Leadership Lesson – Page 3 – Doug Dickerson on Leadership

Getting Unstuck: Four Principles to Change Your Leadership: Part Two- Be Patient

Posted July 19, 2021
by admin

Patience is the ability to idle your motor when you feel like stripping your gears – Barbara Johnson

A story is told of two frogs that fell into a tub of cream. One looked at the high sides of the tub which were too difficult to crawl over and said, “It is hopeless.” So he resigned himself to death, relaxed, and sank to the bottom. The other one was determined to keep swimming as long as he could. “Something might happen,” he said. He kept kicking and churning, and finally, he found himself on a solid platform of butter and jumped to safety.

Like the two frogs, there are times as leaders when we find ourselves stuck and looking for a way out without sinking.

In part one of this series Getting Unstuck, I wrote about the need to be present in those times of being stuck. It goes against the grain in terms of what we want to do because we want to get unstuck as quickly as possible to move on to the next thing. But sometimes we need to embrace the moment and use it wisely to see why we are stuck and what we can learn from it going forward.

Right now in your leadership, you may feel you are stuck. In this fog, you feel like you’ve lost your edge and creative juices. You may not be able to put your finger on it, but you know something doesn’t feel right. If you’ve been there you know what I’m talking about. So let’s explore the second principle for getting unstuck and see what we can learn and apply that will help.

Be Patient – This won’t last forever

If by chance you are wired like I am, patience is not one of your finer qualities. I wish it were not true, but it is. I hate sitting in traffic, I hate waiting in line- especially for ice cream. I hate meetings that crawl along and are going nowhere – all the while sitting there thinking of all the things I could be doing. I’m not alone, am I?

That all being said, there’s one thing I’ve learned after several decades in leadership: being stuck is not permanent. Be patient. This won’t last forever.

When we are stuck, we tend to magnify the situation and feel like we will never find our way out of our funk. It’s why being present in the moment that I wrote about in part one is so important. We want to get unstuck as quickly as we can and get moving. But being present in our stuck moments can be a valuable time of growth and that takes patience.

When we are present in the moment and exercise patience, we eventually begin to see not only what’s at work around us, but more importantly, what’s going on within us. First and foremost, leadership is an inside job. And when we are stuck, we must take the time for self-reflection. Click To Tweet

What’s got you stuck today? Is it a lack of clarity that you need or an attitude that’s gone awry? Have you cut yourself off from people you need to listen to and those who can hold you accountable? It can be any number of factors, but know this- it’s in your patience and being in the moment that will eventually move you forward.

Final Thoughts

Being stuck is no fun. What’s worse is squandering the moment and not learning from it. Allow yourself to be present at the moment and be patient. You will come through this if you keep your heart and attitude right.

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Elevating Your Leadership Influence

Posted January 19, 2021
by admin

Think twice before you speak because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another. – Napoleon Hill

One day a farmer grabbed his shotgun to shoot at a flock of pesky crows. Unfortunately, he didn’t see his sociable parrot that had joined the crows. After firing a few shots, he walked over to the fallen birds and was surprised to find his parrot badly ruffled with a broken wing.

When the farmer’s children saw the injured bird, they asked, “Dad, what happened?” The farmer simply replied, “Bad company.”

In leadership, one of the greatest responsibilities you have is to add value to your people and to increase the level of your influence in a positive way. As a leader, this ought to be top of mind in your thinking, but also in your actions. Are they lining up?

As you consider how to elevate your leadership influence, perhaps a good place to start is with these questions.

Are you investing in yourself as a leader?

After 30+ years in leadership here’s what I have learned – growing as a leader is a lifelong process. There’s never been a time in which I can say that I’ve learned it all. Before you can be a leader of influence in the life of those around you, you must first invest in your own personal growth and development as a leader. You have to grow yourself before you can grow others. Click To Tweet

Do you see the intrinsic value and worth of the people you lead?

It’s a simple leadership principle but one that needs to be established – if you don’t place value in the people that you lead, you will be unable to add value to them. Not everyone you lead has the same potential, but everyone has potential. Make sure that you value and respect the people that you lead, if not, your influence will be marginal at best.

Are you aware of the power of your words and actions?

The overwhelming influence you have as a leader comes from your words and actions. There’s no escaping it. The Biblical advice, “…let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger…” (James 1:19) is advice we can all learn from. Your words, actions, and temperament as a leader will go a long way in determining how much influence you will ultimately have. Click To Tweet

Do you have the right motives?

In leadership, it’s important that you are using your influence for the right reasons. There’s no greater joy for a leader than to add value, build relationships, and help others grow and develop in their leadership. But sadly, not every leader has unselfish motives. Your influence as a leader is proportional to your motives and integrity.

So long as you see relationships as transactional – what’s in it for me- then your influence as a leader will be scarce and eventually people will see through it. Be genuine and authentic and your influence will increase.

Can you keep your ego in check?

I’ve said it many times over the years and it still rings true today – expressions of servant leadership are found when you concede being in the spotlight by putting someone else in it. And this cuts to the heart of what leadership is all about. The day you and I discover that it’s not about us is the day we truly understand leadership. When your influence as a leader puts someone else in the spotlight is a time of celebration, not jealousy. So long as you hold onto your ego, you will have a hard time being an influential leader.

Who’s in your circle of influence?

Elevating your leadership influence begins with identifying who is in your circle of influence and being intentional with it. Who are you reaching? How are you adding value to them? In what ways can you improve upon what you are doing? How can you expand your circle and be a more productive leader? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you increase your influence.

The Cardinal Point Leadership Podcast is coming in January 2021! The Cardinal Point Leadership Podcast is for leaders young and old. My desire is simple – to cut through the clutter and deliver leadership content that is relevant, practical, and useful. Here we will talk about leadership development, employee engagement, servant leadership, and much more.

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Recovering Humility in Leadership

Posted October 1, 2020
by admin

Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. Do you plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility. – Saint Augustine

Shortly after he took over as the president of Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, Booker T. Washington was walking in an exclusive section of town when he was stopped by a wealthy white woman. Not knowing the famous Mr. Washington by sight, she asked if he would like to earn a few dollars by chopping wood for her.

Because he had no pressing business at the moment, Mr. Washington smiled, rolled up his sleeves, and proceeded to do the humble chore she had requested. When he was finished, he carried the logs into the house and stacked them by the fireplace. A little girl recognized him and later revealed his identity to the lady.

The next morning the embarrassed woman went to see Mr. Washington in his office at the Institute and apologized profusely. “It’s perfectly alright madam,” he replied. “Occasionally I enjoy a little manual labor. Besides, it’s always a delight to do something for a friend.” She shook his hand and warmly reassured him that his meek and gracious attitude had endeared him and his work to her heart.

Not long afterward, she showed her admiration by persuading some wealthy acquaintances to join her in donating thousands of dollars to the Tuskegee Institute.

Have you ever had the privilege of running across a leader like this? Refreshing, isn’t it? Unfortunately, we live in a culture that’s turned toxic on many levels and the most basic virtues of leadership are diminished before our eyes on a daily basis. I submit, we can and should be better.

John Maxwell was right when he said, “If leaders can move past arrogance and work toward humility, they can become the very best.” And this is one of the greatest challenges I see in leadership today. When you see leadership as a right and not as a privilege, and when servant leadership is beneath you, then your pride will always hold you back.

In this environment in which we live, is it possible to recover one of the essential ingredients to good leadership that’s found in humility? I believe so. Here are a few ways to do it.

We must model servant leadership

The most important lesson you will learn as a leader is that it’s not about you. Your capacity to lead is proportional to your capacity to serve your people. Click To TweetThis is what allows you to be comfortable in your own skin and lead with humility. Your greatest satisfaction as a leader is found in what you can do for others, not in what they do for you.

We must remember our beginnings

I see this often with leaders. In the beginning of their careers they are finding their way and working their way up. But at some point, they forget the past, they forget the struggle, they forget the sacrifices made that got them where they are. Now they enter into a sense of entitlement having “paid their dues” so they believe that they can behave any way they want. In order to recover the virtue of humility will require a sense of remembering and gratitude in recognition of where you are today. No matter how far you’ve come, be grateful and thankful and remember it hasn’t given you the right to act like a jerk. Click To Tweet

We must remain teachable

If you are going to last as a leader you must remain teachable. The pace of information and technology in today’s global economy requires it of you. To be sure, there are bedrock principles of leadership that are timeless. But your ability to remain relevant is only guaranteed as you commit to being teachable and not falling back on what you learned in years past. Leading with humility begins the day you realize how little you know and as you commit to improving yourself daily.

Final Thoughts

As a leadership trait, humility is not to be mistaken for a sign of weakness. Rick Warren put it this way, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” And herein lies the leadership secret of humility. It’s being secure in your power to not abuse it, secure enough in your position without flaunting it, and secure enough in your title that nothing is beneath you.

We’ve seen the abuses of power and the destruction it leaves. Perhaps now it’s time to see a return to humility in leadership.

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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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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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