Leadership Skills – Page 3 – Doug Dickerson on Leadership

Three Qualities of Inspiring Leaders

Posted August 8, 2022
by admin

Great things can happen when you don’t care who gets the credit – Mark Twain

A Randstad USA survey revealed some surprising insights and statistics about how employees view their managers. Here are a few of their key findings:

Only 53% of employees feel their boss values their opinion
Only 35% feel inspired by their boss
25% of employees believe they can do a better job than their boss
17% say their boss takes credit for their work
Both younger employees (aged 24-35) and females tend to be uncomfortable challenging their managers- about 35% in both cases.

These types of statistics remind us of the importance of good leadership in the workplace. It’s hard to lead in an organization where any of these beliefs are prevalent.

It reminds me of a recurring character in the NBC comedy Brooklyn Nine-Nine nicknamed “the Vulture” who has a habit of letting everyone else do the work and then swooping in and taking the credit. Such actions and behaviors are demoralizing and demonstrate gross leadership incompetence.

As a leader, you want to build the type of environment where your people are not only trusted and appreciated for their performance and contributions but that they are properly recognized for it.

So the question becomes one of how you, as a leader, can inspire the people that you lead in a way that reverses the type of negative views cited above. What leadership qualities are essential in bringing out the best in your people and building the type of organization that people want to be in? Here are a few qualities worth developing.

Invest relationally

John Maxwell was right when he said, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” And this is the standard by which you build relationships. Your people don’t care how much you know. They do want to know that you care for them, support them and that you will empower and equip them in every way possible to be successful.

When 53% of employees don’t believe that their boss values their opinion, that’s concerning. Yet, how can an employee believe that their opinion matters if the boss is not engaged relationally with that employee?

Until you develop relationally as a leader, you will always fight this perception whether it’s true or not. Be invested relationally and everything else will fall into place.

Lead confidently

Employees gain confidence by seeing confident leaders in action. A leader can instill this confidence by their example and in their words. When a leader connects on this level of empowerment, it can have a transformative effect on the organization.

Coach Vince Lombardi said, “Confidence is contagious. So is lack of confidence.” And this is the rub as leaders that we must be mindful of. You have the opportunity to instill and inspire confidence as well as the ability to diminish it. And this is why your leadership matters now more than ever.

With only 35% of employees believing that their boss inspires confidence, there’s a void that needs to be filled by confident leaders. Lead confidently and others will follow.

Embrace vulnerability

This is perhaps the most difficult and challenging thing a leader can do. On the surface, it would even appear to be a contradiction to my previous point of leading confidently. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned over my years in leadership, it’s this: the more I learn, the more I come to realize how much I don’t know. And it’s been one of the most helpful things to me as a leader.

Your ability to adapt as a leader, learn new things, and unlearn old ways, is one of the most important things you will do as a leader. Click To Tweet Make it a practice to talk with and listen to the generation that’s coming up behind you – they’re smart, they’re talented, they see the world differently from you, and it’s precisely why you need to surround yourself with them.

Vulnerability in your leadership is an act of humility that will endear you to your people. Embrace it and you will be a better leader for it.

Final Thoughts

The face and future of leadership are being defined by the practices we embrace today. It’s as you invest in relationships, lead with confidence, and are willing to be vulnerable and humble that your best practices will take shape. Be an example worth following.

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Five Advantages of Connected Leaders

Posted May 23, 2022
by admin

Humans are social beings and we are happier, and better when we are connected to others. – Peter Bloom

I came across a story about how a tree stump in New Zealand keeps itself alive by holding onto the roots of its neighboring trees, exchanging water and resources through its grafted roots system.

Though the remnant appears dead, a grafting of roots underground connects the part that looks dead to the healthy trees.

I found this story to be inspiring by the way the tree stump stayed alive by being grafted to the other trees around it.

That story says a lot about the importance of how healthy leaders stay connected to the sources that give them the greatest opportunities for growth. In leadership, it’s imperative to learn this lesson early.

The late John Lennon once wrote, “A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality,” and that sums up the power of being connected to like-minded people who can move you from dreaming to achieving.

What does a connected leader look like? What sets them apart from other leaders? Consider these five advantages of being a connected leader.

A connected leader has greater momentum

Ask any leader or look at the one commodity of any organization and momentum is one of those things that once you have can lift you to new levels. By yourself, creating momentum is a challenge. Within the confines of being connected, it’s much easier to attain and keep going.

If you are a leader who’s lacking momentum, consider your level of connectedness to those around you who can give you that confidence that comes with momentum.

A connected leader has greater resources

A great advantage of being a connected leader is that you have greater resources at your disposal. It empowers and equips you in ways that you’d never experience otherwise.

If you are a leader who is lacking in resources, then consider the advantages of being a part of something larger than yourself and resources that can elevate your leadership.

A connected leader has greater accountability

One of the most important advantages you can have in leadership is to be surrounded and associated with a group of people that will support you and hold you accountable. While many may resist it, it’s the one thing that will help you the most.

A “Lone Ranger” leader who is not accountable is one that can easily squander their potential. Accountable leaders are growing leaders.

A connected leader has greater influence

Ultimately, a leader who is connected to a team of other like-minded people significantly increases their potential in ways never previously imagined. This kind of influence is a game-changer in how it impacts the lives of others, increases the mission and vision of their organization, and has the capacity to grow more leaders in the process.

If you are a leader who seriously wants to increase your influence then be a leader that’s connected to something greater than yourself. Click To Tweet

A connected leader has greater rewards

This is the culmination of what being a connected leader is all about. Ultimately, being a connected leader is not about what’s in it for you but rather what you, as a connected leader, can do for others. It’s about how you and your life-minded tribe can add value to others and be the leaders you were destined to become.

If you are a leader who has a desire for greater rewards, then consider the mindset of a leader connected to a cause and purpose greater than you.

Final Thoughts

What you stand to gain by being a connected leader is far greater than anything you think you might lose by going it alone. The truth is, we need each other, and leaders who are connected to one another have that advantage. You weren’t meant to do life alone- get connected and see the difference it can make in your leadership.

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Leadership For Such A Time As This

Posted March 13, 2022
by admin

And where were you?- Winston Churchill

A story is told that in the early days of World War II, Winston Churchill called Britain’s coal miners together. A great crisis had arisen. The miners were not getting out enough coal to fuel the factories that produced the planes and ships they so desperately needed.

When Churchill stood to speak he said, “I want to give it to you straight.” For an hour and forty minutes, he outlined the desperate situation confronting Britain.

Then in stirring language he said, “When at last it is all over, we’ll parade these streets again and as you go by, people will call out, “And where were you?” Someone will answer, ‘I marched with the Eighth Army,’ and someone else will say, ‘I was in the skies over Britain,’ Another will reply, ‘I was in the Merchant Maries pushing the ships through the sea up to Archangel,’ Then I shall be standing there and I will call out, ‘Where were you?’ I will hear your answer, ‘We were down in the black pits right up against the face of the coal.”

Then thousands of coal miners arose and with tears streaming down their faces, cheered the Prime Minister, and the coal came out. They had caught a fresh vision of the importance of their work.

We are challenged on every front right now. We see the horrific images coming out of Ukraine, our hearts are broken as we see the human suffering and senseless loss of life.

And just when we begin to see that we have turned the corner with COVID we are now facing an economic strain that we haven’t experienced in decades.

It’s in moments of historic significance we find ourselves living in right now, that we need to hear in the back of our minds the words Churchill invoked as he spoke to the miners when he said, “And where were you?”.

This is one of the most significant questions of our generation that we need to answer. I’m asking all leaders to search their hearts and ponder these questions:

In this time of adversity and trial – Where are you?
When our world cries out for leaders with backbone, clarity, and vision – Where are you?
When the world begs for leaders with integrity and true north – Where are you?
When there is brokenness and despair in the hearts of people around you – Where are you?
With the spiritual climate in decline and the moral vacuum has to be filled – Where are you?
When partisans at every turn try to divide us – Where you are?
When our neighbors are in distress and in need – Where are you?
When those without a voice need a voice to speak on their behalf – Where are you?
When our youth need mentors and a guiding hand – Where are you?

Our world needs leaders to step up and answer these questions and more with courage and conviction. When the world is broken all around us, may people look to you and me as a source of healing and strength. Click To Tweet

Final Thoughts

The Old Testament speaks of a woman named Esther who became queen. In Esther 4:14 it says, “…and who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” This verse was spoken to her because she found herself in a position to rescue her people from death. In that season of her life, her faith was tested, just like your leadership is being tested today. Esther trusted and believed that God had put her in that position, in that time, to do what needed to be done. Her faith was tested, but God was working in her position.

I believe that this is our moment in time to step up be the leaders the world is looking for – for such a time as this.

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Becoming A Generous Leader

Posted March 6, 2022
by admin

Where your pleasure is, there is your treasure; where your treasure is, there is your heart; where your heart is, there is your happiness. – Augustine

A story is told of a mother who wanted to teach her young daughter a lesson on giving. So she gave her daughter a quarter and a dollar just before going into church. “Put whichever one you want into the collection plate and keep the other for yourself,” she said.

When they were coming out of the church, the mother asked her daughter which amount she put into the collection plate. “Well,” said the little girl, “I was going to give the dollar, but just before the collection, the man in the pulpit said that we should all be cheerful givers. I knew I would be a lot more cheerful if I gave the quarter, so I did.”

At the heart of the lesson is a reminder all leaders need to hear. That the little girl might hold onto the dollar and only give the quarter might not be all that surprising considering her young age. But the expectation ought to be higher for leaders.

As a leader starting out, I’m thankful that I had mentors and other leaders who generously spoke into my life. I’m grateful for their influence and the wisdom that they shared. I’m where I am today because of their generosity.

If there’s ever been in a time in our world for cheerful and generous leaders it’s now. Our world is troubled and broken and in great need of leaders who can make significant contributions to those around them. But where do we start? Here are three simple ways to be a generous leader.

Be a generous encourager

It’s been said that everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about. You may not know the battles, the struggles, the stress, the family situations, etc., of those around you. Your one word of encouragement can go a long way in making someone else’s day. It may not seem all that significant to you but it can make their day. Be an encourager.

Be a generous listener

Over the years I’ve come to the realization that I’ve helped more people not by what I ever had to say, but simply by listening. I’ve also learned that I don’t have to “fix” everyone’s problems and more times than not it’s not what people are after. People today want to be heard and have leaders in their life who will listen. Be a generous listener. It can a world of difference.

Be a generous resource

One of the great joys in life is giving. Living a generous lifestyle pays dividends in many ways. I challenge myself daily with this one question – what one generous act can I do for someone today that will add value to them or brighten their day? I do this for people that I know – I love resourcing people – especially with books and find other ways to add value to those around me. I do this for strangers – I like to pay it forward by picking up a check for someone’s dinner in a restaurant or for their beverage at the drive-thru. I don’t mention these things to boast but simply to illustrate that when generosity becomes a lifestyle it becomes contagious and makes the world just a little nicer place.

Final Thoughts

What generous things are you doing to add value to those around you? How might you become a more encouraging leader or a better listener? Our world could use a little more cheer. Let’s learn the joy of being generous leaders.

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Why People Fire Their Leaders – And How To Stop It

Posted February 21, 2022
by admin

People quit people, not companies – John Maxwell

I remember my first job out of college. I was excited and filled with great enthusiasm. But it played out like A Tale of Two Cities, “it was the best of times, it was the worst of times”. I was surrounded by people I genuinely liked with many friends. With a great team in place, we made great strides in the community we served. But I had “the boss from hell” who made life hell. So, I fired him.

An article in Inc. magazine identified the top 5 characteristics that caused employees to leave their jobs. They are:

Management style — 37 percent
Condescending attitude — 30 percent
Mean or bad temper — 30 percent
Inappropriate behavior — 26 percent
Harassed employees — 24 percent

Speaking of bad boss behavior, here is a sampling of what respondents called unacceptable or deal-breaking behaviors: Your boss takes credit for your work 63%, your boss doesn’t trust or empower you 62%; your boss doesn’t care if you’re overworked 58%, your boss doesn’t advocate for you when it comes to compensation 57%, your boss hires and/or promotes the wrong people 56%, your boss doesn’t provide proper direction on assignments/roles 54%, your boss micromanages and doesn’t allow you “freedom to work” 53%, etc.

When you look at the above examples of why people leave their work or the characteristics of bad bosses, one thing is certain – there is a leadership gap. As it relates to employee engagement, bad bosses, company morale, and corporate culture, how the leadership gap is addressed going forward is critical. A boss without strong leadership skills will drive his or he people away.

I’ve said it in this space before: Building the type of organization that your people would never dream of leaving begins by being the type of leader everyone wants to follow. Let’s explore three basic ways in which you can build that type of culture.

Serve your people

The higher you ascend in your organization the more responsibilities you take on – not more rights. This is where many a boss drops the leadership ball. Think of a pyramid. The old way of thinking is that at the bottom you have many rights and at the top, few responsibilities. Now flip it- when you do, the opposite becomes true. You now have more responsibilities as the leader/boss and fewer rights. Now, start acting like it.

You will build the type of organization people would never dream of leaving when you develop the mindset of servant leadership and by empowering your people at every opportunity. Click To Tweet

Empower your people

Employee engagement is directly tied to empowered employees. The cited survey, along with many others drive this point home. If your people are micromanaged, underappreciated, and not given credit for their ideas and work, is it any wonder they are firing their bosses?

Billy Hornsby said, “ It’s okay to let those you lead outshine you, for if they shine brightly enough, they reflect positively on you”. The boss who makes for a good leader understands that when his or her people are empowered it makes them look good. You will build the type of organization they would never dream of leaving when you empower them to reach their full potential.

Engage your people

Employee engagement is only as meaningful and effective as the leader who engages on this level. The boss who only sees employee engagement as something “they do” may have the work of his employees’ hands, but will never have their hearts. If you want to stop your people from walking out the door, then you must open yours. You must be among your people, know your people, and serve them. Click To Tweet

Building the type of organization people would never dream of leaving begins when you understand that they are the most appreciable asset you have. Simply put, employee engagement begins at the top.

Final Thoughts

There’s no way in this space to take a deep dive into all of the issues that need to be addressed here. But engaged and invested people need to step up and help right the ship. What role will you play in closing the back door and helping build the type of culture no one would ever dream of leaving?

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Leadership Lessons From The G.O.A.T.

Posted January 31, 2022January 31, 2022
by admin

Losing is no disgrace if you’ve given your best. – Jim Palmer

The Cinderella ending of Tom Brady’s playoff run with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is not the one he wanted. But with class, he played the hand he was dealt. Will he retire from the game? By the time you read this, we may have our answer.

My intention here is not to stroll down memory lane detailing all of the highlights of his remarkable career. There’s not enough time or space here to do that. His accomplishments speak for themselves.

Any player can give glowing remarks after an incredible come from behind win or other such accomplishment and look good. But how you handle the disappointment of a loss is more revealing.

After the defeat of the Buccaneers to the Rams in the recent playoff game, Brady took to his Instagram page to comment about the loss. In doing so, he gives us a few lessons in leadership that transcend the game.

Allow me to break down those leadership lessons taken from his post. I believe these lessons can benefit any leader regardless of your profession.

Gratitude

“…but this week, all that is on my mind is the gratitude I have for this team and the fans that have supported us…”

In this statement, Tom Brady brings to the forefront a leadership characteristic all can emulate. When you lead from a heart of gratitude it speaks volumes about your character. The lesson here is simple but profound – no one does it alone.

Brady rightfully acknowledges his teammates and fans for their support. He acknowledges that when everyone comes together and works hard then great things can happen. A heart of gratitude and humility is refreshing coming from a player the caliber of Brady especially after a loss.

Hard work pays off

“This year has been incredibly rewarding personally and professionally and I am appreciative of everyone who worked their ass off to help our team achieve so much.”

Simply put, Brady is acknowledging the obvious – hard work pays off. When everyone is invested and willing to work hard and make the sacrifices to achieve great results, it’s a humbling experience. Even though the season ended sooner than he and the rest of the team would have liked, he acknowledged everyone’s efforts and did not blame anyone for the loss. It was a total team effort that was characterized by hard work and determination.

Hard work and self-discipline have always been hallmarks of Brady’s career, even in the offseason. When a leader or athlete like Brady is the one who sets the bar, it lifts everyone to a higher standard and he gives credit where it’s due.

Keep everything in proper perspective

“ I always want to win., I think that’s pretty apparent by now, but that doesn’t mean I equate losing to failure, especially when you go out fighting the way we did.”

Brady’s quote here is leadership gold. When you understand that losing one game does not equal failure it’s a game-changer.

In his book, Failing Foward, John Maxwell writes, “ The difference between average people and achieving people is their perception of and response to failure.” Brady’s ability to see in this light indicates that he clearly understands the difference.

Click here to order the book

Final Thoughts

Tom Brady demonstrated that winning is not characterized by the final score of a game. He showed that some things are more important – like living with gratitude, working hard, and keeping everything in proper perspective.

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Attitude Checkup: Three Questions You Need To Answer Now

Posted January 24, 2022
by admin

Ability is what you are capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it. – Lou Holtz

I read a story about a girl named Naaz. One day, she looked in the mirror and found that she had only three strands of hair left on her head!

She said to herself, “I think I will braid my hair today!” So she did and went out and had a great fun-filled day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror, and found just two hair on her head!

She thought to herself, “Well, I think today I will part my hair down the middle”. So she did and had a wonderful day.

The next day, she woke up and noticed that she had only one hair left. She said, “Well, today I will put my hair in a ponytail.” So she did and had a jolly good day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had no hair on her head. “Hurray!” She exclaimed and said, “I don’t have to fix my hair today.” And went with a big smile on her face.

The moral of the story? – Be happy with what you have. Each one of us is fighting some battle. Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.

I like the story about Naaz. It’s a simple reminder of something that at times can be lost on us – the importance of choosing the right attitude.

As a leader, your attitude is extremely important. It needs to be. Think of your attitude as the thermostat by which all other attitudes are set. Would you consider that a good thing or bad?

In Business News Daily, Jennifer Post writes, “Psychologists generally agree that our brains are hardwired to put more of our focus and energy on bad news. Maybe it’s because we are surrounded by it, now more than ever in the age of instant news and videos of tragedies being uploaded seconds after they happen.” Sound familiar? This is why your attitude matters.

So let’s take a few moments and have an attitude check-up. Here are three questions worth asking yourself right now.

What are you thankful for?

When you are intentional about what you are thankful for, it will change your perspective and attitude. It’s all too easy to dwell on negative things and complain about what we don’t have or don’t like. When your focus is on what you are thankful for it can be a game-changer.

Even when Naaz had lost all of her hair, she had something to be thankful for. Chances are, you do too.

Question #1 is the mindset question. Your mindset and attitude are uniquely connected. Guard them both.

What are you dreaming about?

When you have a dream in your heart that inspires you it will have a positive effect on you. You cannot move in the direction of your dreams and ultimately achieve them if you harbor a negative attitude. Click To Tweet A dream bigger than yourself will require an equally positive attitude to get you there.

What dream do you have right now that requires the best attitude from you to achieve it? Never allow a negative attitude to take away your dream.

Question #2 is the passion question. How far you go with your dream is in large part determined by your attitude. Guard them both.

How are you serving others?

When your focus is on serving others and giving back you will find it hard to entertain a negative attitude. When you take the focus off of yourself and put it on others it will change your perspective. As a leader, you have to remember that it’s not about you. When you learn that, it changes everything.

In what ways can you serve others in your organization or community? Your attitude will shift for the better when you learn the secret of selfless leadership.

Question #3 is the purpose question. When you know and understand your purpose your attitude will naturally follow.

Final Thoughts

When you align your attitude with your mindset, your passion, and your purpose you will open a whole new realm in your leadership. How’s your checkup looking?

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Walking the Leadership Tightrope

Posted January 17, 2022
by admin

We must be courageous but also reasonable. The world admires us for walking a tightrope without falling off. It asks us to keep our balance. – Lech Walesa

Standing at only five feet and five inches and weighing in at only 140 pounds, by standards of stature, he was not that impressive. But Charles Blondin was a showman extraordinaire and people would come from all over the world to watch him perform.

Charles Blondin, also known as “The Great Blondin”, was a tightrope walker and was famous for his daredevil walks across Niagra Falls back in the 1800s.

On one such occasion, he called out to the crowd, “ I am the Great Blondin, who believes I can cross Niagra Falls on this tightrope?” The crowd would roar with approval and watch in amazement. On another occasion, Blondin reached in his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief, and called out, “I am the Great Blondin, who believes I can cross Niagra Falls on this tightrope, while blindfolded?”. The crowd roared with approval, “We believe!”.

Then Blondin pulled away a sheet revealing a wheelbarrow. Again he called out to the crowd, “I am the Great Blondin, who believes that I can walk this tightrope across Niagra Falls, while blindfolded, pushing this wheelbarrow?”. The crowd roared its approval, “We believe!”.

Finally, Blondin gave the ultimate challenge, “I am the Great Blondin, who wants to get in the wheelbarrow with me?”. With that, the crowd fell silent.

In many ways, leadership is like walking a tightrope. You will have a lot of spectators and people will come from all over to cheer you on- until you ask them to get in the wheelbarrow with you.

But what are some of the more common tightrope issues leaders have to deal with? Here, I’d like to point out a few of the most common ones and why they are tightrope issues.

Walking the tight rope between your principles and popularity

It’s a struggle many leaders wrestle with – the balancing act between wanting to be liked versus doing the right thing.

Walking this tightrope can lead to you making decisions based on the way the winds of popular opinion are blowing today is blowing today and your desire to be liked. When faced with this dilemma, always choose to stick to your principles over your popularity.

Walking the tightrope between putting the team above your personal success

This is another common tightrope leader’s walk- finding the balance between putting the good of the team ahead of your own personal success.

When your people see that you will put them first, they will go the extra mile not just for the team but for you. Click To Tweet

Walking the tightrope between what your people need to hear and what they want to hear

How you communicate is just as important as what you communicate. Learning how to walk the tightrope in your communication between what your people need to hear and what they want to hear can be a real balancing act.

Make it a priority to learn how to genuinely communicate with your people and build off of a relationship of trust.

Walking the tightrope between empowering your people versus managing your people

Every good leader knows that you manage things and lead people. Your balancing act is usually found between how you empower your people and falling back on managing them. Understand this – your people want to be empowered, not managed.

The sooner you learn this lesson as a leade the better for you and better for your team. Your work as a leader is to empower your people to become the best they can be. Sometimes that happens by getting out of the way.

Final Thoughts

Walking the tightrope in leadership is nothing new. Keep your focus on what matters most and don’t allow yourself to lose your balance due to things that don’t matter. Keep your focus and always put others first.

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Living Your Purpose Through Your Priorities

Posted January 2, 2022
by admin

If you’re alive, there’s a purpose for your life. – Rick Warren

One of golf’s immortal moments came when a Scotchman demonstrated the new game of golf to President Ulysses S. Grant. Placing the ball of the tee, he took a mighty swing. The club hit the turf and scattered dirt all over the President’s beard and surrounding vicinity, while the ball placidly waited on the tee. Again, the Scotchman swung, and again he missed. Grant waited patiently through six more tries then quietly stated, “There seems to be a fair amount of exercise in the game, but I fail to see the purpose of the ball.”

Welcome to 2022 along with all the resolutions, diets, and goals that come with it. It’s a new year full of endless possibilities and a chance to hit the reset button.

As you contemplate this new year you don’t want to find yourself in a situation like Grant and see a lot of swinging and missing and failing to the purpose of the ball – or this case, the purpose of your goal. In 2022, you want to be focused, know your purpose, and hit your goals along the way.

Remember the line from Lewis Carrol’s Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland? It went like this:

“Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?”

“That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the Cat.

“I don’t much care where-” said Alice.

“Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,” said the Cat.

And this is precisely why you have to connect your purpose to your priority. With it, you can chart the course and get there, without it, you drift.

I would like to share with you something that I came across a few years ago by Gary Keller entitled: Goal Setting to the Now. It’s perhaps one of the most practical examples I’ve seen on goal setting that works. It goes like this:

Someday Goal

What’s the One Thing I want to do someday?

Five-Year Goal

Based on my Someday Goal, what’s the One Thing I can do in the next five years?

One-Year Goal

Based on my Five-Year Goal, what’s the One Thing I can do this month?

Monthly Goal

Based on my One-Year Goal, what’s the One Thing I can do this month?

Weekly Goal

Based on my Monthly Goal, what’s the One Thing I can do this week?

Daily Goal

Based on my Weekly Goal, what’s the One Thing I can do today?

Right Now

Based on my Daily Goal, what’s the One Thing I can do right now?

Goal setting and goal execution are two different things. By using this model, you can think and plan long-term while doing your One Thing right now to make it happen.

Final Thoughts

Living your purpose through your priorities is essential for your success. Who you surround yourself with is just as important. Make sure your priorities and the people around you are aligned properly for maximum success in 2022.

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When the Cure is Worse Than the Problem

Posted November 28, 2021November 28, 2021
by admin

Learn from the mistakes of others. You can never live long enough to make them all yourself. – Groucho Marx

I’d like to share with you about the time I was passed out on the kitchen floor at my parent’s house. In my defense, alcohol was involved.

I was around 10 or 11, and my sister and I were in the big field out behind our house. As we were walking along, I was pulling weeds. We were headed back to the house and as we were making our way to the backyard, I reached down to pull one last weed out of the ground before going inside. This time when I did, it slit my index finger open.

As we approached the house, my instinct was to go up to the water faucet and start cleaning it up. Blood was everywhere and my blue winter coat was soaked in it which only created more alarm on the part of my sister who promptly went inside to tell my mother – not a good move.

Once inside, my mother did as I had predicted she would – she panicked! My dad was at work and so she was almost hysterical in trying to figure out what to do. She had me stand at the sink and put my hand over it so as not to spill blood on the floor. Then she left.

A few moments later she returned with a bottle of rubbing alcohol. I was under the impression that she would only pour just a little of it on my finger in order to “kill the germs”. In her panic and to my astonishment, my mother turned the bottle upside down and proceeded to pour all of it onto my finger!

For a brief moment I recalled letting out a scream – but not much after that as I then passed out onto the kitchen floor. In her desire to help me with my cut finger, I was now passed out on the floor that she didn’t want any blood on just moments before.

There are a few lessons I learned from that experience that applies to us in leadership. See how these resonate with you.

Sometimes problems look worse than they are

As a leader, you will experience problems and issues of varying degrees all the time. In those moments, be careful not to exaggerate the problem beyond what it is. It’s likely you will have others around you doing that already. Your job as the leader is to accurately define the situation and calmly convey the right course of action that’s needed. Not every problem requires you to dump the whole bottle of alcohol on it to fix it. Stay calm and think it through.

Sometimes the “cure” is worse than the problem

In a way that I am not fully capable of explaining, my sweet mother, God rest her soul, in the heat of the moment believed that an entire bottle of rubbing alcohol was the “cure” to my cut. There will be times in leadership when those around you may propose a solution to a problem that is not worthy of the problem. Click To Tweet In the heat of the moment, you need to be clear-eyed and accurately assess the situation and not make matters worse. The damage caused by the cure can make a very manageable problem much larger simply by doing the wrong thing.

Sometimes you have to hide the alcohol from your mother

I am now able to look back on that experience and laugh over what happened that day. But had I known what was going to happen before leaving the house to go on that walk, I would have hidden that bottle of rubbing alcohol from her.

As a leader, you will be exposed to people from whom you need to hide the alcohol. I bet you can name at least one of them now, am I right? But more importantly, as a leader, you need to be about training your people not to see “problems” but to see the opportunities before them and gear them toward a solution mindset versus a problem mindset. Then when they come to you, they don’t just come with a problem, they come with ideas on how to solve it.

Let’s be careful not to make the cure worse than the problem. There is a better way.

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