Wednesday, August 15, 2012

I Used To Rule the World

I was raised in an environment with a heavy focus on leadership that included my parent's roles, their expectations for me, and numerous examples of how to handle situations as they came up in real life. I didn't know any other path for me growing up.

Then I Grew Up
Landing my first formal leadership job at twenty-seven was exciting. I had been groomed for this moment, right? I was ready! Ah, youth. Yes, on one hand I was ready from the standpoint that I really wanted that opportunity. I worked hard to get that position, and dove in with both feet. But I hadn't actually managed any employees before that time.

That presented me with a whole new set of challenges...er...opportunities. Yes, opportunities!

My Ideas!
I had wonderful ideas back in those days. I had a vision that I just knew would work. Combine that vision with my decisions and strategies and I was confident everything would turn out just fine.

Then things didn't turn out just fine.

Oh...It's a "We" Thing
It's amazing what a little experience and a big slice of humble pie can do for one's career. What started as an enthusiastic and fairly narrow perspective has turned into a much more open-minded (at least some of the time!) view of how work actually gets done.

Building teams that feel empowered to take risks, contribute their ideas, and most importantly to feel comfortable telling me when I'm making mistakes is a much more productive way to go through life.

How About You
Are you so focused on "you" that you're not involving those around you? Are you following my early lead and can not figure out why your plans aren't working? Maybe you'll eventually realize what I did...that I was in my own way all along.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



photo credit


6 comments:

  1. Love reading about your experiences as a young leader. Gives me a smidgen of hope. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're on your way Ben! Thanks for the kind words.

      Delete
  2. Ah yes....A little experience and a piece of humble pie!! Amazing how those two things can completely change your perspective on, not only work, but life!

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is really inspirational. How do you go about building effective teams?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There isn't a short answer to that question Liam, but I'd be happy to discuss it off line if you're interested. The sound byte goes something like this...be open, include others, and then for God's sake make a decision!

      Delete