet This attitude is developed not so much in our mindset, which is part of it, but more so in the attitude of our hearts. At the end of the day, it’s about what you give and contribute, not what you take.

The Daily Practice – Put others first.

A natural leader is a life-long learner

This should go without saying, but I’ll say it. Leaders are learners. Leaders are readers. Your growth and development is a lifelong journey. If you are not learning you are not growing. It’s just that simple. Click To Tweet

The Daily Practice – Never stop being a student. Read and learn every day.

A natural leader adapts to change

In life and in leadership, change is inevitable. A natural leader recognizes this and embraces it. It’s a given that not all change is what it’s cracked up to be and it’s also true that not all traditions are worth enshrining. But change is a constant and a natural leader will keep up.

The Daily Practice – Recognize change and embrace it. It will happen with or without you.

A natural leader has a positive attitude

In leadership, your attitude is everything. How you see your life, your work, and your influence is all connected to your attitude. How high, how far, and how well you make this journey all rests on the attitude you have. And as a leader, your attitude is often what others look to more than anything else. Guard it carefully.

The Daily Practice – Check your attitude at the door. Ask yourself – is my attitude today a good example for others to follow?

A natural leader is connected to faith

The practice of faith will vary for each of you. As a person of faith, I do not seek to impose my beliefs and views on anyone. I will simply say this – as a leader you can draw on your faith to keep you grounded, to keep you refreshed, and to give you courage and strength to fulfill your life’s mission.

The Daily Practice – Allow your faith to guide you, strengthen you, and inspire you on a daily basis.

No one ever mastered their trade or achieved greatness as an athlete, writer, or musician, etc.without putting in the time and countless hours of practice. It’s the same for you as a leader. If you want to be a natural leader, there are no shortcuts. Just practice, practice, practice.

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The Power of Being in the Moment

Posted July 8, 2019July 8, 2019
by admin

So then, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own. – Matthew 6:34 (NET)

If you are at all familiar with the Enneagram, I am a type 7 – the entertaining optimist. Seven’s enjoy having variety and multiple choices to choose from. They do not like to be limited, restricted, or bored. They may be well rounded, affirming, and generous, or at their worst, they can be self-focused, an escapist, and have an insatiable appetite for excitement.

I make no apologies for being a seven. It’s who I am and I like it. I am very comfortable in my own skin. I like my adventurous lifestyle and all my worldwide travels. It’s been a heck of a ride so far.

The core fear of us type seven’s is being deprived, trapped in emotional pain, limited or bored, and missing out of something fun. And to this point, I get it. Click here to learn more about the enneagram.

This fear was put to the test not long ago when my wife and I joined up with a few other family members and took a cruise to Bermuda. Admittedly, I am the type who would rather just get on a plane, fly there, and spend my days on Bermuda as opposed to being trapped on a boat getting there.

For me, a cruise ship or an airplane is just a means to an end -the real adventure is being there! All I could envision on the ship was all the things I was missing out on on the island. I was a seven in distress!

But this recent experience reminded me of something very important. There’s a big difference between being there and being in the moment.

As a seven who likes adventure, I like being there – the doing, seeing and exploring, snorkeling, etc.

But there’s great power of allowing yourself to just be in the moment.

Regardless of your enneagram type (or DISC, Myers-Briggs, etc.), being in the moment is an essential quality that benefits you both personally and professionally. As a leader, here are a few reasons why it’s so important.

Being in the moment gives you perspective

When you allow yourself to be in the moment, you can slow down the pace and take in where you are, where you’ve been, and where you are going. It gives you time to process life and put it all in perspective. A busy life with no context, meaning, or purpose is not much more than a rat race. Click To Tweet There is a greater meaning and purpose to your life and it’s by being in the moment that you will discover it.

Being in the moment gives you the advantage of not making ill-timed decisions

If you are making fly-by-the seat-of-your-pants decisions, then you run the risk of making decisions that reflect it. It just makes you look undisciplined and careless. Being fully engaged in the moment forces you to be deliberate and intentional about today. Five years from now will take care of itself so never underestimate the power and necessity of the moment you have today. You won’t get it again. Click To Tweet

Being in the moment reminds you of what truly matters

Is it possible that we sometimes allow the “tyranny of the urgent” to get in the way of life’s most important moments? I think so. Being in the moment at that piano recital, Little League game, picnic at the park, etc. are the things that will ultimately give you the greatest satisfaction when it’s all said and done.

Being a seven is a challenge for me at times which is why I choose to be intentional about being in the moment. How about you? Have you discovered the power of being in the moment?

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Leadership Lessons From Fred Rogers

Posted June 30, 2019
by admin

Life is deep and simple, and what our society gives us is shallow and complicated – Fred Rogers

It’s been 16 years since the passing of the beloved Fred Rogers, the host of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood”. His life was an inspiration to millions and the life lessons and values he passed on will not be forgotten by those of us who were privileged enough to watch him growing up.

His communication style was simple, straight forward, and sound. He told it like it was and inspired us to a higher standard.

There are many notable Fred Rogers quotes worth sharing, but the following are some of my favorites along with leadership applications.

There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.

To my previous point – his communication style was simple, straight forward, and sound. Being kind is a timeless leadership principle. What makes you a leader worth knowing, following, or emulating has nothing to do with your title, position, or who you know. It all comes down to this one thing- are you kind? Click To Tweet How you treat others says all that’s needed about what kind of leader you are. Be kind!

There is no normal life that is free of pain. It’s the very wrestling with our problems that can be the impetus for our growth.

Just as life is not free from pain, neither is leadership. It has its painful moments. But the secret to your growth and development as a leader is not how to make all of your problems go away as pleasing as that might sound. It’s about learning how to wrestle. It’s about what you learn in the struggle that makes you a better person and leader. Don’t shy away from your problems, learn from them.

There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person.

As a leader, every encounter you have with the people you meet is an opportunity to add value to them. Think about the everyday encounters you have with others and ask yourself this simple question, “Did I add value today?”. Remember, with every encounter you are leaving a part of yourself. Make it count.

When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”

This is a great leadership principle. In today’s world, it’s so easy to be cynical and skeptical as we see how things have deteriorated on so many fronts. Regardless of how bad things may seem, don’t give up on the goodness of the human spirit. It’s still alive. Look for the helpers! Click To Tweet

Often out of periods of losing come the greatest strivings toward a new winning streak

This is one of the hardest leadership principles to learn. It’s during the dark times that we tend to drift mentally, emotionally, and spiritually and begin to doubt ourselves. And we wonder, “Is it time to throw in the towel and quit?”. Your winning streak is on the other side of the slump you may currently find yourself in. Don’t give up.

Try your best to make goodness attractive. That’s one of the toughest assignments you’ll ever be given

As it is with the principle of being kind, so too is the principle of making goodness attractive. You will never be less of a leader because you are kind or because you’ve made goodness attractive. If anything, you will make it more appealing. How are you making goodness attractive?

There’s a world of difference between insisting on someone’s doing something and establishing an atmosphere in which that person can grow into wanting to do it.

This is a timeless leadership principle that can save aspiring leaders much grief and frustration. You can attempt to lead by decree that’s attached to your title or you can lead from the heart and through relationships. The one path is hard and unfulfilling. The other is transformative and rewarding. Make it your practice to establish the kind of atmosphere that fosters growth and builds your culture.

Times have changed since the days of “Mister Rogers Neighborhood”. But the lessons in values and in leadership are as applicable as ever. And as societies and cultures change, we too as leaders must be a step ahead to interpret and give context. While the neighborhood may have changed, the lessons live on for a new generation of leaders.

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Sacred Cows and Breaking Rules

Posted June 19, 2019June 19, 2019
by admin

Hell, there ain’t no rules. We’re trying to accomplish something here. – Thomas Edison

As a photography enthusiast, I have evolved over the years with the evolution of the camera. I remember the days of the Polaroid camera, the Kodak Instamatic, and still have very fond memories of my first 35mm camera- a Canon AE1 program. I was euphoric over the advent of the digital camera – my first was a Sony 3.2 megapixel Canon Cybershot that set me back a whopping $300+ dollars at the time.

Times have certainly changed with photography over the years. The quality is better as is the cost. It’s a great time to be an avid photographer. Innovation a great thing.

I am appreciative for the photography skills I learned back in the day. It made me a better photographer. But think of what I would be missing out on if I had not adapted over the years. What if I held onto an Instamatic mindset in this digital age?

Oddly enough, history is filled with organizations and leaders who have done just this.

In a blog post entitled 50 examples of corporations that failed to innovate, Katrina Aaslaid profiles 50 companies that “failed to innovate, and some ended up in failed businesses. Some are the biggest companies in the world.” Included on the list are Kodak, Blockbuster, MySpace, Nokia, Sears, Polaroid, AOL, and Hummer, just to name a few.

Be it major companies, mom and pop retail shops, businesses large and small, and leaders in general, etc. one thing is clear – those who do not innovate and adapt to change will be on future lists like the one mentioned here.

Two of the largest obstacles to change and innovation come in the form of our traditions or sacred cows, and our rulebook. Both rob us of a future that could be ours.

So when is it appropriate to let go of the sacred cows and break the rules? Here are a few clues.

When your rules are no longer relevant

In his acclaimed book, It’s Not About the Coffee, Howard Behar advocates replacing the rulebook with a playbook. It’s a game-changing idea if embraced. Think about it – rulebooks are rigid, confining, predictable, and restrictive. A playbook, on the other hand, serves the opposite purpose. It’s liberating, creative, and has unlimited potential.

Think about your current “rulebook” those written or unwritten, spoken or unspoken ways of doing things. How are they working for you? So long as you are boxed in with dated thinking, old and tired solutions, with the same predictable outcomes, how can you honestly expect anything to change? Click To Tweet Perhaps it’s time to bid farewell to the rulebook and embrace the playbook and unleash your best and brightest to take you to a new level. Otherwise, the view will always remain the same.

When sacred cows are worshipped on the altars of progress

It’s a sad day when progress and innovation are put on indefinite hold because we are too afraid to let go of our institutionalized sacred cows. It’s the proverbial “we’ve never done it this way before” approach or the holding onto mission or vision statements that are no longer relevant to the times in which we live.

Please know, I am not advocating disrespecting the past as it relates to the hard work, values, and sacrifices that made organizations great. What better way to honor the life and legacy of a good organization than to build upon it and make it better?

While your values must be bedrock and clear, the way you innovate and adapt to change will determine your future. What’s the point of holding onto the sacred cows of the past if they are not serving you well today? Would you rather have an organizational future based on innovation and change or an organizational funeral based on traditions and sacred cows that you were afraid to abandon? Click To Tweet

We know that change and innovation do not come easy. Righting the ship is hard work. But you must decide – preside over change and innovation with a bright future or preside over the status quo and decline.

For the sake of your future, maybe it’s time to break the rules and leave the sacred cows behind.

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Thriving Leadership in a Calloused World

Posted June 3, 2019
by admin

If you live in a graveyard too long you stop crying when someone dies. – Anon.

In addition to Mt. Rushmore, one of Gutzon Borglum’s great works as a sculptor is the head of Lincoln in the Capitol at Washington. He cut it from a large, square block of stone in his studio. One day, when the face of Lincoln was just becoming recognizable out of the stone, a young girl was visiting the studio with her parents. She looked at the half-done face of Lincoln, her eyes registering wonder and astonishment. She stared at the piece for a moment then ran to the sculptor. “Is that Abraham Lincoln?” she asked. “Yes.” “Well,” said the little girl, “how in the world did you know he was inside there?”

The question posed by that young girl is an appropriate one for the likes of sculptor Gutzon Borglum. His work is rightfully critiqued by the product he produces.

What about you? How would an outsider look upon your leadership and what observations would they make? What inward image do you project? The truth is: what’s on the inside will come out. It always does.

I’m at the age where it could be very easy to be cynical or calloused in my thinking. And quite honestly, some days it’s a challenge. Hang around in leadership long enough and you can get to the place where you have seen it all, heard it all, and there’s just not much that shocks you anymore. Can you relate?

Studies have shown that those in their first year in a new job are among the happiest in the organization. Contrast that with more tenured employees and you will find vastly different attitudes and opinions.

So how do you retain a healthy perspective as a leader and not become so calloused that you are no longer effective? It’s a challenge we all struggle with. Here are a few tips for your consideration.

Watch your attitude

Your attitude will make you or break you. It always has and it always will. You can come to a place over time that you feel no one is listening, no one wants to improve or change, and that there’s just no reason to be optimistic. Can you relate? This way of thinking can cause your attitude to sour and your leadership to be ineffective.

If you are going to thrive as a leader you must watch your attitude and remember that you are not responsible for other people’s attitudes and actions. You are only accountable for one. Yours. Guard your attitude at all costs. Click To Tweet

Be intentional about your inner circle

In as much as a bad attitude can be disastrous for you as a leader, so too can an inner circle filled with the wrong people. I absolutely believe that you need diversity in your circle. You need people who will inspire you, challenge you, question you, and bring out the best in you. It’s the sign of a smart and thriving leader. We all need people around us – younger and older – who see the world differently from us. But you don’t need the wrong people.

As a leader, you don’t need people with bad attitudes who bring drama; who are unwilling to change, are afraid to take risks, who protect the status quo, and who are afraid to speak the truth.If you want to thrive as a leader then you must be intentional and selective about your inner circle. Click To Tweet

Hold yourself accountable

We live in a world where cynicism and divisions run deep. As leaders, it can be easy to get sucked into all the negativity that surrounds us on a daily basis. We need trusted friends and advisors around us who can hold us accountable for wrong attitudes, actions, words, and behaviors. Click To Tweet The truth is, we all have blind spots and we need the help. I know I do.

Leadership is a marathon, not a 100-yard dash. So on your journey, keep your attitude strong, be intentional about your inner circle, and hold yourself accountable. You will be a better leader for it and your influence as a leader will be worth emulating.

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