self-improvement – Doug Dickerson on Leadership

Leaders – Sometimes We’re The Problem!

Posted March 10, 2019March 11, 2019
by admin

There are no big problems, there are just a lot of little problems. – Henry Ford

A story is told of an old guy driving home from work when his wife calls him on his cell phone. “Phil,” she shouts in a panic, “Please be careful! I just heard on the news that some lunatic is driving the wrong way on Route 80”. “Heck Doris, it’s not just one car,” he replies. “It’s hundreds of them!”

That humorous story is a reminder for all in leadership. For all the times we think we are the only ones who have it all together, we then come face to face with the reality that on any given day, we are the only one who doesn’t.

Sometimes we just have to drop all pretense and just admit it. We are not immune to screw ups. Like everyone else, we’re human.

Leaders deal with problems all the time. Usually someone else’s. But sometimes we’re the problem. There a few ways this plays out. Let me explain how. See if you can relate.

The problems we ignore

Leaders become part of the problem when we ignore problems. Leaders who ignore problems within their organizations – causing them to fester beneath the surface for far too long, only contribute to lingering morale issues. We become part of the problem when we refuse to address issues that have the potential to adversely affect our organization or our people. Click To Tweet

The problems we deny

Unlike the problems we see but ignore, leaders become part of the problem by denying certain problems exist. This can either be because we don’t want to believe it’s true, or because we are afraid of how it might reflect upon our leadership. Denying problems don’t make them go away. And when you, as a leader, continually deny the existence of issues going on within your organization, then by default, you are part of the problem. Click To Tweet

The problems we don’t delegate

Not every problem that exists within your organization calls for your attention. Only the ones no one else can handle or otherwise requires additional personnel to solve need our attention. We become part of the problem when we take ownership of every problem. Ask yourself this: If you have to solve every problem then what else are you meddling with that you shouldn’t?

The problems we obsess over

Every leader is different and every leader has that one pet peeve that sets them off as nothing else will. It’s in times like this that leaders need to be self-aware enough to realize that they need to back off and not allow their own prejudices to disrupt things. What we obsess over, in the minds and eyes of our people, may be insignificant in light of the big picture. Pick your battles wisely and don’t fall on the sword for your trivial gripes.

The same problems we deal with over and over again

As a leader, when we “solve” the same problems over and over again then we’re not really solving them. Band-aid approaches only last so long. Click To Tweet We become part of the problem when the same problems surface time and again. Every leader faces problems and some of them will look familiar or recycled. So don’t look for the quick fix. Find a long term approach that will last for the long haul.

As leaders, we don’t always get things right and make our fair share of mistakes. While it may not be obvious to you, it is to those around you. But don’t let that deter you. The greatest problem is not found in making mistakes or in getting things wrong, the problem is found in not acknowledging them and learning from them.

Are you part of the problem or are you part of the solution?

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The Sweet Spot of Encouragement

Posted January 12, 2017
by dougdickerson

If you are a leader, you should never forget that everyone needs encouragement. And everyone who receives it- young or old, successful or less-than-successful, unknown or famous- is changed by it. – John Maxwell

A story is told of American painter, John Sargent, who once painted a panel of roses that was highly praised by his critics. It was a small picture, but it approached perfection.

Although offered a high price for it on many occasions, Sargent refused to sell it. He considered it his best work and was very proud of it. Whenever he was deeply discouraged and doubtful of his abilities as an artist, he would look at it and remind himself, “I painted that.” Then his confidence and ability would come back to him.

In all of my years in leadership, I have yet to find a leader who didn’t want, need, or appreciate a little encouragement. I believe it’s a universal need and one not just exclusive to leaders. Regardless of your walk in life, who doesn’t appreciate some encouragement along the way?

The above story is a reminder to us of some simple truths about leadership. Let me share three with you.

Every leader has value

John Sargent is considered to be the leading portrait painter of his generation. His mark on the world was made through the arts.

Your gifts or talents may not revolve around being a distinguished artist, but your value exists in other areas. Perhaps you have organizational gifts that keep your business running smooth. You might be the visionary that causes people to see the big picture which creates the necessary momentum to plan for the future. You might be the change agent who speaks the truth about what needs to happen for the sake of your future. (I wrote about how you can add value to your respective organizations here.)

The point here is this: You are a person of value not because of what you do but because of who you are. Your value is more than what you contribute to the bottom line.

Every leader has doubts

Despite his acclaim as an artist, John Sargent still had seasons of discouragement and moments when he called his own abilities into question. Sound familiar?

At some point in time, I think every leader experiences the same struggle. I have. (I wrote about facing your doubts and fears here). We look at heroes in our respective fields of expertise and we say, “If I can only be successful like them, then I will have it made,” not realizing they most likely had the same struggle.

We unfairly compare ourselves to others and think that because we haven’t reached the same level of fame or success then we are a failure – not realizing it may have taken them decades to get there and we want to be there in a fraction of the time. It’s unrealistic and self-defeating. And in the end, discouragement sets in.

The point here is this: You are not the sum of your doubts and fears. And your growth and development as a leader is not a 50-yard dash, it’s a marathon.

Every leader has a sweet spot

John Sargent held on to the prized painting as a reminder of his talents. In moments of self-doubt and discouragement, it motivated him to keep going.

The sweet spot in your leadership comes when you realize that you are not as great as the headlines you write yourself. You are not as bad as the headlines your enemies or critics write. Joy in leadership comes when you discover your why, find fulfillment in the moment, and live for something greater than yourself. (I wrote about finding your purpose in leadership here).

For Sargent, his sweet spot moment came when his focus was on his best work, not his worse. Train yourself to look at the positive. Don’t allow the negative things to define you.

The point here is this: How you rise above self-doubt and discouragement begins with how you see yourself.

Have you found your sweet spot?

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Leadership Minute: Make Believe

Posted October 28, 2014
by admin

Real difficulties can be overcome; it is only the imaginary ones that are unconquerable. – Theodore N. Vail

What real difficulty are you facing? Regardless of what it is you can overcome it. With the right attitude and a lot of determination you can turn things around. But your imaginary difficulties are the ones that will trip you every time. What are imaginary problems? They are the ones created by vivid imaginations, paranoia, and insecurity. As a leader you cannot allow your imagination to get the best of you. It’s not healthy to create real life difficulties out of imaginary circumstances. It’s when you are secure and confident in your talents, gifts, and in your ability to lead that you can rise above those false perceptions. Every leader faces challenges and difficulties and you won’t always be popular for the stands you take and the principles you lead by. But that’s where you must draw the line. Don’t create additional problems for yourself with a run-away imagination. Make believe or making it real – the choice is yours.

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Leadership Minute: Never Give Up!

Posted October 23, 2014
by admin

Never, never, never give up – Winston Churchill

Leaders – have you ever felt: like throwing in the towel, overcome by discouragement, all alone and wore out, like a babysitter, frustrated, stressed, angry, confused, looking for answers, tired, burned out, weary, delirious, doubtful, skeptical, hurt, battered, bruised, betrayed, overworked, underappreciated, and asking the proverbial question of ‘why me?’. Welcome to the world of leadership. So before you throw in the towel and call it quits (we’ve all been there), let me take a moment to encourage you. You are more than the sum of your fears and frustrations. Your life, your purpose, and your destiny have you today where you are meant to be and doing what you were meant to do. It may not be the final stop on your leadership journey but it’s your place to shine today. Don’t allow your emotions to sidetrack you from fulfilling your purpose or keep you from your ultimate destiny. Take a deep breath and remember you are not alone. Never, never, never give up!

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3 Things You Can Learn From Constructive Critics

Posted August 23, 2014
by admin

To avoid criticism do nothing, say nothing, be nothing – Elbert Hubbard

A story is told of Winston Churchill who exemplified integrity and respect in the face of opposition. During his last year in office, he attended an official ceremony. Several rows behind him two gentlemen began whispering. “That’s Winston Churchill.” “They say he is getting senile.” “They say he should step aside and leave the running of the nation to more dynamic and capable men.” When the ceremony was over, Churchill turned to the men and said, “Gentlemen, they also say he is deaf!”

As a leader you will have your critics. It comes with the territory. While many are quick to tell you to not to listen to your critics and to disregard them, I will tell you – not so fast. Not all criticism is fatal just as all praise is not flattering. You must look at the motive.

To be sure, there will be critics who for no other reason than jealousy will oppose you and try to stand in your way while you are achieving your goals and dreams. If their motives are to harm you and not to help you, then yes, you need to ignore them. They are not running your race and they will not be a part of your destiny. Don’t worry about them.

But once in a while a constructive critic comes along whose motives are right and if you are receptive you can benefit from them. Leaders are not above correction and there is always room for improvement. What can you learn from your constructive critics? Plenty. Here are three specific things that might be helpful.

How to develop a thick skin

The sooner you develop a thick skin the better. As a leader you are exposed to a higher than normal amount of criticism from all sides. The decision you make today may anger one group in your office, while a decision tomorrow will have the opposite effect.

It’s easy for people to criticize decision makers when they don’t have to live with the responsibility of the decision. But the criticisms can still sting nonetheless. Developing a thick skin as a leader is a necessity for your longevity. It’s a way of life for you as a leader so get used to it.

Why perceptions matter

Most people’s opinion of you as a leader is based in part on perceptions. Some people’s perceptions may be positive while for others it’s negative. Many factors can contribute to this viewpoint. A person with frequent interaction with you will see your leadership style one way, while a person with limited exposure will see it another. The question is: are you aware of the perceptions others have of you?

You want to give the perception that you are approachable, likable, competent, and that you have your people’s best interest at heart. And if you will allow them, your critics will let you know how you are doing. Though they may be few in number; keep your constructive critics close. In the end they will be more valuable to you than a room full of “yes people” ever will.

How you can improve

Leaders need constructive critics. They will give perspective that you may be lacking, insights you need to know, and will stand with you when times are tough. As a leader there is always room for improvement. You never stop learning. But how can you improve when you have blind spots that are not being brought to your attention?

Your growth and development as a leader is proportional to your desire and ability to learn. It’s a process that involves many components that are traditional in nature but also those that are very personal. It’s one thing to shrug off and dismiss a critic who has no interest in your success. But your best learning will occur when you ask for constructive critics who share in your success and will give you honest feedback.

Final thoughts

As a leader it’s important to differentiate between the critics who oppose you out of their own insecurity, jealousy, or ulterior motives and those who are your constructive critics. It’s not too hard to figure out. One group will stab you in the back while the other group will have your back and support you. One group will stand with you through thick and thin, the other group will cut and run – you get the picture.

Your responsibility as a leader is to discern between the two and align yourself with the right people. Your success as a leader will occur when you are not too proud to listen to your constructive critics and smart enough to ignore the others.

What do you say?

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Leadership Minute: Reign in Your Ego

Posted August 22, 2014
by admin

You need enough ego to believe you matter but not so much that you ignore others. –Dan Rockwell

One of the dangers of your leadership is that of an over-inflated ego. If not careful, leaders who achieve a certain level of success can make the mistake of believing that everything revolves around them. The danger worsens when you believe you matter more than you do and by ignoring others in the process. While it’s good to believe in yourself you should not be writing your own biased headlines. Strive to make a difference and be grateful for your success. Your accomplishments matter but not nearly as much as the people around you. Don’t let your ego be the stumbling block as it relates to your growth as a leader. Remember, it’s not about you. You will keep your ego in check when you seek to elevate those around you and serve with humility.

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Leadership Minute: Learn All You Can

Posted August 21, 2014
by admin

I have never met a man so ignorant that I couldn’t learn something from him. – Galileo Galilei

Leadership is a life-long learning process. Class is always in session; it never ends. As leaders we have the ability to tap into many streams of learning opportunities. Be it a book, a workshop or seminar, or webcast. The point here is simple and direct –learn all that you can from as many sources as possible. Working around you are many people from whom you can learn. Some may be more beneficial to you than others, but from everyone you can learn something. A little humility is in order as it relates to what you can learn from your peers or others in your circle of influence. If you come across as a “know it all” then it might be a challenge to think you can learn from those around you. The question is – are you willing to learn? Don’t try be so above everyone around you that you can’t learn something new. You can. A smart leader realizes he doesn’t know it all and is humble enough to learn.

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Leadership Minute: Hold Your Tongue?

Posted June 27, 2014
by admin

I have noticed that nothing I never said ever did me any harm. – Calvin Coolidge

Ever had one of those times when you said something, and just as soon as the words came out of your mouth you instantly regretted it? Of course you have. We all have. In the spontaneity of the moment our mouth was in gear before our brains and we let it out. Most leaders I know are confident in their beliefs and opinions and are not shy about expressing them. That kind of confidence can be both a blessing and a curse. As a leader it’s all about finding the right balance between what you need to keep to yourself, what you need to say, and the best way to do it. What needs to be said needs to be said. How, when, and where are your considerations. The mark of maturity for you as a leader is figuring it out. When in doubt, err on the side of caution. The words you don’t speak are not the ones you will never have to eat.

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Leadership Minute: Critical Choices

Posted June 3, 2014
by admin
1 Comment on Leadership Minute: Critical Choices

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

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Change The Way You Think

Posted May 23, 2014
by admin

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