Life is hard.
Work is hard.
Relationships are hard.
Being disciplined is hard.
Staying motivated is hard.
Being there for someone...everyone...is hard.
Making the right choice is hard.
Being what everyone wants you to be is hard.
Delivering consistently is hard.
Staying true to yourself is hard.
Finding your faith is hard.
Letting go is hard.
Rebuilding is hard.
Pushing yourself is hard.
Believing in yourself is hard.
You can do it.
You can be it.
You are enough.
I've had many opportunities over the years to work with a growing number of young leaders (both in years and experience.) I think that means I'm quite a bit older than I care to admit.
Our conversations invariably come around to "my story" or "how did I get where I am" in my career. The answer is always a mix of education, hard work, big risks, effective mentors (both good and bad, but effective in their own way), and a little luck thrown in.
Your Top 3
When you're sitting across your desk (or zoom screen) from a younger member of your leadership team, what conversations do you have? Of course you run through work tasks, but that's now what I'm talking about.
How do you share your insights, experience, and the countless times you've learned over the course of your career?
Let's kick these around a bit...I think it would be interesting to hear how we each prioritize the Top 3 items young leaders should focus on.
Here are mine:
1. Listen.
Regardless of the education, internships, or entry level supervisory work our young leaders may have in their background, leadership is a whole different animal. Listening allows them to slow down, learn, and then process that information before moving too quickly.
2. Don't be afraid to say you're learning.
Yes, they are confident and ready to take on the world. But acting as if they have it all figured out (when we still don't!) is a sure sign that young leaders need to leverage their learning status. Consider how open people are to helping when someone says how much they want to learn to be the best they can be? That gets people engaged and behind them.
3. Take big risks.
For those that truly aspire to executive roles, they need to make bold moves and take risks to get there. I'm not advocating for reckless behavior; but I am saying that without true risk taking the journey will be painfully slow.
How About You
What's your take on advice for our future senior leaders? Please share!
I'd love to hear from you.
No Excuses.
I've been relatively quiet the last few months here on NoExcusesHR. The crushing noise of the US election, the juvenile behavior from all sides, the shocking racism that has shown itself to be alive and well from the far right....it all just had me feeling like I needed to (mostly) pause.
I'm past that now though. I've posted my feelings quite clearly on multiple social media channels, and really want to focus on leadership topics in the world of work. That is actually the reason I started this blog ten years ago.
Power for Good
One of the absolute privileges of serving in executive roles is the opportunity, and candidly the requirement, that those leaders bring their energy and passion to the workplace.
You may not agree, but let's think about the impact these types of leaders make. Would you rather follow the person who is smart enough to do the job, but shows no enthusiasm, fresh ideas, or avoids taking risks? Or, is the person who is smart enough to do the job that is fired up each day about the incredible things that will happen in the coming months the one you want to be around?
This is a true no-brainer. Energy, passion, and positivity always win. And they should.
Force of Nature
Now I am quite clear that I fall far short of deserving the monicker "force of nature" but I sure as heck believe I can be a force multiplier. I want to consistently be fired up in my work. I want my colleagues to see how much I am trying to bring to our shared mission. I want our team members to notice my positive outlook.
The goal here is not personal glory. I'm fortunate to have a deep faith, that although I struggle, it helps keep me humble. The real goal here is to honor the responsibility I have as an executive.
Others are watching...talking about the choices the management team is making...and how those individuals behave.
I want to be an example...in fact I have to be an example if I'm going to live up to the privilege I have been given to serve in this way.
How About You
What responsibilities do you feel in your role? Is it enough to just "be good at your job" or, is there something more that you must do? Be a force multiplier. There is literally nothing holding you back...but you.
I'd love to hear from you.
No Excuses.
