Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Everything You Can Imagine

What is it about how we see the world? Some see the negatives, live in fear, and move so cautiously they miss any realistic chance of making a difference.

Others move so rapidly that they don't pause for even a moment to consider the impact of their reckless decision-making style.

Still others are so full of confidence that they are sure their approach is the right one. Until it's not.

Finding Balance
As someone who has a...shall we say, healthy ego...finding the sweet spot between confidence and arrogance can be challenging at times. 

Maybe you struggle with that too. Since I've been around the block more times than I care to count, that elusive thing known as experience has suddenly become an ally. 

It guides me...protects me...and spurs me on when I see opportunities that others don't see.

Blind Spots
But where is that balance? How do we find it when we know, whether we would like to admit it or not, that we have blind spots...even with all of our 'experience?'

Having a team that you trust around you makes a big difference. When you trust your team, ideas can be shared, different perspectives can be examined, and the best plan can be executed.

In the absence of that culture, you are destined to fall prey to those blind spots. Right?

How About You
Lead the way and build the culture in your organization that allows for growth, camaraderie and trust. Just imagine what could be possible!

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Bail and Pray

Sometimes work feels like...well...a lot. Not always bad of course, at times it's full of new projects, challenges, experiences and opportunities. These are exciting moments. Other times can feel like we are a ship that is taking on water and there aren't enough hands to do the bailing.

Stop for a Second
When the pressure is on do you sulk, throw up your arms or feel sorry for yourself? Maybe you feel like throwing in the towel altogether. Those are normal feelings. 

We want to do good work. 
We want to make a difference for our organizations.
We want to feel like we add value.

Don't let go of those feelings. They are the thread that keeps you connected to the real you, regardless of what is happening in your world.

Now, Go
Perhaps you decide to own the day the best way you can...it won't be perfect, but you can modify your expectations with a long-term view.Yeah, that's it. Think beyond these moments. Think farther ahead.

Having to bail and pray for a period of time is not a bad thing. In fact, it demonstrates patience, and an awareness of bigger pieces that are being pulled together but aren't in place quite yet. 


It shows restraint, and professionalism...it shows leadership. Your leadership.

That seems to be a much talked about but rarely seen thing in the world of work.

And then...suddenly the pieces come together. The team is in place. The plan comes together. The momentum picks up.


How About You
Time moves so quickly...why wallow in self-pity, when you can bail out the water and pray today...knowing that tomorrow is going to be fantastic? This is not failure...this is not managing...this is leading when it is needed most.

What do you think?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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Friday, October 11, 2019

Where Did the Courage Go?

Leadership, teamwork, risk, collaboration, trust...and courage...important words that dramatically impact the life of an organization. Not only are they important at the team member level, they are essential at the senior levels of any organization if it is to thrive.

Easy to Say
Sure, the quick out here is that "leadership-speak" is simple and straightforward to say, but a very different thing to practice in real life.

I disagree.

It seems to me, after several decades in the leadership business, that the absence of courage is the key trait that derails leaders and their effectiveness.

Think about the members of your team:
- Who runs toward a problem, not away from it?

- Who is upfront and honest about what is happening vs. spinning things toward a self-interest point of view?

- Who is willing to hold others accountable vs. blindly following along?

Easy to Do
No, not easy to do. But, when your values are in proper alignment, it no longer becomes an issue of easy or hard. Instead, it is simply about having the courage to do the right thing.

So, how does it happen? What is the secret to trying to do the right thing each time? And how do you avoid falling into a political mess? Good questions, with only one answer...

Do the right thing regardless.

How About You
When was the last time you tapped into your reserve of courage? It's there...waiting for you to access it. I say, go for it.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses. 

Thursday, October 3, 2019

There's Only Picture...the Big One

Here are some quick thoughts on the incredibly important, yet often completely missed, big picture.

1. Do not confuse busy and getting lots of things done with seeing the big picture. 

All too often tactical items become the work, when in fact, savvy leaders are not bothered with noise; and instead "see" what is happening on a much broader scale.

2. Remove self-interest as your primary focus.

Sure, we all want to win...but it is painfully clear to our business partners when we are playing the "it's all about me" card. Not only is it ineffective, it destroys your credibility.

3. Remain professional.

Sounds easy, but in big moments we have all seen leaders decompensate into an emotional train wreck. Professionalism always carries the day. Always.


How About You
What are the key areas you focus on when the heat is turned up and you need to get significant things done?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.